Page 13 of Easton Island

“You would be safe and with family.” Elizabeth reached for her hand. “As much as I know you treasure your independence, it’s only a matter of time before you get seriously hurt—or hurt someone else.”

Prissy’s lower lip trembled.

Morgan could almost feel the woman’s anguish at facing the inevitable…her mind was failing. The thought of what could have happened had she fallen asleep while driving was terrifying. “Grandmother is right. For your safety and the safety of those around you, I believe the time has come to let others keep an eye on you.”

“My car…”

“Will be put in storage for the time being. In fact…” Elizabeth held out her hand. “I’ll take your keys.”

Prissy reluctantly dug the keys from her purse and handed them to her. “How will I go places, doctor’s appointments, to get my hair done?”

“Morgan already told you. Ben Baker, Easton Estate’s chauffeur, can take you.”

“I’ll need to pack, sell my stuff, and sell the house.”

“All of which can be accomplished. The number one priority is to get you moved in.”

“This month?”

“Right now. Morgan and I will help you pack what you need for the immediate future.”

Prissy looked from one to the other. “You’re serious.”

“One hundred percent. What happened…has been happening is a wake-up call. You even admitted you’re seeing things.”

The woman briefly closed her eyes, her hand trembling as she rubbed her forehead. “I had hoped this day wouldn’t come.”

“But it has, and we’ll make the best of it.” Elizabeth gave her a gentle hug. “I know it seems like the worst of scenarios, but trust me, you’ll learn to love living at Easton Estate.”

“I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not imposing,” Elizabeth insisted.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Why would you thank me? Taking care of each other is what family is for.”

Chapter 6

“I think this will be plenty.” Elizabeth placed a pale pink knit sweater on top of the blouses and watched as Morgan clipped the suitcase’s snap straps. “If you find we forgot certain items, make a list and one of us will run by and grab them, or you can ask Ben to give you a ride over here to pick up what you need.”

“I’ll want to check on the house,” Prissy fretted. “An empty house is a target for thieves.”

Morgan looked around. “What happened to your cat?”

“Tornado? Sadly, he was old and passed away a few weeks ago. I woke up one morning, and he was gone.” Tears filled the woman’s eyes. “My life is literally falling apart.”

“And we’re putting it back together starting now.” Elizabeth gently pulled her sister-in-law to her feet. Keeping a firm grip on her arm, she steered her out of the bedroom and to the door. “We’ll give Morgan a ride to her vehicle, and then you and I will drive to Easton Estate to get you settled.”

While Elizabeth walked Prissy to her car, Morgan checked to make sure the front door was locked. She carried the bags and put them in Burnie’s trunk before climbing into the back seat.

Her grandmother kept the conversation light, talking about everything from the home she and Gerard shared in Toronto to the latest movies playing at the theater.

They reached Easton Harbor’s main street where Elizabeth started to pull into an empty parking spot.

Morgan stopped her. “You don’t have to park. Just slow down enough so I can jump out.”

“Jump out?” Her grandmother gasped. “I may have a lead foot, but I’m capable of coming to a complete stop.”