Death By Theft: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery 19

Lady Elsmere’s mare, Jean Harlow gives birth to a foal sired by Shaneika’s stallion, Comanche. Lady Elsmere and Shaneika are delighted with the ebony foal blessed with a white star on its forehead. Excited by the colt’s broad chest and long legs, they are putting their dream of winning the Kentucky Derby on this frisky colt. They name him Last Chance as Lady Elsmere believes the foal is her last chance to win the Kentucky Derby.

Eager to show the foal off, Shaneika invites Josiah for a visit. Josiah is happy for her friend and can’t wait to see the new addition to Lady Elsmere’s Thoroughbred Farm. As Josiah and Shaneika enter the nursery barn, they hear Jean Harlow frantically kicking the door of her stall. Rushing over, they discover the foal is missing. Shaneika tries to calm Jean Harlow while Josiah searches the other stalls for Last Chance and the surrounding area near the barn. The only thing she finds is a security guard taking a nap in his car. Josiah knocks impatiently on the car window. When the man doesn’t respond, she opens the car door only to have the man slide out onto the ground. Startled, Josiah searches for a pulse, but it’s too late. The man is dead.