The disappearance of the Nighteagle baby forces Fish and Wildlife Services Special Agent Venus Diamond and her husband, environmental expert Richard Winter, to delay their honeymoon. Her boss asks Venus to head up the search in Washington s Bogachiel National Wildlife Preserve because no one knows the area any better. Elk poaching and the gathering of illegal plants by wildcrafters in the same area where the child vanished also worries the federal agency.
Evidence surfaces that someone is snatching environmentally protected plants.
Apparently, the plants are mixed with human growth hormones and keratin from the hooves of elks in order to make an elixir reported to be a fountain of youth. As Venus, with Richard s help search for the infant, they place themselves in danger from individuals who plan to keep their lucrative business going even if it means eliminating the threat of Federal interference. The witty Venus is clearly a 24 carat diamond of a character. Her support cast, especially her new spouse, augments her impudent personality while moving forward the tale. Comments and suggestions welcome.