Although the line of the island was rocky, the island itself was lush with trees. There were several cabins on it, as it was one of the few of the Thumb Islands that had electricity. Given the modern conveniences and boat-only access, it was a perfect getaway spot, especially for a local celebrity like Charlene. Lindsey knew that Charlene loved the peace and quiet that her family could get on the island, away from her life as a busy news anchor.

Charlie brought the boat right into the long dock that belonged to Charlene’s cabin. Heathcliff jumped out as soon as he could, and Lindsey scrambled out to tie the boat while Charlie shut down the engine.

Heathcliff was dancing on his feet and Lindsey finally said, “Okay, go ahead.”

Heathcliff took off at a run, down the dock and up the stairs that led to a large deck. From there he crossed the deck to scratch against the door, which led into the cozy red cabin with the white trim nestled against a thick thatch of fir trees.

Lindsey waited for Charlie, and together they made their way up the steps. Lindsey had just reached the landing when she saw Charlene come out the door, shutting it behind her.

Charlene was a tall, lithe black woman, who while strikingly good looking, also possessed a keen intelligence that was easy to see in the spark in her eyes. She carried herself with an air of confidence, and she was a successful news anchor quite simply because people trusted her. They trusted her to report the facts and keep them informed about their world.

Right now, she was a casual version of her usual self in jeans and a black turtleneck sweater with her shoulder-length hair tied back by a plaid scarf. She glanced at Lindsey with a worried look.

“Lindsey! Charlie!” she cried when she saw them. “When Heathcliff showed up at the door, I didn’t know what to think. Is everything all right?”

“It’s fine,” Lindsey assured her. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted to check and see that you are doing all right?”

“So you came all the way out here in a boat with your dog?” Charlene asked. “Cell phones reach the islands, you know.”

“I know, but I wanted to see you for myself,” she said.

“Well, as you can see I’m fine,” Charlene said.

Lindsey glanced at Charlie and he shrugged. Charlene was definitely not herself. Lindsey had expected her to be sad or distraught; instead, she seemed stressed and slightly irritated.

Lindsey held out the Tupperware tub she’d brought with her. “I made you pumpkin squares. I thought the kids would like them, and they’re somewhat healthy.”

Charlene’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. This was so nice of you and I’m, well, I’m just out of sorts.”