LAST ASSAULT ON OAK ISLAND 15

Chapter 15

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Lauren leisurely climbed the winding stairs in the lighthouse tower. There was still over an hour before nightfall and Rudy's instructions by phone were straightforward. She paused at the top in the circular room, looking out one of the wide windows at the bay. With daylight still hanging over the bay, she had a good look at the southern tip of the island.

The water was a deeper blue than it had been earlier in the day. A light wind had arisen, making the water cap white near the small dock. She looked farther north, wondering if the Second Wind would be recognizable at the distance. Not likely, she decided. She shivered a little as the room's stillness let the chill of unmoving air creep through her plum-colored tank top. She watched the waters below for a while. There was no sign of the Second Wind, but she did see two other boats smaller than it heading toward West Winds.

She turned from the view and found the controls Rudy had described. She testily flicked two on to power, but did not throw the main switch. The generator was supposed to have a proper 20-minute warm-up, something they had overlooked last night. It would account for most of their problems. The green power light on the small control console began to blink.

While the generator hummed in warm-up mode, she looked around at the room. Three panes on the beacon light itself were brighter than the rest and she figured these were the new ones Rudy and Maruso replaced a few days ago. There was little else in the room; an old jelly cupboard, a broom and dustpan, a few buckets, several fire extinguishers, and a very heavy toolbox. She found some glass cleaner and paper towels in the jelly cupboard and approached the beacon lenses. After cleaning a couple panes, she heard a creak on the stairs and turned to see Miles' blond head appear as he reached the top step.

"Now before you tell me to go to hell, let me say a few words," he said hastily, holding up a hand as she started to speak.

A sudden feeling of entrapment went through her. "Miles, please—"