THE LIBERATION The Liberators pulled the cattle truck up to the woods at the southernmost edge of the farm. The sun hadn’t even started to rise, though the edges of the sky were slowly lightening. Bode tried to focus on the fading stars and moon and not on his growing sense of unease. The Liberators’ inside woman—the peppy girl who’d led their tour on the visit— met them at the back gate and ushered them onto the property. “The most important thing is to keep them moving,” she said as they walked up the south pasture toward the barns. No trace of pep in her voice now. “The performers do have a herd mentality, especially while under the influence of the drugs. It might take some effort to get them out of the buildings, but once they’re out, they’ll play Follow the Leader.” When they reached the cluster of paddocks and barns, they prepared to split into groups. Hedda took the stable. Finley took the chicken coop. Horse Leg, the petting zoo. And the rest, including Bode and Valen, were given the milking barn.
