But the forecasters were promising a cold front would come through on Friday night, bringing more tolerable weather for Saturday. And that was great as far Cassie was concerned. She was not looking forward to spending another day outside in ninety-five-plus degree weather. This week she’d be covering the North Beach Bay Fest, a fun local festival in Calvert County. There’d be sailing dinghy races, sand-castle contests, live music, and great food. Best of all, Brett would be doing the photography. It was 6:00 p.m. when she pulled into her driveway at the boathouse. The sun was still high on this hot August day, and the air was still. She set her attaché case and blazer down on the lowest step leading to her apartment, and walked out on the pier to where Time Out was tied up. Cassie bent down and adjusted the boat’s fenders, then stepped on board. The Alberg was small but neat. Every time Cassie boarded the boat she was glad she’d bought her. It was the one part of her life that didn’t feel half-empty, the only place she could be without thinking of Mike.
