Nothing odd. Just our normal trash. I moved to the second can, getting more nervous with each step. I flung open the lid and froze.
Inside, wrapped in a ratty old blanket, were some gloves and a few small tools. At the bottom was an unlabeled bottle full of some liquid.
“Mom? You okay?” Isla called.
I slammed the lid and turned with a smile. “Yeah, sweetie. Just checking. Go inside. I’ll be right there.”
As soon as Isla left, I called the sheriff’s office.
“Sheriff’s Department, this is Leona.”
“Leona, it’s Nora. Come over quick. I found something weird in my trash.”
“Slow down, Nora. What is it?”
I told her what was in the trash, whispering.
“Don’t touch anything,” Leona said. “I’m on my way. Stay inside with the kids.”