Part 3, Chapters 1-2 (pages 261-283) Summary

It is a windy Thanksgiving Day. Kyra's mother, Kit, has arrived, and she joins Delaney and Kyra at an early party at Dominick Flood's house. Jordan stays home with the maid, Orbalina. Delaney worries about the turkey they have left cooking at home. Kit, who is divorced and attractive, hits it off with the charming Dominick Flood. Kyra is also pleased to meet Flood, and she enjoys socializing with her Arroyo Blanco Estates neighbors and Flood's other friends.

Flood has hired waiters in tuxedos, who serve a lavish spread of food. As Delaney fills his plate, he sees Jack Jardine, his wife Erna, and Jack Jr. They discuss the fence, which Erna says makes her feel safer. Jack notes that Delaney's column on the coyotes inspired a lot of angry letters to the editor, from...