Page 37 of Smuggler’s Cove (Twin Lights #1)

“You are Madison Wainwright. You earned everything you have: your job, your apartment, and most of all, your life. Few people could pick themselves up and meet the challenges of scandal and financial loss. You went from a luxurious lifestyle to humble and modest. You transferred when you were smack in the middle of college and moved out of town. You graduated at the top of your class, you designed a line of clothes, started a blog, and now you are at the top of your game in the world of fashion. Do not sell yourself short.”

That was one of the many things Madison loved about her friend.

Olivia could be quiet and reserved, but she was keenly observant and could articulate her opinions without alienating people.

In Madison’s estimation, not only was Olivia the quintessential business associate, but she was also a fierce and loyal friend.

Madison would snicker when Olivia would give her the occasional lecture. “You are right. I am spectacular.”

Olivia rapped on the doorjamb. “Ready? We must leave in ten minutes to catch the ferry.”

Madison was genuinely excited. She put her anxiety on hold.

What’s the worst that could happen? When the only thing that came to mind was the boat capsizing, she reminded herself she was a good swimmer, they had life jackets, and they were close to shoreline.

Besides, there was a very handsome Coast Guard captain that might rescue her.

Her thoughts were light and breezy. She closed the door to her office and changed into a pair of white capri pants, white sleeveless turtleneck, and a white cardigan—and of course, her skimmers, which had become her favorite shoes—and plopped a trawler cap over her platinum-blond hair.

Olivia gave her the nod. “Time to go. Lincoln is waiting in the lobby.”

They headed down William and then to Wall Street and South Street, where the ferry landing was located.

Boats of all sizes were coming and going.

Announcements for Paulus Hook, Belford, and Liberty Harbor rang through the air.

Helicopters moved up and down, swirling the water below.

There was a sign designated for Sea Streak, the boat that would take them to the Highlands, where Irene was going to meet them.

Madison was impressed at the size of the boat.

“I don’t know what I thought we were taking, but this is one big freighter. ”

Lincoln laughed. “You better get your maritime vocabulary straight. That is not a freighter.”

“Ship. Boat. Freighter. Whatever,” Madison joked.

Lincoln was happy to see his sister in a much better mood when it came to Smuggler’s Cove. He wasn’t sure what brought on the change of attitude, but he’d take it. It was going to be a big project, but nothing they couldn’t handle, as long as there weren’t any more surprises, like a dead body.

It was as if Madison were reading Lincoln’s mind. “I wonder if they have any more information about Mr. Farrell.”

“I guess we’ll find out.” Lincoln paid the crew member for their tickets. “Three round-trip tickets, please.”

The interior of the boat looked like a 747 jet, with rows and rows of seats, and two aisles that ran between the rows and the booths along the windows. A service bar was in the middle.

“This is much more civilized than I imagined.” Madison was used to seeing the small shuttle ferries from Weehawken to the West Side of Midtown that took ten minutes.

This boat could accommodate over a hundred passengers and crew and looked extremely comfortable.

They found an empty booth on the port side, where they could view the Statue of Liberty as they left the harbor.

A few miles south, they would pass under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Once they were settled, an announcement was made about safety and life jackets.

It went on to advise the passengers that the upper deck was open, and please proceed with caution.

Madison was sitting backwards and marveled at the receding city skyline.

“How did I not know about this?” She craned her head to get a better look.

“Maybe because you never had the need to use this mode of transportation.” Lincoln was also impressed.

“And it only takes forty minutes. Amazing.”

Twenty minutes later, they were under the great bridge that connected Staten Island to Brooklyn. A crew member stopped as he passed them. “It’s a beautiful day if you want to go aloft. It can be a little breezy, but the view is awesome.”

Lincoln chuckled. “I guess we look like tourists, eh?”

“I overheard you guys when you came aboard.” He grinned and continued to the bar area.

“What do you think?” Olivia asked. “Shall we be tourists?”

“You guys go ahead. I’m just going to hang out here,” Madison said.

Once the boat was past the bridge, a small area of water opened to the sea.

They were crossing the harbor and into Sandy Hook Bay.

Madison got up from her seat and moved to the other side of the ferry, where she could see the tip of Sandy Hook.

