The agent went to walk past Gamache.

“Stop,” said Gamache, stepping in his path. “Step back.”

And the agent, surprised by the note of authority, did.

“You’re new to the job,” said Gamache. “Am I right?”

Brassard nodded but Favreau remained still.

“I know you want to make your mark, but your job is not to bully citizens. Nor is it to collect evidence, but to guard it. You’re lucky. You’ll get to see how a homicide is investigated in the real world. Most agents wait years before they get that chance.” He lowered his voice. “But to Evelyn and Alan Lepage, this isn’t a case. It’s their son. Their child. Never forget that.”

“Don’t tell me my job,” said Favreau.

“Someone has to. Did you hear me say the boy was murdered? And your name is on the report stating it was an accident. You messed up. Your first case and you failed to investigate properly. You failed to notice the body was in the wrong position.”

He stared into the young man’s eyes. Eyes that now held more than a hint of aggression.

“You’re young, new to the job. Mistakes happen. And when they do, you need to learn from them. You’re going to go over to that boy’s parents and you’re going to admit your mistake and say you’re sorry. Not because I’m telling you to, but because it’s the right thing to do.” His voice softened slightly and he looked at Agent Favreau with genuine concern. “Surely someone in your life has taught you that.”

Agent Brassard, who’d been listening, made a move toward the Lepages, but Agent Favreau stopped him.

“We don’t need some broken-down old cop telling us our jobs,” he said.

“I’m glad you’re here, officers,” said Beauvoir, coming out from the opening in the vines. He took out his ID and showed them. “Inspector Beauvoir, with homicide. I see you’ve met Monsieur Gamache.”

“We have, sir,” said Favreau. “I was just explaining to him the chain of command. I understand he was once with the Sûreté, so he should know better than to interfere.”

Beauvoir raised his brows. “He was interfering?” He turned to Gamache. “And they had to explain things to you. I suspect the process of an investigation is much the same as when you were with the Sûreté.”

“With a few fairly noticeable differences,” said Armand.

“Really? And yet it wasn’t all that long ago you were the head of homicide.”

Beauvoir turned to the agents and saw Brassard’s eyes widen.

“Yes,” said Beauvoir, leaning close to them. “Ohhhh shit.”

Gamache and Beauvoir walked a few paces away from the two agents, putting their heads together to discuss what was found.