Page 38 of Easton Island

Morgan took the chair opposite Tiff, with the fireplace as the backdrop. A vase of fresh flowers sat on the antique Chippendale table between them. Tiff picked up where they’d left off, introducing Morgan and reminding viewers where they were.

The woman gave a brief snippet of the estate’s history and then rolled right into her first round of questions. Perfect prompts. Seamless transition from the current B&B, guiding viewers through the past and then right back to the Shifting Sands Medallion’s discovery.

Morgan told Tiff and the viewers about her mother’s painting, finding the slip of paper and how she and Wyatt had finally put the puzzle pieces together.

The segment ended with Morgan showing Austin and Tiff where they had found the medallion and how the moon and windows played a part.

Tiff, with Austin and Morgan in front of the camera, wrapped up the segment, inviting viewers to visit Locke Pointe Bed-and-Breakfast. She added a disclaimer at the end, warning those who planned to visit that the attic was off limits for safety and security reasons.

“It’s a wrap.” Austin gave Tiff a high five and turned to Morgan. “You were the perfect host. At the risk of sounding like a broken record and repeating what Tiff said, thank you for sharing your story, for giving us a firsthand glimpse at how it all went down.”

“We’ll send you a copy when it releases unless, of course, you would rather preview it,” Tiff added.

“There wasn’t anything I disapproved of. I say let ‘er rip.” Morgan waited for the couple to pack up their gear and head downstairs.

After they left, she lingered in the attic, thinking back to that night, how equally shocked and thrilled she and Wyatt had been. History unfolded right before their eyes.

“I know you’re close by.” Morgan found herself drawn to the window. “We get to tell your story and share a small piece of the family legacy.” She tapped her heart. “No matter what curveball life throws my way, you’ll always be here with me, Mom.”

Chapter 17

With the interview and video recording out of the way, Morgan dove into her work, which made her think about Ronni and Jax, having not heard a peep from either of them.

“Should I or shouldn’t I?" she asked Chester, who was snoozing on the floor next to her feet.

He groggily lifted his head and yawned.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Morgan snatched her cell phone from the charger. Sitting here at the desk, thinking about you and hoping you and Jax are having an amazing time, wherever it is you ended up.

Morgan’s cell phone promptly rang. “Hey, Ronni.”

“Sorry, Morgan. I was going to text you a picture. Jax and I have been busy riding bikes, exploring the fort, and sampling some amazing fudge. I even dragged him to The Parlor at the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea.”

“Based on all of those clues, I’m guessing you’re on Mackinac Island.”

“Ding. Ding. As a matter of fact, you’ll never guess who I ran into and am standing here chatting with. Hang on.” She could hear Ronni talking to someone—another woman. Seconds later, her cell phone chimed.

Morgan clicked on the photo…a picture of Ronni standing next to a smiling Harlow Wynn.

“Tell Harlow I said hi.”

“She was asking about Tristan. I’ll let you talk to her for a sec.”

Harlow’s cheery voice came on the line. “Hello, Morgan.”

“Hey, Harlow. I was just thinking about you the other day. How is the reno on your new home, Lighthouse Lane, going?”

“Slooooww. I mean, not really, but I’m champing at the bit to move in.” Harlow told her she would be leaving soon to work on an upcoming movie. “Fingers crossed that by the time I get home it will be almost done.”

“Good luck. I know how these projects can end up getting delayed.”

“Which is why I’m trying to curb my expectations. I was asking Ronni about Tristan. How’s my charming young friend doing?”

Morgan mentioned the science fair. “The lucky arrowhead you gave him hasn’t left his backpack. It’s one of his most treasured possessions.”

“Awe. How sweet. He’s a great kid.”

“He is,” Morgan agreed.