Nate’s gaze pored over them: they had walnut complexions and leathery skin. They were clearly related, and just as clearly, they’d spent most of their forty or so years outdoors. Together, they spoke to Carlos.

The two men looked very much alike and began speaking in Spanish, both using similar gesticulations as they tried to express themselves both verbally and visually.

Carlos summarized for Nate. “These two brothers are the eldest sons of the man who owned the ranch. They were the first to arrive this morning—at about five. They did the usual chores: putting out bales of hay, clearing the drains in the water troughs, checking on the overall state of the herd. They claim no calves had been born during the night.”

“Were there any births yesterday or maybe earlier in the week?” Nate asked.

Several men nodded affirmatively.

“Was there anything different about the cows that gave birth today?” Nate asked.

The men all began talking loudly at once, and Carlos did his best to capture the essence of the discussions.

“The first cow was brown with a black tail. The second one was a white-spotted cow. She had been sick after getting pregnant, and needed Señor Garcia’s treatments.”

“Treatments?” Nate asked.

Carlos relayed the question, then again summarized the men’s response.

“Señor Garcia, the owner, had a traditional remedy for sick cows. It helps prevent miscarriage and gives heifers more health for their first birth.”

“Gives heifers more health?” Nate muttered. “The cows that gave birth today, did they all have this treatment?”

Some of the ranch hands nodded while others shook their heads.

Carlos shrugged. “Most of the men say yes but others aren’t sure.”

Nate shook his head and admitted, “I have no idea how these men can remember one cow from another.”

Alex had been quietly monitoring all this from one side of the barn, but now chimed in. “Where is Señor Garcia? I’d like to talk to him about this treatment.”

The men’s expressions turned somber. One of them spoke directly to Alex. “Señor Garcia es muerto. He is dead.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Alex said quietly. “Carlos, can you ask them what they know about the treatment? Anything at all? Was it a food? Some kind of shot?”

The men spoke, and Carlos said, “Señor Garcia had a special barrel that the cows drank from.”

“Can we see it?”

The two brothers nodded and stood.

“These men say they will show you,” Carlos said.

###

Nate’s mind was racing with questions as the men led them across a large field. The smell of burnt grass and death still lingered over everything, even though the incident had occurred almost three miles away. One of the brothers lifted a wooden beam off of metal hooks, swung open a barn door, and said something in Spanish.