who’s made a mistake. I went on a short vacation to
Europe. When I returned, my beloved Star Dancer
was gone. He must have escaped, or—”
“Then that was a different horse. When we took
in Shy Guy, no horses had been reported missing to
the sheriff.”
The two women stared each other down, despite
the immense height gap between them.
“Do you know who I am?” said Elena. “My
mother was an Olympic dressage rider. She was
known all over the world.”
“No, I don’t know you,” said Ma Etty. “Or
your mother. It’s not going to change my opinion
on the horse.”
“I insist you return him to me. This is theft.”
Hanna only felt total and complete horror.
“How dare you—!”Ma Etty stoppedmid-sentence
and took a deep, calming breath. “Ms. Baxter,” she
began again, squaring her shoulders. “Please refrain
from making such unfounded accusations until you
can prove it—with paperwork.”
“If that’s what it takes,” Elena said. “You’ll be
seeing me again very soon. I promise you.” Elena
turned, grabbed her husband’s hand, and yanked
him out the still-open door.
161
