Page 50 of Easton Island

A mixture of men and women, professional photos and highlights about their backgrounds appeared. She found Travis’s near the middle and skimmed his credentials.

He had previously resided in San Diego. At least he hadn’t lied about where he’d lived. College graduate. Several years working for investment companies until hiring on for the Easton Island project a few months back. There was no mention of him being a teacher, although he may have left that out considering it wasn’t relevant to his current career.

Scrolling back to the top, she found another link and a more detailed description of the project. Morgan had hit the nail on the head. The planned resort and spa encompassed acres of pristine property on the east side of Easton Island.

Restaurants, fitness facilities, full-service spa. They even planned a marina. By all accounts, the resort would be a high-end, big-money project. It was good news for Easton Harbor’s and Locke Village’s businesses. But for a bed-and-breakfast and a cozy inn? Not so much.

Or maybe it wouldn’t matter. Maybe the clientele who booked swanky resorts were a different breed than those who preferred a more intimate setting. Quinn had no doubt that if the project came to fruition, it would forever alter their charming island.

“I wonder why they chose Easton Island?” she murmured aloud. It could have been because of the Shifting Sands Medallion. Morgan’s snoopy vlogger guests knew all about it. Perhaps word was getting out, attracting investors and generating interest in their sleepy little island.

The overhead bell chimed. Travis strode into the gallery, a friendly smile on his face. “Hey, Quinn.”

“Hello, Travis.”

“I’m surprised to find you working today.”

“I work a lot of Sundays.”

He casually spun in a slow circle. “Is Mrs. Easton working anytime soon?”

“Elizabeth Easton-Ainsworth? She works only part time these days. Actually, I’m not sure when she’s working next,” Quinn fibbed. She knew exactly when Elizabeth was working, but she had no plans to share this information with him.

“I see.”

“You seem quite curious about the Eastons.”

“It’s an intriguing family. I don’t know many people who have an island named after them.”

“Me either. You mentioned the other day that you had never made it all the way around the island. Did you finally venture out?”

“I did. I took your advice and started working my way east, through Easton Harbor and along the coastline. I noticed a lot of undeveloped real estate.”

“Perhaps not for long. An investment company purchased a big chunk of land and plans to build a resort and spa.” Quinn studied his face, searching for a reaction.

“I believe you’re correct.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I know a little bit about it and heard that the senior Easton has rights to an easement, a roadway. The new owners will need her to sign off on it, granting them access.”

This…this was it. Travis had confessed the real reason he kept stopping by. Because Elizabeth, Brett, and Morgan owned a chunk of the road and the group needed their approval.

“For someone new to Easton Island, you seem to know a lot about the project.” Quinn arched her eyebrow, pinning him with a stare.

Travis didn’t look away, didn’t blink or flinch. Instead, he stepped closer. “You know why I’m here.”

Quinn turned her computer so he could see the screen and artist’s rendition of Sunrise Shores Resort & Spa. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I should have. I guess I was trying to get a feel for how it might go, to test the waters, so to speak. Mrs. Easton…Ainsworth, has a reputation.”

“Elizabeth is tough as nails, not to mention Easton Holdings Company is one of the largest holding companies in Canada. Elizabeth, Brett, and Morgan know their stuff.” She turned the computer back toward her. “Did you know who I was from the get-go? Were you trying to befriend me, thinking I could help plead your cause using my connections?”

He lifted his hand. “Guilty as charged. I didn’t want to come rolling in here making demands or wheeling and dealing. I’ve found a softer, more subtle approach sometimes works better.” He slid his hands into his pockets. “Will you?”

“Will I what?”

“Help me plead my case to the Easton family.”

Quinn lifted her chin. “Why should I help you?”

“I don’t blame you for being ticked. In hindsight, I should’ve just told you who I was.” Travis shifted his feet. “How do you think they feel about a luxury spa and resort being built here?”