Chapter 79

After breakfast the next day, they made their way to the race track. Multiple booths sold racing news and pick sheets that the even the sellers weren’t stupid enough to play. John bought a Racing News newspaper with the horses’ histories in it and seemingly on whim purchased a pick sheet from one of the vendors. He pocketed his change along with a small cartridge of film.

John examined the program and looked up the stats on each horse. Then he watched the horses parading through the circle. He made his picks based mostly on the stats, but he trusted his eyes on one race and a hunch on another.

He won several bets. The women finally started following his lead.

“Now why did we pick this one in this race. The statistics seem to favor this other one.” Catarina asked.

“Because he took a piss while he was in the ring.” John said.

“and that is important?” she asked.

“Would you feel like running if you hadn’t?” John chuckled.

“I’m gonna stick to the stats on this one.” Sheila said, rolling her eyes.

“Suit yourself.” John said.

“I am going to bet with John.” Catarina said, taking his arm.

After the race Sheila was in a black mood. Catarina went to collect both hers and John’s winnings for them.

“Someday you’ll learn to trust me.” John chuckled.

The second agent observed Catarina collect the bets and then caught her eye. He stood off to the side by the stairs while she put her money away.

“Have fun last night?” he asked.

“What do you want?” she said, ignoring his question.

“Sergei said to meet him at one o-clock sharp, day after tomorrow.”

“I will be there. I told you I had the film.”

“You’d better be. Enjoy your girlfriend tonight. I quite enjoy French myself.”

Catarina looked at him sharply.

“You risked bugging the motor home after I told you I had the film?” she asked.

“Look away, idiot. I just wanted to be sure ... you were getting quite cozy with those two.” he said.

“It is my job to get cozy with them. If you screwed it up by placing those bugs, I will see to it that Sergei knows who the idiot was.” she said, looking at her purse.

“Just be there on time.” he said, wandering off.

On the road out of Evanston into Utah, Catarina motioned for Sheila to drive and made a typing motion with her fingers to John. He nodded.

“Would you relieve me, sweetheart. I feel like that race horse that lost.” he chuckled.

He pulled over and Sheila slid into the drivers seat, taking the big machine back up to speed.

John snagged his lap top and Catarina followed him into the bathroom. He actually had to relieve himself. Catarina typed her message as he covered the noise.

“Sergei at Temple Square, one o-clock sharp, day after tomorrow.” he read.

She turned on the faucet and further typed: “Don’t trust following agents. Don’t trust Sergei. Think better watch self and set up.”

John reached into his pocket and handed her the film container.

“In place of original. Will secure Sergei’s fate.” John typed.

She nodded, looking worried.

John further typed: “ Don’t worry. Once Sergei spotted with your sister, and canister passed. Even if he tries double cross, DO NOT PANIC. Your sister will be cared for. Sergei will not escape. Just be cool ... I love you. Trust me?”

Her eyes got damp but she nodded. She typed: “Love you too!!!”

He kissed her softly and then wiped the screen, shutting off the tap.

“What say I cook us up some lunch? I don’t have my Utah fishing license yet. Hate to get nailed with those trout.” John said, after they walked forward.

“No, sit down and relax. It’s my turn to cook. I happen to be quite good with trout.” Catarina said.

“You’re on, but the road gets a little narrower and twisty up ahead. So I’ll take over again.” he said.

“Sit down, I’m having fun. I’m beginning to like this beast.” Sheila giggled.

“Okay, just take it easy. It’s not a sports car.” he said.

“You can say that again.” she giggled.

“There’s a gas station you should come up on about twenty- seven miles out of Evanston where we filled up. I zeroed the trip meter so it should be pretty close to there. Pull in there so I can get a Utah license.” he said.