CHAPTER 39
Half past noon, Layken pulled off the blacktop road onto the dirt lane that led to his farm. Mrs. Chesson sat next to the door, holding four-year-old Ellen on her lap, while Sara Beth occupied the space next to him. The child had put up a fuss, wanting to ride in the back of the pickup with her two brothers, but Layken had been relieved when her mother insisted the child ride up front with her.
He’d trusted that the boys would be safe enough in the back, but kept an eye on them in the rearview mirror.
As he neared the house, several vehicles sat parked at various angles.
Sara Beth gasped and leaned forward, putting one hand on the dashboard.
“What in tarnation?” Layken steered around a vehicle halfway blocking the road.
“I don’t know.” Sara Beth pointed. “But I see Mr. and
