They were still a ways from the beach when Justin felt the boat shift beneath him. Ahlund stood and hopped over the side into the waist-deep water. He said not a word to Justin or the oarsman, nor looked back as he waded through the water toward shore.

The beach was pristine. The weather was warm, breezy, and comfortable. The waters were calm, without a single wave. Palm trees swayed. Fallen coconuts lay half-buried in the white sand. It looked like paradise.

So why does it ...