Page 114 of Brands

He walks with me out to the dead cows, then squats next to the pile of grain and pulls off his aviator sunglasses. “Fuckers.” He picks up one of the spikes, prodding it carefully with the tips of his thick fingers. “Yea, this would definitely cause that. You say you haven’t seen anyone?”

I fight the bile that rises in my throat.

The bodies are starting to stink in the heat of the sun.

“We have new cameras, but I couldn’t find anything on them except the side of a Jeep as it drove by.” I paused and replayed the tiny clip a million times in the last half hour.

It shows only the briefest glimpse of the front tire and side of the car.

Nothing else.

“Show me.” He holds out his palm as I key up the footage.

“Hmm,” he rumbles as he towers over me. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am.” I risk a smile.

He glances around, then focuses on the far gate. “Can I bring my rig in here? I want to gather samples of this grain.”

“Anything you need. I’m heading to Char’s for a while.” I already made sure that Devon made it to the bus this morning.

I don’t feel comfortable being here completely alone. And Char needs my help.

When Jeb and Darla get here for their afternoon shift, I’ll be back.

“How was school?” I ask Devon as blandly as possible.

Like I haven’t been worried sick all day about every little thing.

Char said she’s been crampy, so Dixon decided to take her into the clinic and have her checked.

Which left me driving in circles in town, fearful to return home. It was hard not to call Blue, but I know he’s working and there isn’t anything he can do from the other side of the state.

“What’s going on with the cows?” he asks without acknowledging my question. “What did the sheriff say?”

Devon is more mature than his age.

I guess I should start treating him like a peer instead of a child.

“Someone put down booby traps and killed them. But they don’t know who. So we need to be twice as watchful.” I pour myself a cup of tea, and slide the plate of baby carrots with peanut butter across the table towards him.

There is a sense of comfort being back in the house.

Mom used to make us snacks on this very table when I got off the bus.

Those are some of my favorite memories.

His jaw works as he chews, but he side-eyes me warily. “Are you sure we’re safe?”

I make a pointed glance to the pistol sitting on the end of the counter. “As much as we can be. Strength in numbers, right?”

He grimaces. “I wish Blue was here.”

“Me too, buddy. You finally liking him more?” I hope so.

Devon is slow to warm up to anyone.

But he nods, dropping his gaze to the floor. “He’s been showing me how to play guitar. He’s really good.”

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