Joint Venture

by Tey Holden

  They knew each other well, and Addy didn’t have to ask what she was talking about. The question had to do with Addy never asking her about her conversation with Susan. “Don’t need to.” Then she pulled out of the embrace a bit, “unless you need to talk about it?”

  “No. It’s not worth it.” Karen replied and kissed her forehead. Addy placed her hand on Karen’s cheek and brushed her lips with her thumbs. “Green eyes—.” Addy could hardly find words, as she adored the beautiful face in her hands.

  Karen smiled, and kissed her. “Sssh! I feel the same way. Don’t say anything.” Karen kissed her again. Nothing else was said. The night was long and delightful. They gave themselves to each other, until they no longer could and fell asleep intertwined in one another.

  ***

  The next morning Karen was up first. She felt energized, happy and fully satisfied with her life. She made breakfast for Alex. She couldn’t help smiling.

  “What are you smiling about, Mommy? Is M’Addy still sleeping?”

  Karen grinned from ear to ear. She should be, with the treatment she got last night! “I think she might be up. I think I heard the shower. After you are done eating, get your stuff together, so that we can leave. I can’t wait to get home and away from all this fanfare.”

  “Why don’t you like it, Mommy? I think it’s fun. Don’t you like to see Alejandro win?”

  “I do, Alex. But I love being home also.”

  Addy made her entrance. “All right! Is everybody ready?” She looked at a very happy Alex and even more upbeat Karen, who at the sight of the gorgeous brunette felt such a pang in her stomach that if Alex hadn’t been there, she would have immediately thrown her down on the sofa and ravished her again. Addy kissed the overly excited Karen, who unseen by Alex, prolonged the kiss by biting her lower lip and grabbing her buttocks. Karen made sure to turn Addy away from Alex’s line of vision. Addy opened her eyes so huge that she made Karen smile forcing her to let go of her lips.

  She loosened herself from Karen’s grip, and Karen poured a cup of freshly brewed coffee. “Um! This coffee smells great! Just how I like it, strong.”

  Alex, who was sitting on the sofa eating and watching television, looked back to Karen and chuckled. Addy always said the same thing in the mornings. She claimed that she was still not awake until after she drank that cup of coffee.

  “Are you awake now, M’Addy? I didn’t think you were going to get up today. You must have slept very well.”

  Addy looked at Karen and grinned, and then she looked at Alex and stuck out her tongue. “Yes, I slept very well, child. Super well.” Her eyes immediately shifted to Karen who was beaming. She loved Karen’s satisfied grin.

  “You guys are too happy today? Are you going to give me a surprise or something?”

  “You wish, little girl! Personally, I’m smiling because—.”

  Karen interrupted fearing what Addy might say. “For the same reason I’m smiling. Because we are going home.”

  “That is right! I miss home.” Addy added and continued to sip her coffee and smile looking at Karen.

  Alex rolled her eyes. “You guys act crazy sometimes. Is Alejandro coming home with us this time?” She asked because she knew that the next race was not until September.

  “No, Alex. Alejandro is going undercover again. It’s safer for all, if he remains at an undisclosed location.” They had already heard of fans attempting to get near the horses, and in their case, they also feared malicious intentions from people who might be interested in taking Alejandro out of the competition.

  “So, I won’t get to see him until September?”

  “Correct. We leave in a few days for our vacation. Everybody is already waiting for us on the island. When we come back, we need to prepare for the race and don’t forget your mom’s campaign for Council Chair.”

  “Mom, I’m not worried, M’Addy is going to win. The other two people are no competition for M’Addy. Ms. Simmons only knows about books and she’s only worried about education. I mean that is a good thing, but there are other things that matter also. And Mr. Glass only knows and cares about farmers because he is a glorified farmer.”

  “Still, I have to campaign, Alex. People have to know who, and what they are voting for.”

  ***

  In September, Alejandro was again a favorite to win the St. Leger Stakes, which was by far the longest of the races. It is also the final race of the Triple Crown. If he won this race, he would be the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Nijinsky in 1970. In fact, he would be the 15th horse ever to win the Triple Crown since 1809 when the three races became known as the Triple Crown.

