Old homes faced the village green, a round and very pretty park. Wood smoke rose from chimneys, and the fresh, clean air smelled a bit of maple logs.

Three Pines was at peace.

That reminded the chief inspector of the note he’d recently read. And of the man found hanging, like a late fall leaf, from a tree.

“I am tired,” Gamache murmured as he walked into the gentle little village. “But I am at peace.”

Chapter Six

Chief Inspector Gamache warmed himself by the fire in the bistro. Around him, other customers drank hot chocolate and coffee and ate pastries. Fires roared in the fireplaces at both ends of the cozy room. Gamache took a sip of coffee and ate a pastry. The November cold had gotten into his bones even on the short walk, and he was only now warming up. He spared a moment to think of Inspector Beauvoir and the rest of the team, now on their hands and knees searching for clues at the Inn and Spa. Then he took a bite of the cream-filled pastry and turned his attention to the large man across from him.

Gabri was one of the owners of both this bistro and the Bed and Breakfast across the village green. He was big, some might even say fat, though they would only say so if he couldn’t hear them. Gabri was a happy man, content with his quiet life in the quiet village.

Around Gamache and Gabri, people were laughing and talking. Light danced off the shiny wood floors, and Gamache sank deeper into the large, comfortable armchair. Gabri sat on a faded sofa across from him and sipped tea.

“It’s great to see you again, Chief Inspector,” said Gabri. “Just visiting?”

“I wish. I’m afraid there’s been a death.” Gabri turned pale. “Here in Three Pines?” “In the forest. A man was found hanged.” Gabri sighed and shook his head. “Who was he? Someone we know?”

“He was a guest at the Inn and Spa. His name was Ellis.”

“First or last name?”

“Last. His first name was Arthur.”

Gabri thought, then shook his head again.

Gamache brought out the photograph. He hated showing it. Making people look at the dead man’s face seemed like an assault. But he had no choice.

Gabri looked quickly at the picture. “I know him.” He turned back to Gamache. “Didn’t catch his name, though. He came in here yesterday. Myrna!”

A large black woman in a long, loose orange dress ambled over. She smiled when she saw the chief inspector. But her smile faded when she saw their serious faces.

The chief inspector rose and bowed slightly.

“Hello,” she said. “Here on business?”

Gabri patted the seat next to him on the sofa, and she sat.

“Has someone died?” She looked from Gamache to her friend Gabri.