Hidden Talent

After a permanent injury to his leg, Carlton Marsh leaves his federal position to work security. His first assignment is protecting paranoid author and illustrator Mara Shore, pen-name for Leah Beach. He will do his best to keep her safe from people trying to find the location of the mule she modeled one of her characters after. The cane he walks with becomes an asset to use for her protection.

The criminals threaten Leah for information about a mule her rescue ranch acquired, malnourished and in poor health. She refuses to give them what they want, thinking they should be reported to cruelty to animals. Sylvester is an Appaloosa mule with easily recognizable spots. When Carlton sees the drawing of the mule with spots, he makes an unhappy connection to the recent past. During the last federal case Carlton worked, the same spotted mule ran him over, reinjuring an old wound. He is angry his boss assigned him to the case involving the same animal.

Leah's past includes a kidnapping, and makes it difficult to trust others, especially men. She leads a solitary lifestyle, hiding from fame and people in general. Her love of mules is all she's needed up until now. When she is threatened, all she wants to do is end her book tour and go home. Carlton proves he can provide protection. When they decide to investigate the reason behind the threats, danger will fill their path. Once again, Leah will have to deal with betrayal and kidnapping. With Carlton at her side, will she be able to overcome her past fears?