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“He was in his pen last night when I shut them all in. This morning, the gate to the day pasture was open and the piglets were out, but Henry was nowhere to be seen. I’m a bit worried about where he is. There’s no sign of a breakout and all the fences are in order. I just don’t know where he could be.”
“Was the gate to the day pasture broken or just left open?” Jesse asked.
“The catch had come off, but that could just be because Henry pushed on it. I can fix it easily enough, but that’s not the point. I just wish I knew where he is.”
“That sure is a mystery,” Jesse agreed. “I’ll keep my eyes open now that I know, and I’ll tell Mort and Morrie to do the same. Other than that, all I can suggest is that you call the other neighbors. Maybe they’ve seen him.”
“Maybe.”
Ashton ended the call and tried several other neighbors, but each one had the same response. No one had seen Henry. He even drove the perimeters of the property on his tractor, but there was still no sign of the missing boar.
Frustrated and confused, Ashton was forced to abandon the search for Henry when he realized he would have to go to town to get another part for the mower if he wanted to use it the following day.
Half an hour later, Ashton walked into Granville Machinery, where Mac worked with her father and brother. Mac happened to be inside when he walked in.
“Ashton!” she said in surprise. “What misfortune brings you here?”
He grinned. “I need a part for my mower.”
“That I can help you with,” she replied. “Is there anything else?”
“Not unless you know where Henry is.”
“Henry?” she asked in surprise. “Your big boar?”
“Yes. He’s missing. I searched the whole farm and called all the neighbors, but no one has seen him. I can’t imagine where he might’ve gone.”
Mac regarded him thoughtfully. “I suppose he might’ve been stolen,” she said at last. “People do steal farm animals, you know.”
“I know, but it’s never happened in our area. And who would even know he was there?”
“Lots of people were at the party. Word gets around.”
Ashton shook his head. “I know most of the guests. I’m sure they aren’t pig thieves.”
Mac shrugged. “Just a theory. And thank you for having the party at your place. I’m sure I did say thank you already, but I really appreciate what you did. It was a lot of fun.”
He smiled at her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was worried that you’d hate it.”
“I was a bit concerned at first, but everything was done and I got to catch up with lots of people I hadn’t seen for ages, so it was good.” She glanced at Ashton. “Jesse had no idea that the caterer he hired was your ex-girlfriend. He never met her before when you were dating. I guess that was a bit awkward for you.”
Ashton dropped his eyes. “We managed,” he mumbled.
“The food was good. She’s a great cook.”
“Yes, she is,” he agreed.
“I talked to her for a little while afterwards when she was cleaning up and packing everything away. She seems nice.”
“From your perspective.”
Mac grinned. “Sorry. I was forgetting that you have a history with her. I’m guessing you’re not friends now?”
Ashton squirmed. “Well, uh … no. We both said some things we probably shouldn’t have and now it’s too awkward. We talk when we have to, but it’s easier just to avoid each other.”
“Well, that’s not going to solve any problems,” Mac said. “If you apologized and cleared the air, you could at least inhabit the same planet without dodging each other or looking over your shoulders.”
“Hmmm, I’m not sure she’d be ready to hear an apology.”
