Hold Your Horses

How can the number one thoroughbred in the country disappear while on a practice run at the track?

Ocho Rios, the number one thoroughbred in the country, has just been sold for $10.7 million. The new owner watches him run a practice lap at the Lexington, Kentucky track—ears are back, mane flying, hooves pounding the dirt. But as the sweaty animal returns trackside, it’s quickly obvious another horse has taken Ocho Rios’ place.

He was only out of sight for three seconds while he rounded the backstretch. How could a substitution be made with dozens of people looking on? And who is the replacement horse?

Smith and Westen, with new partner Ryan, have just formed their own insurance recovery agency. Never again will they be forced to work with nemesis Kendra Jean Valentine who insists on stealing their research and taking the credit. Being on their own will be so freeing, but how to go about finding jobs? The question is no sooner out of Westen’s mouth when Ocho’s old owner arrives begging them to take the case.