Three

Several rainy days pass with no sign of Trey, so Cal works indoors and appreciates the gentler rural rhythm. When the weather clears, he walks to Seán Óg’s pub, taking care to avoid a DUI while awaiting his firearm license. Inside, he observes the regulars, listens to tin whistle music, and enjoys the low-stakes camaraderie.

An argument at the bar erupts over Bobby’s sheep, found with throat and organs removed. Bobby suggests aliens; Senan ridicules the idea. Cal offers a practical explanation—dog and birds—earning reassessment from the locals.

At Mart’s card table, a young man, Donie McGrath, disputes a bid and turns aggressive. Unarmed and unsure of local norms, Cal holds back until Barty orders Donie out and asks Cal’s help. Together they eject Donie into the street; Donie blusters but retreats, and his pal J.P. follows with his jacket. The pub quickly returns to normal, and Barty thanks Cal with a pint.

Mart, tipsy, drives Cal home, joking and then coolly asserting Donie won’t dare retaliate. He characterizes Bobby as restless-minded rather than mad and hints there are things in the hills Bobby doesn’t know. Cal insists on escorting Mart to his door; Kojak the dog greets them, and all is quiet.

Walking back under a clear, starry sky, Cal relishes the rural night’s self-contained dramas and the relief of not being responsible. On his step with a beer, he calls his daughter Alyssa; their conversation about her work and boyfriend Ben feels thin and distant. Later, hearing a twig crack, Cal warns off who he assumes is Trey, but it’s only a fox trotting past with prey.