(Originally written 30 years ago, this recalls one of Mason County's darker moments.) I was just a little tense. As I drove slowly up the dirt road to our ranch house both hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than usual. My body was erect, almost stiff. Eyes searched the road ahead for any sign of human footprints. As I approached the house and barns, I scanned every nook and cranny for human forms or movement. Creeping to a halt in front of the house.