He was in his forties, with dark hair and heavy-lidded eyes. He had a long, lined face, not entirely unattractive. His badge was gleaming on his black uniform beneath his open jacket, and his gun was holstered.

“Thank you,” said Milo.

“My name is Trevor Novak. I’m the Chief of Police here.”

“It’s a very nice town,” said Amber.

“It can be,” said Novak. “Although it has a habit of attracting the wrong kind of visitor.”

“Is that so?” said Milo.

“Regrettably. Especially at this time of year.” Novak looked at them both before continuing. “You have been told, I understand, about our festival. Naturally, you’re curious. I appreciate curiosity – it’s what has me here talking to you, after all. And, while I’m not about to satisfy that curiosity, hopefully I can explain our attitude to you. We’re a quiet town, or at least we want to be, and we value our traditions. This festival just happens to be our most cherished, most valued tradition.”

“What does it celebrate?” Milo asked.

“Our history,” said Novak. “Our culture. Our heritage. And our success. Many other towns, a lot like ours, dried up and were blown away after the gold rush. But Desolation Hill remained standing. Even more towns dried up and were blown away during the various recessions and depressions … but Desolation Hill has stayed strong. I put this down to the people. We have the single lowest crime rate, per capita, in America.”

Milo nodded. “Certainly something to be proud of.”

“It is, Mr Sebastian, yes. And I am proud.”

“We’re not planning on committing any crimes, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Amber said, offering up a smile.

“I’m not suggesting you were,” said Novak, not offering one in return. “I only wish to impress upon you the need to obey our rules. The festival is for townsfolk only. When you check out of the Dowall Motel on Wednesday morning, you will receive a police escort to the edge of town.”

“Uh …”

“It’s nothing personal,” Novak said. “I trust you won’t be offended.”

“Not offended,” said Milo. “But a police escort does seem a little extreme.”

“We take our rules very seriously. I’m sure you have questions, I’m sure you have many, but please understand that to ask these questions of the townsfolk could lead to a certain degree of irritation. We have traditions we would prefer to keep private, and questions we would prefer not to answer. I’m sure you and your … niece appreciate this desire.”

Milo took a moment. “Sure,” he said.

“I can, of course, see the family resemblance immediately,” said Novak. “Some of my officers, I’m afraid to say, are not so attentive to detail. They may have questions for you.”

“I’m sure there’s no need to bother them,” Milo said.