I took the freeway instead of the local road so I could exceed the speed limit without worrying about broadsiding meandering cows, chickens, or goats. The farmers who live in Lakeland County are notorious for eschewing fences in favor of open pastures, and they shared watering holes for their livestock. It was a neighborly concept, but made traveling at night a tad interesting. The house was dark. I couldn’t tell if Mother had gotten home and gone to bed, or had not yet arrived. And there was no sign of Fatty, or anyone else. “What’ll we do?” asked Cassie. “Do you want me to go in a check on Gran, or stay out here and wait with you?” “Go check on her,” I decided abruptly. “I hate to leave you alone in case Fatty comes roaring up the driveway with guns drawn.” “I’ll be fine. Just make sure Mother is okay, then come back and let me know.” Cassie opened the car door and hopped out.