  The uniqueness, the distinction and the glory that came with the win was one of historical proportions. If Alejandro won this race, his value would be beyond the imaginable. Karen and Addy had already decided that this would be his last race. After this race, win or lose, Alejandro would retire for the rest of his life to the pleasantries of a luxurious country life, and his life would revolve around mares and stud service. People in the business would pay an arm and a leg for one of Alejandro’s descendants. After this race, win or lose, Alejandro in his relaxed, pleasant life would be a money-making machine for the McGill Stables.

  The women arrived in Doncaster two days before the race. Protocol dictated that they participate in a series of social events. This time they had resolved that if Susan showed up, they weren’t going to let her ruin their fun. This was a happy time, especially for Alex, who at such a young age was fulfilling a life dream, to see the horse she loved and had seen grow up and train, possibly achieve the maximum glory of winning the Triple Crown.

  While at one of the events, there was an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have everyone’s attention.” The spokesperson addressed the crowd from the stage. “There has been an incident at the stables.” A few of the horses had to be evacuated, but they are all fine. “Apparently an unauthorized person tried to enter the premises and a few horses were frightened in the upheaval, but no one was hurt and all is well.”

  Upon hearing the announcement, Addy took Alex by the hand and looked for Karen. Karen was on the phone when mother and daughter arrived.

  “Yes, that’s fine with me, and until he leaves the area. I also want the usual protection for the individuals on the list. Yes, I know. I just wanted to make sure. Fine. Good-bye.” Then she addressed the twosome in front of her. “We have to go now.”

  Alex was about to open her mouth, when Addy preempted. “You heard your mom. Let’s go, say goodbye.”

  Alex said no more. She suspected something was wrong. After they left the party, in the elevator, Alex asked. “What’s wrong, Mommy?”

  “The intruder was caught in Alejandro’s area.”

  Alex widened her eyes in horror. “Is Alejandro alright? Mommy, we have to go see him!”

  Addy was silent and in shock, but her eyes were fixated on Karen. “Yes, he is alright. I want you guys with me all the time. Is that clear, young lady?” She looked at Alex.

  “Yes, Mommy. Can we go see him?” Alex looked at Addy who in turn pursed her lips.

  “Later, Alex. We need to find out what’s going on first. We are not going there until all is cleared, and I know we are not going to be in danger.”

  Alex snuggled to Addy, and Addy placed her arm around her. They both continued to look at Karen who had a very worried look. Addy took Karen’s hand and intertwined her fingers with hers. She immediately felt the strong grasp around her fingers.

  In the hotel room, Karen received another call. She was listening, but staring at Addy. Addy knew that something was wrong. “Yes, I’ll be here. They can come.”

  She looked at Addy, and then at Alex, as she spoke. “They have the intruder, and Victoria already checked Alejandro and he is fine. Apparently they caught him before he could do damage.” She remained quiet, and stared at Addy. Addy knew there was more to tell, but she knew that whatever remained to be said, Karen preferred not to say
it in front of Alex.

  “Are you sure that Alejandro is fine, Mommy?”

  “’Yes, baby. Vic checked him, and Carol and Marshall are with him.”

  Addy sat on the sofa. “My feet hurt. Alex, can you please go get my slippers in my room, sweetie?”

  “Sure M’Addy.”

  As soon as Alex cleared the area, Karen spoke. “They’ve identified the intruder. Alfred McGill Thompson, my cousin, Charles’ son. He had an extreme amount of horse anesthetic. He apparently intended to drug Alejandro.”

  Addy gasped in shock and brought her hand to her mouth. “Will this ever end for us? Is there any more family?” Addy asked.

  Karen chuckled. It was the way Addy asked the question and her face that made Karen chuckle in the midst of the whole disgrace. “I don’t think so.” She laughed. “How greedy could people be? And just to think that if they hadn’t been so greedy and viciously mean to us, we would have shared our good fortune with them! We’ve always had more than we needed. What a waste of lives!” Karen was disgusted thinking of her family. Addy took her hand and kissed it.

