My tireless work buddies, who never complained during numerous proofreading sessions, offered advice, and urged me to persevere.

My sincere appreciation to my publisher, Karen Syed, who made my dreams come true.

A heartfelt thank you to editor Kat Thompson for her sage advice and guiding hand.

"Oh dear, not another one,” Sadie said, parting the curtains in Cabin 14 and peering out the window. A man in a black suit stared back at her. Sadie's shoulders sagged as she signaled to her twin sister. “Jane, come here. Tell me if you can see him. In that fancy get-up, he's either one of them or he's an undertaker.” Sixty-four-year-old Sadie cupped her hand over her forehead to prevent the sun's glare from obstructing her view.

The man looked back over his shoulder, clutching his leather briefcase to his chest. He took a few steps forward, hesitated, then cautiously edged off the walkway seeking cover behind a low-hanging pine. Bewildered eyes peeked through the boughs. He concentrated on a group of teens, toting inflatable rafts and skipping playfully toward the shore.

Jane edged closer to the window and nudged Belly LaGossa aside with her knee. The dog snorted at the intrusion. After sniffing the air, Belly waddled across the cabin floor, scratched on the screen door and waited for one of the sisters to let him out. His jowls fluttered a sigh of resignation when he realized they had no intention of honoring his request.

Jane followed the direction indicated by Sadie's finger. “Where? I don't see anybody."