Page 15 of Homecoming

“Ah, I see.”

“The national park encompasses more than forty-eight thousand acres on the island and is well worth a visit. The highest peak is Cadillac Mountain at more than fifteen hundred feet in elevation. Have you been to Acadia before?”

“This is my first time to Maine.”

“Oh, well, you’re in for a treat. This time of year is the best. The tourists have cleared out, and the foliage is about to explode. Very scenic.”

“Where do the rich people live?”

“Down long private roads that lead to houses you usually can’t see from the main road. You get a better sense of the prime real estate around here from the water.”

“Good to know.”

Dan was surprised that it took more than half an hour to get to downtown Bar Harbor, with Walter pointing out items of interest along the way that gave Dan a better sense of the place. Despite the sprawling size of the island, this was small-town America at its finest. While the area was gorgeous and the scenery stunning, he also detected an undercurrent of povertyin some areas, due to the prevalence of run-down houses and buildings.

Bar Harbor itself, however, was the crown jewel. The seaside town was made up of colorful buildings. The restaurants, bars, shops and hotels would’ve reminded Dan of Gansett if it wasn’t for the large hill that sloped down toward the water, where lobster boats and other vessels were moored. He also noted the presence of a cruise ship and asked Walter about it.

“They’re big business around here. They keep coming long after the summer tourists go home. Some people love them for the income they generate. Others hate them for the crowds they bring.”

Walter turned onto Firefly Lane, pulled into the public safety complex that housed the police and fire departments and parked in a visitor spot.

“Any insight on what to expect in there?”

“They’ll know who you are and might be reserved until they decide you’re an okay kind of guy.”

“I’ve gotten that reception before. My grandmother-in-law tells me Chief White is a good guy.”

“He is. People like him around here. He’s a straight shooter. No bullshit.”

“My favorite kind of LEO.”

“What’s that stand for?”

“Law enforcement officer.”

“Oh, duh. I should’ve caught that.”

“Thanks for all the info. Should I text you when I’m ready for a ride back?”

“Sure, that’d work. Got a few errands I can do while I’m in town.”

“I have to put this out there, so don’t be insulted, okay?”

“Okay…”

“Kara told me you have a reputation for enjoying your spirits.”

“Is that a fancy word for booze?”

“It is.”

“Well, thatwasmy reputation when she lived here. I’ve been sober for thirty-seven months now.”

“That’s amazing, Walter. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. It’s been a long, hard road, to say the least, but I’m sticking to it. Go to meetings and all that. Made a real mess of my life for a long time. Thankfully, my kids are the forgiving sorts. The wife? Not so much, but she hasn’t left me yet, so I take that as a good sign.”

“I’m sorry to bring it up, but I’m about to be a dad for the first time, so?—”

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