Hoping that fresh, cool air might revive me from the exhaustion I felt, I bundled up in layers and left the cottage. My breath whirled in a steamy dance before my face. The sun’s first rays barely peaked over the horizon and the few clouds floating in the sky were soft and white, promising a relief from yesterday’s constant rainy drizzle and dampness. The main house was steeped in darkness. Sean’s red Renault was parked in the shadows on the far side of the house, offering an explanation for his disappearance last night. My suspicions were confirmed. Vicki and Sean. I smiled at that. Good for them. A light shone in the barn, and a familiar Jeep four-by-four was parked outside. I found Charlotte Penn already beginning to set up for a day of shearing sheep. Her penned-in customers sensed something was up, had determined that they wanted no part of it, and were loudly bleating their complaints. Jasper the barn cat watched calmly from the hayloft as though he enjoyed the spectacle about to commence.
