The woman and her aunt had planned the trip, even if it happened last minute. Perhaps they were merely “out of pocket” with poor cell service. It was fairly common, especially in more remote areas of Michigan.
But if the two were in Port Huron, it was a large city with reliable internet. Unless they had traveled elsewhere. Was Hailey Varnum also Hailey Clark? Had she inadvertently stumbled upon a dead body…or was there more to the story?
Grady had a reason for wanting to track her down, one he couldn’t discuss. Morgan briefly considered asking Wyatt but didn’t want to put him on the spot. Besides, she had enough on her plate—Jason being released from prison, concern over Prissy’s mental health decline, helping Tristan adapt to his new home.
She finished her tasks and tidied up her office. With a brief stop by the kitchen to see if Tina needed a hand, she tracked Chester down and they headed out.
Because Looking Glass Cottage was on her way to Wyatt’s, Morgan stopped to check on her home. All seemed in order…no fresh tire tracks or footprints in the snow, her windows and doors were secure.
Chester, with both paws on the dashboard, watched Morgan walk along the front, side and back. She returned to her SUV and climbed in. “The coast is clear, buddy. No sign of Jason, at least not yet.”
She pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, taking the main drag to Easton Harbor. As Morgan got close to the Easton Estate’s turnoff, she noticed a familiar vehicle, blinker on and slowing to make the turn. It was Brett.
He noticed her and gave a friendly wave.
“Let’s check in with Brett.” Morgan tracked him all the way to the estate’s parking area. She exited her vehicle and met him near the driver’s side door. “You’re back.”
“I got everything wrapped up a little early, so I thought I would surprise Tristan and take him for a ride on the snowmobile.”
“He’ll be ecstatic.” Morgan told her brother that he’d seemed sad and mentioned missing his uncle.
“He told me the same thing,” Brett said. “I figured bucking some snowdrifts would cheer him up. Why don’t you come with us?”
“On the snowmobile?”
“Sure. We have two. You’ve driven them before, right?”
“Last year. I might be a little rusty,” she warned.
“We can stay off the winding trails and stick to the open fields, which are easier to navigate.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to do a little father and son bonding?”
“Of course, but there’s nothing wrong with father, son, aunt, and nephew bonding too.”
“Wyatt won’t be home until later, so I have plenty of time.”
A look of surprise flickered across Brett’s face. “Have you and Wyatt moved in together?”
Morgan briefly filled him in on what had transpired. “Until we can figure out where Jason is, I’m hanging out at his place.”
“While he works nights?”
“He switched to days for the time being.”
Brett hooted. “That’s what I call being in love.”
“Speaking of love.” Morgan let Chester out. While the pup ran ahead, she linked arms with her brother as they meandered toward the back door. “Quinn could use a little R&R with her main squeeze.”
“I know, and I feel guilty about spending every free second with Tristan. In the same breath, I feel guilty if I’m not with him, helping him adjust.”
“Invite Quinn to go snowmobiling with us.”
Brett warmed to the idea. “I think I will.” As soon as they got inside, he took off to let Tristan know he was back and text Quinn, inviting her to hang out with them.
“Poor guy.” Mrs. Arnsby, who was standing in the kitchen and caught the tail end of their conversation, tsk-tsked. “Brett doesn’t know if he’s coming or going.”
“Hopefully, only until Tristan settles in. Starting school and having a set schedule will help,” Morgan said.
