Nick replaced the book. “You know, they should make your office the public library and bulldoze the one across the street.”

“You’ve been to our library? Then you must have met Agnes.”

“Yes, I had the pleasure.”

“No visit to Endor would be complete without a chance to meet Agnes. She’s practically a historic landmark herself around here. She’s been around forever—she looked old even when I was a boy.”

“You’re from Endor, then?”

“Born and raised.”

“Then you must know this town inside and out.”

“Not as well as Agnes—she’s the keeper of the flame of Endor.”

“What does that mean?”

“Anything you want to know about the history of this town and its people, she’s the one to ask. Every fascinating detail she keeps right in her head.”

“How many are there?”

He grinned. “You’ve got a point there. How about you—where are you from?”

“I’m at NC State down in Raleigh.”

“You look too old to be a student.”

“I’m a professor.”

“Of what?”

“Entomology.”

“No kidding. Well, we’ve got enough strange bugs to keep you occupied around here.” There was a lull in the conversation and Gunner took the opportunity to ask, “Is there something I can do for you, Nick?

Are you working up your nerve, or is this just a social call?”

“I have a question for you. I think you might be the right man to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

“What can you tell me about the woman who lives on the top of this mountain?”

“You mean the witch?”

Nick frowned. “I’m a little disappointed.”

“Why?”

“You’re a scientist after all.”

“I don’t believe she’s really a witch, if that’s what you mean. That’s just what everybody calls her around here, so I do too.”

“What can you tell me about her?”

He paused. “She’s a young woman with a very painful past—and if you don’t mind, that’s all I’d like to say about it.”

“Why?”

“You’re not from a mountain community, are you?”

“No.”