Chapter 62
WHEN JANEY ARRIVED at Montfair Friday evening, Thumper was on the front lawn, surrounded by caterers and farm workers, attending to the final details for Saturday’s breakfast. She drove past the house and parked in the family area behind the kitchen. High-pitched voices and a mechanical buzzing sound came from the barn. She went to investigate. A line of horses stood in the aisle, secured by cross-ties. Four young women—Elizabeth and three of her classmates visiting for the weekend—and a middle-aged woman—Javier’s wife Bettiana—hovered around them clipping, braiding, brushing, polishing, and chatting.
Janey left them to their duties and went to the kitchen where Natasha was hard at work preparing what appeared to be a dozen dishes. “I thought the caterers were handling everyth
