Or the snowy mountains where she could build a castle of ice. She saw the snow once before in the mountains of North Carolina. You could drive hours along a snowy road without seeing one slug they dont naturally take to the cold. They dont die, but they slow down to a stop and freeze in place. She remembers one small town built up around an abandoned ski lodge. A community of frozen meatskins, like statuary in the streets. She walked among them and wondered what God had to do with a tableau like that one, for surely He must know that such a thing existed.

Even Richard Grierson knows that the world is a wide place. And the way she figures it, its as much hers as anybodys. Only there are some things that stay with you no matter where you go.

And James comes to find her on the bluff one evening after dinner when there are no clouds in the sky, and the lights of the city below seem like dazzling reflections of the stars.

What do you know about someone named Moses Todd?

And she can feel her insides twisting up.

How you know that name?

Because thats the name he gave when Johns found him down at the gate. Hes in the parlour at the moment. Richard is giving him a recital.

Seven

THEY LET HIM IN before James knew what was happening, he explains to her. He was already sitting on the couch when James saw him, sipping iced tea and listening to his brother Richard play. An arm extended over the back of the couch and one leg crossed expansively over the other. He smiled when he saw James.

Good evenin, the man said, rising from the couch and extending his hand.

A big man, and his clubbed fist closed over Jamess hand like a softened brick.

James, his grandmother said, let me introduce you to Mr Moses Todd. Hes travelling.

A pleasure, James said.

Another of your grandsons, I reckon?

My boys, she nodded. Their father is ill, so he wont be joining us. But we have another guest, and Ill introduce you to her when she returns. Sarah Mary likes to take walks in the evening.

James noticed something lock down in the mans eyes.

Itll be my honour to say hello to her, Moses Todd said.

Weve been so blessed these past few days, his grandmother said. Richard, James havent we been blessed?

Very blessed, Richard confirmed. And lucky for them, too its not safe out there.

*

She follows James Grierson back down the path and stops at her car. She takes a pistol out of the duffel in the back seat and then they enter the house through the kitchen, making as little noise as possible.