Page 31 of The Secret Mate Society

Instead of letting the questions consume me, I let out a long sigh and began to type.

Me: Lunch works for me, but only if you pick me up on your motorcycle again.

Calder’s response was almost immediate.

Calder: I’ll pack a second helmet.

THE PORTLAND GAZETTE: Friday, October 23, 2009

Local Farmer Found Dead in Suspected Homicide

Organ removal and chilling message suggest foul play

By Jake Harrison, Senior Staff Reporter

CUMBERLAND COUNTY — Authorities are investigating what they describe as a “violent and highly unusual” death following the discovery of local farmerMarcus Greer, 58, found dead early Sunday morning on his property north of Portland.

The victim, a well-known resident of the Apple Ridge farming community, was discovered by a neighbor shortly after dawn.Greer’s body was found behind his barn, near a tree line separating his land from the surrounding woods.The scene was described by law enforcement officials as “disturbing.”

According to theCumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Greer had suffered extensive trauma, including theremoval of his heart and liver.Investigators noted that the organs appeared to have beenextracted with precision, leading authorities to believe the act was deliberate rather than the result of scavenger activity.A message was foundcarved into the chest of the deceased, reading:“I see you.”

Sheriff Harold Briggs confirmed at a Sunday afternoon press conference that the death is being treated as an active homicide investigation.

“This was not the result of a predator attack,” Briggs said.“The nature of the wounds and the condition of the body indicate a deliberate act by an individual or individuals.Mr.Greer was targeted.”

No suspects have been identified at this time, and officials would not comment on whether the message carved into the body is believed to be symbolic, personal, or connected to a larger group.The FBI has not yet been formally involved.

Greer had made headlines earlier this year following a string of unexplained livestock deaths on his farm.In three separate incidents between February and March, several of Greer’s cattle were found dead under unusual circumstances—each missing internal organs, oftenwith no visible injuries or blood, andno tracks or signs of struggle.

At the time, Greer voiced concern in a March interview withThe Gazette, stating: “I’ve seen coyotes, foxes, all of it.This wasn’t that.This was… something else.And I think it’s still out there.”

Despite Greer’s warnings, investigations by theMaine Department of Agricultureconcluded without a definitive explanation.Officials speculated the animals may have been targeted by scavengers, though the pattern and consistency of the deaths left many locals unsettled.

Greer, described by neighbors as “quiet but steady,” had lived on the land for over thirty years.His sudden and violent death has sent shockwaves through the small farming community.

“This makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck,” saidSusan Keller, a fellow farmer who knew Greer for over two decades.“He kept saying someone was watching him, but we all just thought it was stress.Now I’m not so sure.”

Local residentCarl Simmons, owner of a nearby feed store, urged caution in jumping to conclusions.“It’s tragic, but it’s probably just some sick person passing through,” Simmons said.“We’ve had strange things happen out here, but we don’t need people spreading ghost stories.”

Law enforcement has increased patrols in the area and is encouraging residents to avoid isolated roads or wooded areas after dark.No official curfew has been issued at this time, but Sheriff Briggs emphasized the importance of community vigilance.

“This is a small, tight-knit area,” Briggs said.“Someone out there may have seen or heard something they don’t realize is important.We need those people to come forward.”

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Greer’s death may be linked to other unsolved incidents in the region over the last decade, though no formal connections have been announced.

TheCumberland County Sheriff’s Officeis urging anyone with information to contact their tip line at (207) 555-0194.Callers may remain anonymous.

Chapter14

Ethan

I’d barely touched my chicken strips, which wasn’t like me.Usually there wasn’t a chicken nugget alive that would survive my wrath, but I was so distracted I barely even thought about eating.Calder sat across the table from me, slowly working through his burger.Our lunch date, while exciting at first, had quickly turned into a bit of a slog.

Calder had been distant since picking me up, giving short answers to my questions and avoiding eye contact.The easy banter from our motorcycle ride a couple days ago had evaporated, replaced by an awkward tension that made my stomach twist with anxiety."So," I said, trying to break the silence, "everything okay?You seem...different today."

Calder looked up from his burger, those light brown eyes meeting mine for the first time since we'd sat down.There was something guarded in his expression, almost suspicious."Different how?"His voice was carefully neutral.

I set down my fork, giving up the pretense of eating."I don't know.A couple days ago you were more relaxed, joking around.Today you're acting like I'm interviewing you for a crime you committed."