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“I think one can look at it in a broader context,” Edwin said. “That, if we are content, we don’t need to strive for more and more.”

“I guess.”

“Have you been looking for work?”

“Well, if the right thing came along, sure. The chief was telling me about some inn up in Stowe that’s hiring for the ski season, but I’m not sure that’s a good fit for me.” He pursed his lips, as though reconsidering. “I wonder if they rent snowmobiles. I’m good with machines.”

They were both quiet for a moment, watching others walk past in each direction.

“I would like to propose something,” Edwin said. “An opportunity.”

“What kind of opportunity?”

“Something I would prefer to discuss at greater length. But something that would put an end to your current situation.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Because, and believe me, I am not one to judge, but the way you are living is really untenable.”

“Well, you might be right.”

“I need to get back to the shop, but why don’t you come by tonight, say around nine. And if you don’t mind, please don’t mention this to anyone, because then they’re all going to want to get in on what I have to offer. Your discretion would be most appreciated. Just rap lightly on the door and I’ll let you in. The lights’ll be off, but I’ll be there.”

Gavin pursed his lips, considering the offer. “I s’pose I got nothing to lose.”

Edwin smiled. “And can I just say, and I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, because it’s merely an observation, but you have a very nice head of hair.”

“Here he was on the property the whole time when I was thinking he’d wandered off someplace,” said Dell Peterson. “Poor Zeke. Poor, stupid Zeke. He deserved better than this. Gotta be some kind of animal, don’t you think? A bear, maybe? I thought you should know about it, maybe warn others around here. More folks than me have cattle. Hendersons up that way got horses, although maybe a bear wouldn’t want to tangle with a horse. Lot bigger than a goat. Anyway, hope I didn’t bring you out here for nothing.”

Dell and Harry were standing at the edge of a creek that ran through the Peterson farm, looking down at what remained of the goat known as Zeke.

“It was good you called,” Harry said.

“Had Zeke a long time, since he was a kid. He was more than just a goat. He was a member of the family. Had the run of the house like he was a dog or a cat, he’d just come in, watch us eating dinner, hoping for a snack. I’d never known him to wander off before. Gonna break Donny and Brian’s hearts.”

“Your boys?” Harry asked.

“Yeah. They loved this dumb goat.” Judging from Dell’s expression, Harry was thinking he’d loved him, too.

Dell said, “I was thinking if not a bear, a coyote, although a coyote might be small to have taken on Zeke. But could have been a bobcat or a lynx. I know we got them in Vermont. They make themselves scarce, you don’t see ’em much, but we got ’em.”

Harry was nodding. “We do.”

“But whatever it was, doesn’t make any sense to me. Taking out most of the bones and leaving the meat.”

Harry said nothing.

“You ever see anything like this before?” Dell asked.

Harry thought carefully before answering. “I can’t say that I’ve ever seen anything like this happen to an animal, Dell.”

Dell shook his head. “Damnedest thing. You figure an animal, it eats the meat and guts and leaves the bones, not the other way around.”

“Yeah,” said Harry, kneeling beside Zeke for one more look. He took from his jacket pocket a small camera, focused on the dead animal, fired off a few shots.

“What kind of camera’s that?” Dell asked.

“Digital,” Harry said. “Take the little chip out, put it in the computer, print out the snaps.”