“Hey, they’re here.”

Both owner and the otter greeted the officer as they stepped out of the vehicle. Looking around he said, hello and was led behind the garage.

The otter showed the officer the bones, who raised a paw. Scratching behind his ear nervously. Turning around and looking around for a moment, he addressed both the owner and the otter.

“I can call, um…” Pausing to look around again. “Bury it, cover it back up.”

“I thought the state would want to take care of this?” The owner said, and the officer held up his paw.

“Bury it, trust me.” He said firmly and a bit of fear in his eyes. Looking at the officer, tilted his head and walked around to his car. When they were both out of view of the owner, the officer turned around talking quietly.

“Look things are going to start happening, call me.” He gave the otter a card. “Ask only for me.”

“When should I do this?”

“You’ll know when.” Getting in his police car, he pulled out of the driveway and sped away.

***

              Walking back around the garage, the owner looked confused. “Well, what do we do now?” The owner shrugged his shoulders.

              “Finish my original task, I guess.”

              “Ok, I guess we leave it. Do what you need to do.” The otter got to work covering up the body. Being careful as to not disturb their resting place. Once all the bones where covered, some weed barrier was laid down. Then stones placed over top. This took the rest of the day. When the otter was done, they met the owner at the door. The owner came out to look and was happy with the job. She handed over some money for payment. Looking at where the body is.

              “We shouldn’t forget what we found today.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “It’s a mystery.”

              Waving to the owner the otter got in his car, using the driveway turnaround. Looked both ways for traffic, pulled out onto the road and took off toward home.