Chapter 19
DANELLA’S CALL TO Thumper came while he was provoking a debate among his seminar students over the interpretation of “slavery” as enumerated in the Thirteenth Amendment of the US Constitution. An activist group known as PACA—People Against Cruelty to Animals—had devised a legal stratagem on behalf of “plaintiffs” they claimed were being subjected to “involuntary servitude.” The wording of the Amendment does not mention “people” or “persons,” only “the party.” Thumper tossed out that grenade and sat back to enjoy the mental gymnastics demonstrated by the bright young minds entrusted to his care for a three-day workshop.
When break time arrived, he returned Danella’s call.
“Do you remember Janey Musgrove?” she asked.
“Name rings a very faint bell.”
“You met her at my Christma
