Edwin eyed the man sympathetically. “Not for a moment am I suggesting my situation is anything like yours, but you know, I live out of the back of my shop.”

“Oh yeah.”

“No home to go to every night, no little lady waiting for me. Have a hot plate to make my meals, a mini-fridge, a small bathroom where I can clean up, and a mattress. It’s all I really need.”

“Sounds like you’ve got a good setup,” Gavin said, looking almost envious.

“Exactly. And I’m content. To each according to his needs.”

“Who said that?”

“I believe I just did.”

“No, no,” said Gavin. “Originally.”

“You’re thinking of Karl Marx. It formed the basis of his socialist philosophy.”

“Geez Louise don’t say that word too loud. The townsfolk’ll string you up. Socialism’s a dirty word.”

“I think one can look at it in a broader context,” Edwin said. “That, if we are content, we don’t need to strive for more and more.”

“I guess.”

“Have you been looking for work?”

“Well, if the right thing came along, sure. The chief was telling me about some inn up in Stowe that’s hiring for the ski season, but I’m not sure that’s a good fit for me.” He pursed his lips, as though reconsidering. “I wonder if they rent snowmobiles. I’m good with machines.”

They were both quiet for a moment, watching others walk past in each direction.

“I would like to propose something,” Edwin said. “An opportunity.”

“What kind of opportunity?”

“Something I would prefer to discuss at greater length. But something that would put an end to your current situation.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Because, and believe me, I am not one to judge, but the way you are living is really untenable.”

“Well, you might be right.”

“I need to get back to the shop, but why don’t you come by tonight, say around nine. And if you don’t mind, please don’t mention this to anyone, because then they’re all going to want to get in on what I have to offer. Your discretion would be most appreciated. Just rap lightly on the door and I’ll let you in. The lights’ll be off, but I’ll be there.”

Gavin pursed his lips, considering the offer. “I s’pose I got nothing to lose.”

Edwin smiled. “And can I just say, and I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, because it’s merely an observation, but you have a very nice head of hair.”

“Here he was on the property the whole time when I was thinking he’d wandered off someplace,” said Dell Peterson. “Poor Zeke. Poor, stupid Zeke. He deserved better than this. Gotta be some kind of animal, don’t you think? A bear, maybe? I thought you should know about it, maybe warn others around here. More folks than me have cattle. Hendersons up that way got horses, although maybe a bear wouldn’t want to tangle with a horse. Lot bigger than a goat. Anyway, hope I didn’t bring you out here for nothing.”