James Mayfield, still a young man, but showing signs of having lived a hard life, returns to the town where he grew up in a working class family. He is apparently rich, although the source of his income in known only to his bank manager. He is wary and secretive. His only companion, as the story begins, is a large feline that is clearly part bobcat and couldn't have been brought into the country legally.
He appears to be totally in control of his life, and after contacting what remains of his family, demonstrates that he is willing to spend his money on those he cares about, even if those...