I stepped closer, studying the elevation drawings and the boring logs.

“They used standard penetration tests from ten years ago,” I said, tracing the geological layers with my finger.

“They did,” Julian said, watching me closely. “How did you know?”

“The clay density in this basin changes with the lake level,” I said. “If you use triple-tube core barrels and test the shear strength now, you’ll find the lower till is already consolidated.”

Julian looked at Margaret, then back at me.

“And the stabilization phase?” he asked.

“Six months, at most,” I said. “We can use vertical wick drains to speed up the pore water dissipation. I can write the specifications tonight.”

A slow smile appeared on Julian’s face.

“Margaret told me you were thorough,” Julian said. “She didn’t mention you were fast.”

“Time is the only resource we can’t engineer,” I said.

My phone buzzed again in my pocket, three short vibrations.

I ignored it and pulled a red pencil from my bag to mark the blueprint.

For the next three hours, we went through every square foot of the waterfront design.