“I’m nervous for Tristan, but the real reason for my sky-high stress level is because of Jason, my ex.”
Ariel broke off a piece of her blueberry muffin and popped it into her mouth. “He’s in prison, right?”
“Was.”
Quinn blinked rapidly. “What do you mean was?”
“According to Jax and Wyatt, who have been keeping tabs on Jason’s incarceration, found out he hired a new lawyer to review his case. The lawyer requested access to the evidence and discovered it’s missing.”
“Missing?” Grace asked.
“How does evidence go missing?” Ariel wondered.
“The court and records department moved to a new building. Jason’s file was lost during the move,” Morgan said. “Because there wasn’t any evidence, he filed a motion to have his charges reversed or some such nonsense. To be honest, I don’t understand all the legal mumbo jumbo.”
“If they find it—the evidence—he’ll have to go back to prison?”
“Who knows?” Morgan picked at her raspberry twist.
“Hopefully, he’s not on his way here,” Quinn said.
“Chester and I packed up and are staying with Wyatt.”
“I could think of worse things than having to move in with my boyfriend, but…bummer.” Ariel whistled loudly. “Didn’t he try kidnapping you?”
“Tried and succeeded. If Wyatt hadn’t come looking for me, I’m almost positive I would be six feet under.”
The friends grew quiet, digesting the bombshell news about Jason’s release.
“I don’t understand how something like this could happen,” Grace finally said.
“Neither do I, but it did. I’ll be looking over my shoulder every minute of the day. I’m hiring a private investigator to track Jason down and keep tabs on him.”
Ariel patted her friend’s hand, her eyes clouded with concern. “I’m sorry you have to go through this again with him.”
“This is a sobering reminder to choose your partner wisely,” Grace said. “You think you know someone until you don’t.”
“Exactly.” Morgan pointedly changed the subject, talking about a few minor projects she had planned for Locke Pointe.
As soon as she finished her goodies, she began assembling the materials to work on her creative piece, grateful for a distraction from her current situation. The unthinkable had happened, and Morgan’s worst nightmare had come true. Now, she would have to deal with it.
The good news was that at least Wyatt would be with her at night. In the daytime, others would be around. Granted, she wouldn’t have someone with her 24/7, but enough so Morgan would feel semi-safe.
Grace interrupted her musings. “You should let Dad know. He can have his security guys keep an eye out for incoming passengers if Jason flies in.”
“Captain Davey could monitor passengers arriving via the ferry,” Ariel added.
“Unfortunately, Jason found his own ride to the island last time,” Quinn reminded them.
“He won’t do it this time of the year,” Ariel said. “Not without risking his life. He’ll either have to come over on the ferry or fly in, weather permitting, or by snowmobile.”
“Captain Davey helped before. I’m sure he will again.” Tracking down some old photos of Jason, Morgan found a clear headshot. She copied the photo and tapped out a quick text to the men, briefly explaining the situation, about her ex being released and her fear he might come after her.
Captain Davey replied first:Elizabeth has already called. My employees have been informed. If Jason arrives by ferry, we will let you know.
Morgan promptly thanked him. Seconds later, another text popped up, this one from Denver, promising he would meet with his airport security staff team and let her know if they spotted Jason.
Elin, who had been making her rounds, stopped by the table to inspect their artwork. “How’s it going, ladies?”
