I turned left into the drive and scanned spaces between old pecan trees that had already been harvested. I passed a pond covered with duckweed where a blue heron walked at the water’s edge. I did not see anyone, but when I got close to what was a magnificent antebellum house, I found a car and a pickup truck. An old barn with a tin roof was in back next to a silo built of tabby. The day had gotten dark and my jacket felt too thin as I climbed steep porch steps and rang the bell.

I could tell instantly by the expression on the man’s face that the gate at the end of the driveway was not supposed to have been left open.

‘This is private property,’ he flatly stated.

If Temple Gault was his son, I saw no resemblance. This man was wiry with graying hair, and his face was long and weathered. He wore Top-Siders, khaki slacks and a plain gray sweatshirt with a hood.

‘I’m looking for Peyton Gault,’ I said, meeting his gaze as I gripped my briefcase.

‘The gate’s suppose to be shut. Didn’t you see the No Trespassing signs? I’ve only got them nailed up every other fence post. What do you want Peyton Gault for?’

‘I can only tell Peyton Gault what I want him for,’ I said.

He studied me carefully, indecision in his eyes. ‘You aren’t some kind of reporter, are you?’

‘No, sir, I most certainly am not. I’m the chief medical examiner of Virginia,’ I handed him my card. . He leaned against the door frame as if he felt sick. ‘Good God have mercy,’ he muttered. ‘Why can’t you people leave us be?’

I could not imagine his private punishment for what he had created, for somewhere in his father’s heart he still loved his son.

‘Mr. Gault,’ I said. ‘Please let me talk to you.’

He dug his thumb and index fingers into the corners of his eyes to stop from crying. Wrinkles deepened in his tan brow, and a sudden blaze of sunlight through clouds turned stubble to sand.

‘I’m not here out of curiosity,’ I said. ‘I’m not here doing research. Please.’

‘He’s never been right from the day he was born,’ Peyton Gault said, wiping his eyes.

‘I know this is awful for you. It is an unapproachable horror. But I understand.’

‘No one can understand,’ he said.

‘Please let me try.’

‘There’s no good to come of it.’

‘There is only good to come of it,’ I said. ‘I am here to do the right thing.’

He looked at me with uncertainty. ‘Who sent you?’

‘Nobody. I came on my own.’

‘Then how’d you find us?’

‘I asked directions,’ I said, and I told him where.

‘You don’t look too warm in that jacket.’

‘I’m warm enough.’