The oars parted the water, forming small waves as Annabelle rowed the small boat toward the island. Annabelle had borrowed the rowboat from a closed boat rental business on the docks of Merytonburg. Not knowing how to drive a motorboat, Annabelle had figured that the small wooden craft would have to suffice. She had thought that the work of the constant rowing would be tiring but surprisingly she found it easy, and she soon found herself within view of the lighthouse's brightly shining beacon.

Somehow, Annabelle knew that Caddam had ordered it just for her, to make him easier to find.

The closer each row brought Annabelle to the island,...