Several minutes later, they were passing the Coast Guard Station, and she got a tickle of butterflies.

Not from the motion of the boat, but the anticipation of seeing the captain again.

If they signed the lease for the house, he was going to be the first person she planned to call.

She was rehearsing her story in her head about jetties, wharfs, and piers.

Olivia joined her as the boat continued along the shoreline of the park. Several minutes later, another announcement was made that they were arriving at the first stop, and all passengers were asked to remain in their seats. Madison was almost giddy.

A crew member made an announcement: “We will be arriving at our one and only stop, Highlands. Please remain in your seats until the boat has docked. Thank you and have a nice day.”

Madison and Olivia scurried back to their seats, and within a few minutes, the boat was docked. The three were impressed at how easy it was to get to their destination. No tunnels, no traffic.

As they walked down the dock toward the parking lot, they spotted the white Cadillac and a middle-aged woman wearing a red blazer. “That must be her,” Lincoln said, and waved.

Irene greeted them with a big “Hello! Welcome to the best-kept secret on the shore. I’m Irene. You must be Lincoln.”

“I am.” Lincoln smiled and held out his hand. “And this is my sister, Madison, and my wife, Olivia.”

“Very nice to meet you all. Such a shame about Kirby. He was a fine man. And how dreadful about that person they found. A treasure hunter, I heard.”

Apparently, news traveled extremely fast in the small community.

Irene went on, “This place is steeped in history, from the first Dutch settlers to the fort, the lighthouse, and Marconi’s telegraph.” She opened the doors for her passengers. “We’ll go past some of it.”

Irene started the engine and began the short drive to Portland Road. They turned on a street named Water Witch. Irene went on to explain, “It’s named after an inn featured in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Water-Witch .”

Madison was taking in the scenery when she spotted a large brick structure with two lighthouses on each side on the top of a hill. “Is that the lighthouse you were referring to?”

“Yes. Built in 1746 by the New Jersey Militia to warn New York of incoming warships. The twin lights were completed in 1828. Marconi set up a kite-shaped receiver that enabled transmission from ships offshore, creating the first wireless means of communications.”

“You are an impressive wealth of knowledge,” Lincoln said.

“There is also a museum up there. It’s quite well done. There you can see one of the bivalve Fresnel lenses—the lens used in lighthouses that produce light that shines far and through fog. And, if you don’t have creaky knees like me, you can climb inside one of the towers all the way to the top.”

“How high is it?” Madison inquired.

“Sixty-four steps to the observation deck in the north tower, and sixty-five in the south.” Irene made a quick turn to a winding driveway. “It’s not bad, but my knees get cranky.” She parked the car in the best spot to view the terrain.

Everyone got out of the car and exclaimed how spectacular the views were. “They were quite right in their description,” Lincoln said.

“It’s breathtaking,” Madison echoed her brother’s sentiments.

Olivia joined in with a “Wow. It is beautiful.”

“Come. Wait until you see the rest of the place.” She opened the lockbox and then the double doors. “Please.” She ushered them inside.

From where they stood, they could see the view from the large windows and patio doors on the lower level.

Madison immediately took the short flight down.

“This is a great space.” An up-to-date, modern kitchen with a large island facing toward a large living area.

Sliding doors and windows ran across the back that led to a large patio, partially covered by the balcony above.

A tricked-out, outdoor kitchen was on the side surrounded by a slate counter and barstools.

The pool was a few yards ahead, and the jacuzzi sat between the pool and the pool house.

Madison was in awe. “This is incredible,” she spoke softly, hoping it was not a dream and she would wake herself up.

Irene stepped aside as the three family members stood in silence, taking in the amenities, and of course, the view.

Before anyone could say anything, Madison proclaimed, “We’ll take it!”

“You haven’t seen the rest of the house,” Irene said easily. She knew it was secondary to the living space.

“Right.” Madison smiled from ear to ear. She motioned to one of the teak lounge chairs. “I can sleep out here.”

“Just so I can tell my boss I showed you everything, come on inside.”

Irene led the way back to the kitchen and living area. “There’s a laundry room at the far end, and the rest of the utilities are downstairs.”