AN HOUR LATER EDWARD TURNED into his drive, passing the Pine Meadows sign he and Karen had made shortly after they had bought this property. The wooden sign showed an unusual rate of weathering; paint had blistered like tiny teardrops across its surface. Rail fencing, five rails high, lined the front of the property and along one side of the driveway. In front of the fencing, pine and cedar trees led the way to his home.

When Edward finally exited the Wrangler, his gaze, as always, skirted the tree...