The Nature of the Beast

While combing the woods in search of Laurent’s stick, the search party finds a giant gun that has been hidden under vines, leaves, and debris. It is “ten times, a hundred times bigger than anything Gamache had ever seen. Or heard of. Or thought possible” (65). Laurent’s stick is on the ground nearby, making it likely that the boy was murdered at this location.

Gamache and Jean-Guy quickly call for police back-up, but rumors of their discovery are already spreading through the village. One of the police agents is disrespectful to Gamache, who technically no longer has any authority in the case or the investigation. As more officers and equipment arrive on the scene, Gamache and Jean-Guy can see that there is indeed a giant gun, just like Laurent said. The gun is etched with the design of a winged monster sporting multiple heads, and Gamache also finds a cassette tape of folk music nearby.

Rumors begin to fly around the village; the inhabitants are fearful that someone has murdered Laurent, and they also speculate wildly about the object that was found in the woods. Gamache calms them, promising to keep everyone safe and urging the villagers to limit their information-sharing so that it will not impact the investigation.