Chapter 1<br > Though it was still late afternoon， the shadows in<br >Mike s Tavern were deep around the booths and tables<br >where lobstermen and hunters drank. Everyone， the<br >bartender included， looked up warily as the front door<br >opened.<br > A man entered， squinted in the darkness， and walked<br >to the last booth，<br > "Ayuh，<br >for. Phil?<br >s that you?"<br >"What can I<br > "There s a stranger just got off the bus."<br > "Lots of strangers come to Cutter s Cove， especially<br >in the fall. Good huntin ."<br > "Not like this guy. He s asking about Dr. Brunk."<br > Nobody spoke for a long moment. Then there were the<br >sounds of heavy boots and rifle stocks rubbing against<br >the hardwood floor as the men put down their drinks and<br >rose.<br > "Where is he?" John Ellis asked.<br > "Walking down Union Street toward Main， last I saw<br >him."<br > Ellis led the way， blond hair streaming under his<br >hunter s cap， his bulk filling the doorway. Outside， the<br >men slipped shells into their guns and checked the<br >safeties， somewhat sobered by the salt air. They clomped<br >along the wooden sidewalk until they came to the corner.<br > The ocean came into sight， crumbling piers and a<br ><br >