Page 112 of Brands

I’d rather have morning sickness than these crazy mood swings.

“Devon? Did you double check and make sure everyone in Bay A was brought in?” I’m in the middle of scrubbing an udder, but can clearly see at least four empty spots in the line.

“Lemme check.” He darts out through the loading door, then pops back in. “Yep, they’re all in. None in thewhole section.” He picks up his sprayer again, resuming cleaning the next cow.

Something seems to have shifted between us. He doesn’t act like he has a chip on his shoulder since two days ago.

He’s almost more appreciative?

Being abandoned by your fucking father will do that.

It makes me grit my teeth that Dad did that. But maybe it’s for the best?

Devon is safe with me, and I know he’ll be taken care of.

In the meantime, where in the hell is Lucy?

“Can you finish up? I need to find Lucy.” I swear that cow causes me more headaches.

“Ofcourseit’s her,” he groans, waving me away. “Yea, I got it.”

He’s more mature than he realizes. I need to make sure he’s a partner once he’s old enough if he wants to be.

Trudging the length of the barn takes several minutes. I only have to make cursory glances. She’s a giant black and white cow. She stands out like a sore thumb, even if she was out in the thick green grass of spring.

This wouldn’t be the first time she’s escaped. But she usually doesn’t take other cows with her.

I’m halfway to the far fence past the building when I spot her pattern in the grass.

Is she laying down?

Oh shit, did she get hit with the Lutalyse? Fuck, I don’t have gloves with me.

Hesitantly, I approach. The darker forms of the three other girls come into view from the lush growth.

No!

Blood coats their noses and mouths, and their eyes are all fixed and glazed.

They’ve been dead for a while.

God damn it.

I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach as the first grip of their death chokes the breath from me.

Why? How?

Glancing around, I think I find the culprit.

An opened bag of grain.

That shouldn’t have killed them though. Over half the package is still here. They get nearly that much every day during milking.

Holy.

Oh.

My.

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