  “The police is coming over for me to identify him. The PI does not want us to go around there. I don’t know what we are going to do with Alex.”

  “I’ll go with her to her room and entertain her there until the police leaves. Come to get us when they are gone. I’ll tell her you are taking care of business matters.” Alex was entering the room with Addy’s slippers in hand.

  “It took me a while because I couldn’t find them. Here, M’Addy.”

  “Alex, some gentlemen are coming over to talk to Mommy Karen about a business deal, and we need to go to your room to give her some privacy, okay?”

  “What about Alejandro?”

  “Precisely, we are going to go to your room and you are going to call Vic to see what she says about him. How about that?”

  “Yes, let’s go.” As they were walking out of the living room area of the suite, someone knocked on the door. Addy waited to make sure it was the police. When the individuals identified themselves, Addy walked out of the room, following Alex. Karen identified the intruder as Alfred McGill Thompson. The police detective assured her that she would be kept apprised of the situation.

  ***

  The day of the race finally came. Alex had talked about the event for as long as they could remember, and this was her day and Alejandro’s day. They had talked to her about the possibility that he might not win, as all things were possible in life. And they had agreed that having won the last two races and being there to run the third was a monumental achievement that had already secured Alejandro’s place in history. They agreed to count their blessings and to enjoy the event however it turned out. Alex agreed and was content with any outcome.

  “Do your best, boy. This is the last one. Give it all you’ve got today.” Alex gave her final words of advice to Alejandro when she came to see him before the race. As she exited the stables, Gyro was coming in.

  “What did he say today, Alex?”

  “Gyro, today he will run like he’s never ran before. He wants you to hang tight and let him set the pace and carry you. Don’t worry, Gyro, he knows what to do. Leave it up to him. He will do what he can do better than anyone else. Run like the wind!”

  Gyro chuckled. He was pleased with her response, but surprised at the specific instructions. “I will let him take me, Alex. It will be his day.”

  Alex smiled. “I will see you in the winner’s circle.”

  Gyro was delighted with Alex’s confidence, but he spoke to Karen because he was concerned that, if Alejandro lost, Alex would be too disappointed. Karen told him that they had spoken to her, and that Alex was aware of the odds. Still Alex was unrelenting on her positive thinking. On that, she was all Addy, optimism beyond the reasonable.

  Alejandro had not only become a star overnight, but he had also taken Gyro to the spotlight. Gyro had received several offers from horse owners and stables to train and ride their horses. Karen and Addy had offered him permanent employment with Alejandro, but he thought he had a few more years to race, which was what he liked to do, and did not accept their offer. This last race would be the last time he would ever ride Alejandro, the best horse he had ever ridden, and it meant the world to him.

  Again, the racetrack was filled to capacity and the people, the music and the energy all around was contagious. The arena was colorful with the horses and jockeys displaying their vibrant colors. The stands were filled with excitement and the roar in the crowd. There was an anticipation that was both exhilarating and nerve wrecking. As the women were walking to their seats in the stands, Lord Fannon greeted them and high-fived Alex. He had won a lot of money on the bets he made based on Alex’s recommendations. Surprisingly, he had also pulled back the bill he had originally introduced in Parliament, and which Alex had declared useless in terms of creating jobs. The women were amazed when they heard it on the news. Alex, who had been stretched out on the floor watching TV, jumped to her feet and declared “My first political win!” The women laughed, in total disbelief.

  Now here they were, again, shaking hands with the very prominent Lord Fannon and his entourage. The moms were perplexed when they heard Lord Fannon’s question to Alex. “Do you find the bill I’m proposing more to your liking, young Alexandra?”

  All were even more surprised when Alex actually responded. “Yes, sir. I have followed it, and it looks a lot more realistic.”

  Lord Fannon was always impressed with Alex’s responses. “My dearest Alexandra,” he took her small hand and kissed it reverently, “I hope I can live long enough to see you one day in the halls of Parliament.”

  “But you must!” Alex replied totally serious. “I don’t know anyone else there, and I will need someone to show me where to sit.” He laughed so much he almost choked. “Young lady, I’d give my right arm to see you there one day. Now, let us watch that horse of yours win, shall we?”

