Thane returned to town and went to Tim’s, preferring his place to the Winding Trail Inn if he was welcome. He rang the doorbell to Tim’s store only once, telling himself he’d leave the shop owner alone if he didn’t answer within five minutes.

The light came on inside not long after Thane pushed the button, indicating to him Tim was probably already awake.

Tim opened the door and stepped aside to let Thane in. “So tomorrow I was going to head over to Stan’s ...