"I was gone for a time as well," Wilde admitted, "came back about three winters ago, but I haven't been down to the village until after father passed."

It seemed they'd both thought the grass was greener on the other side of the fence until they actually got there. Or maybe something else had driven Lorne home - the middle of the market didn't seem the place to pry.

"The goats are certainly doing well though. The summer was good to us this year. I imagine guard work here is quiet?"

Oh, if only he knew.