  “Yes sir. Let’s do just that.”

  “Ker? I don’t want to ruin your day, but I’ve just spotted Susan and you will never guess who she is with!”

  “Who? I’m not looking.”

  “Alana.”

  “What? As if it weren’t enough having one to fend off, now we have two.”

  Then she heard the voice. “Hi, Addy, Karen. Good luck with your horse.” Susan then continued up the stands followed by Alana who also greeted them. She, as usual, gave Addy the twice over. “Hi Karen, Addy. It’s been a while. You look as ravishing as ever.” She didn’t specifically mention any names, but Karen knew perfectly well who was the object of her admiration, and she was not happy.

  Karen looked like she could have killed her, if given the opportunity. “I don’t know which one of them I hate more.”

  She put her arm through Karen’s arm and snuggled more to her. “Sssh! Baby, we’ve already discussed this, don’t pay attention to either one of them.”

  Karen smiled and their eyes met. At that precise moment, Alex turned and joined in their smile. Life was good. “Good luck, baby!” Karen told her daughter and Alex who was as emotional as Addy, hugged her mom. Karen smiled and looked at Addy.

  A few minutes later they were calling the horses to the gateways. No sooner the gates were closed behind them, they open ahead of them to let out the restless horses to run. There were only seven horses this time. The best race horses in England, running the longest race of the Triple Crown. This time the dynamic was different. Alejandro did not stay behind as he had done in the last two races. This time Alejandro took the lead from the start.

  “Oh no!” Karen exclaimed. “What’s happening, Alex, Addy? Why is he not doing his usual stay behind thing?”

  “I don’t know!” Addy nervously replied and she called for Alex. “What is happening, Alex? What is he doing?”

  Alex took a deep breath and gave them her biggest smile. “Winning, Mommies! Winning! Running like the wind! That is how the wind runs, Mommy!” She put both arms out as if to
demonstrate. “He is giving his all to win!” She yelled so loud that Lord Fannon turned to look. Addy was in tears clutching to Karen who seemed to be as absorbed in the race as Alex. She held Addy close to her as Alex jumped and pretended at times to be riding Alejandro herself. “Go, boy! Go! Show them! Show them your might!”

  Karen and Addy held on to each other looking at the most incredible race they had ever seen, and looking at the child whose faith in her horse had brought them to this thrilling moment. It was indeed the most exciting and talked about race for years to come. Alejandro took the lead from the start, and kept it consistently and steadily throughout the entire race. He pulled further and further away until he was so far ahead that there was no way any other horse would ever catch up with him.

  As he was at half way down the track, Alejandro separated himself even more. The closest horse to him was, at least, fifteen lengths behind, it was unbelievable. By the time he took the last curve, he continued to increase the gap until he was clearly more than twenty lengths ahead of the next two horses. When he crossed the finish line to win the race and the Triple Crown, Alejandro had beaten his own record. Beyond the finish line, Gyro broke down in tears.

  When interviewed, Gyro commented that he had nothing to do with the win. “I just let him go, at his own pace and will.” He smiled remembering Alex’s words and repeated them for history. “He ran like the wind!” That was exactly the sports headline on the paper the next day: ‘Triple Crown winner –Alejandro—runs like the wind!’ There were even equations in the newspapers trying to compare his speed with the speed of wind gusts.

  Alex bought tons of newspapers and saved them. “This is history, M’Addy. I will never forget this day, as long as I live!” The lasting impression of that experience was something she never forgot and talked about it for years.

  The Queen and several other royals were at the winner’s circle to hand out the most sought trophy in the English horse racing world, and Alex was the proud, happy recipient, as Alejandro’s owner. Watching the whole event, Addy thought that this was a remarkable happening in anyone’s life, and it had to be extraordinary in the life of a nine-year-old. As the Queen handed the trophy to Alex, who stood in front of her moms, Addy and Karen looked at each other feeling very proud, not so much about the horse or the win, but about the child casually talking to the Queen of England in a very animated conversation. If their horse was remarkable, their daughter was by far, above and beyond.