“This here is what you call a Fresnel lens. The way that it’s cut allows light…”

As he continued talking, she got the very smart idea of recording him on her phone so she could study it later. Plus, she didn’t have to pay attention right now while her mind was wandering around like a highly-caffeinated squirrel.

When her estranged boyfriend had called her last night, it had been very unexpected. After all, he was one of the things she was running away from. Not that he was abusive or anything, but he was a part of her old life that she was desperate to leave behind. Nobody understood, but she knew what was best for her, and she was determined to start over. What better place to do that than an isolated lowcountry island?

“Our marshes have over two-hundred species of birds…”

What on Earth was he talking about now? Birds? How was that related to the lighthouse? She’d definitely have to re-watch the video she was taking to understand the correlation there. Right now, she wanted to stand at the top of the lighthouse and stare out over the water while she pondered how her life had gone off the rails.

Just a few months ago, she was where she thought she should be. Working in her chosen career field and operating at the top of her game. Or so she thought. Until that day. The one day that would change everything. How she wished she could go back and change things. But sometimes things rip through your life in a way that can never be stitched back together.

“What are you watching?” Tucker asked as he walked up behind Colleen. She was sitting at her desk, supposedly working on plans for the next holiday season, but her mind needed a break. Thankfully, she and Tucker were alone in the office, so she could take a few minutes to unwind if she wanted.

“What do you think?” she asked with a laugh. It had become well known to Tucker that Colleen was obsessed with true crime and mystery videos. She watched them all the time, and she loved trying to solve them. Sometimes, she wondered if she should’ve been a detective or something.

“How do you watch that stuff so much?” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before handing her a bottle of water. Tucker was always bugging her to drink more water.

“I love trying to solve mysteries.”

“Well, maybe you can solve this one,” he said, holding up a file folder.

“What?”

“Where’d the drawings go for the robot dog I was working on?”

Colleen laughed. “I transferred them to the tablet. Honestly, Tucker, I don’t know anyone our age who still uses paper to sketch things. You have this expensive program you’re supposed to be using.” She held up the tablet.

Tucker shook his head. “I like the feel of paper when I draw.”