by Mike Rogers
Arthur asked, "So, do you want to tell me, or should I just be here for you?"
I almost had to laugh, but suddenly, I wanted to cry more. "I'll tell you," I said, "but you have to promise me…"
"Anything, Sarah. You know that you can ask me anything." He was so honest. That's why he was my best friend. So we ended up going to his house to finish the conversation.
Taking a deep breath, I began, "I asked you before if you knew anything about why Lucero fired me and why I fell out of grace so drastically…" That was how I started it. Even at that point, Arthur's face fell. He knew that I had finally learned what had happened. Part way through my story, I began to break down. He put a comforting arm around my shoulders.
Finally, he asked in a disembodied voice, "So, which version did you hear?"
Jerking my head off his shoulder, I choked out in a tear filled voice, "Versions!? There can't be more than one!"
Arthur appeared visibly guilty at having let that slip. Instead of answering me, he steered me to the couch, pushing me down, and sitting beside me. "Ok, Sarah," he said, "let's start from the beginning. What do you know? I'll fill in the blanks later."
Attempting to compose myself, I took a minute before beginning. "All I know is a couple facts and a lot of assumptions. I might as well start with the facts. That reporter from ESPN said that Lucero let me go because my romantic advances were become more frequent, intense, and very unwelcome to him.
"Now, that answered a lot. I now understand why people watched me. Actually it was more scrutiny than innocent watching. Lucero has been acting really weird. At random times he's said he was sorry. Other times he's really nice. Sometimes he's downright mean!
"Add to this if you would. His sister Chrissy keeps trying to play matchmaker! Now that I've heard a 'version' it's even more embarrassing. I don't know what to think anymore!"
By now, all my tears were used up, instead replaced by a rage barely held below the surface.
Arthur now took the cue to take over. "Just so you know I wasn't privy to all the facts. But there are some things I knew at the time, and other facts that I've learned over the years. Are you ready for this?"
In a steady voice for the first time all evening, I said, "Yes."
Arthur asked not to be interrupted before he began. He wanted to get through it before I exploded. I agreed, knowing sometimes I was prone to doing just that.
"Right before Lucero let you go; I noticed he was acting a little strange. I didn't really know you at the time, but I did know you were stealing all the good rides I would have gotten from Lucero.
"So he was acting strangely… Then, he began to give me rides I knew you should have been getting. I, being the curious person that I am, started asking questions. Here's what everyone said…
"You had been spending a lot of time at Lucero's house. People whispered that you two were romantically involved. Everyone was sure of it. They were convinced you guys were connected at the hip."
I started to say something, but he shushed me.
"This was considered big news. Lucero was married! To a very possessive wife,
who to his day still claims he's hers. A couple weeks before you were publicly denounced rumors were flying like crazy. His wife was becoming noticeably hostile. Lucero was looking extremely tense and worn.
"Then, suddenly, Lucero shames you and everything becomes hunky-dory with his wife. You appear to have a mental breakdown. All see it as a failed romantic affair begun by you."
I abruptly ask, "Are you done?"
"No, not quite," he answered. "How this is related to today, you ask? Now, you're spending a lot of time with Lucero. People know you've again been to his house. You've been seen driving away together. You've hugged and been noticeably affectionate.
"Lately, Lucero has looked rather tense, especially around you. His now ex-wife has become increasingly belligerent whenever you are around, which is a lot. As many people say, things appear to be repeating themselves.
"Now, Sarah, say whatever you want to say. Deny or confirm what you like." Arthur leaned back on the couch looking visibly more relaxed to get that off his chest.
Thoughts swirled around my mind. I wasn't sure where to begin. One thing kept popping into my mind though. "Lucero, he…he was…MARRIED!"
To say the least, that was not what Arthur expected to come out of my mouth. "What? You never knew he was married? You've met his wife at least a dozen times! She still works for Frank."
Something seemed to click in my brain. That woman. That snotty little groom who warns me to stay away from Lucero; "her Bobby." She always hangs off of him like he's her piece of real estate. There was still something that didn't make sense. They were divorced, yet she still worked for him, and every once in a while, but not lately, they seemed too friendly with each other. I had seen them in a passionate embrace in a corner while walking down the shed row. I fell guilty to say that whenever I find them this way I get this queasy fluttering in my stomach. I decided I wouldn't explore that feeling at the moment.
Coming out of my trance, I asked Arthur, "Are you talking about the groom that he occasionally makes out with in the shed row?"
Arthur nodded his head. "They seem to never have quite broken up. Until lately. Lucero has been refusing all of her advances. It's the talk of the backstretch. They're making bets as to who's going to get him, you or her."
At this, I finally had to laugh. "This is too ridiculous to upset me! Placing bets! Ha-ha!" we probably laughed for a good five minutes. Then, I got serious again. "Arthur? Why couldn't Lucero have told everybody that the allegations were ridiculous? Why did he have to instead put me down?"
Arthur answered honestly, "I don't know. I wish I knew…Whatever his reason to do it that way—it wasn't good enough." His face was set in a grim line.
"Thanks, Arthur, "I murmured. Impulsively, I leaned over and hugged him. Returning my hug, he gently stroked my hair and kissed the top of my head.
Pushing me away, Arthur's face transformed into a bright smile. "Enough with this depressing stuff. Why don't you stay awhile and have some popcorn while watching a movie?"
Smiling, I said, "That sounds perfect!"
There we were, on his couch, snuggled up under the blankets watching a chick flick. I don't know how I convinced him to watch it. Maybe he just felt sorry for me. And, just a FYI, Arthur and I are like brother and sister. That's the way it's going to stay too.
About halfway through the movie, I heard the door open and close. I glanced over at Arthur. He either didn't hear or wasn't worried.
I whispered, "Did you hear someone come in?"
Arthur nodded absentmindedly, "Year, there are a couple people who have keys and periodically spend the night because I live close to the track. Three's less travel time that way."
There was peace for another thirty seconds until suddenly the overhead light was switched on. Much to my chagrin, and astonishment, a very tired and shocked Lucero stared down at us. Arthur looked the most shocked of us all. Tensing, he sprang to his feet and walked toward Lucero, hands out, almost beseeching him.
As Lucero recovered from his shock, a look of pure rage transformed his face. Shifting his gaze from me to Arthur, he didn't even wait for an explanation. With one deft movement, he nailed Arthur's jaw with his fist. Arthur's head snapped back and he stumbled backward, his hand flying to his face.
My eyes had to be as beg as saucers as my mouth opened to form a perfect "o". Since Lucero was still engrossed with the now unconscious Arthur, I slowly got off the couch, heading for the passageway on the other side of the room. I knew I was a coward for deserting Arthur, but I was no match for Lucero when he was in this mood.
I had almost reached the threshold when Lucero glanced at the couch. I could have ducked out, but instead I froze. Why? I have no idea. Frantically, his eyes flew around the room. They landed on me and stayed—intense. He took one measured step toward me.
It was then that the strength began to co
urse its way through my body. "Oh crap…" I whispered before turning and sprinting for the nearest exit.
Turning the corner at full speed, I confronted Lucero funning right at me! He had turned around in the living room to block the front door. Skidding to a stop, I spun around, making a dash for the kitchen where I knew the back door beckoned. I had never gone out that way, but I assumed it was just a matter of flipping the lock and dashing out.
Flying into the kitchen, I collided with the back door, turned the lock, twisted the handle, and pulled.
Nothing happened.
It refused to budge! I didn't see any more latches or anything that would explain it. Taking no more time to fight it, I turned to quickly slip out of the kitchen. There was Lucero casually leaning against the counter, right in front of the door.
Slowly, he stood up, not saying a word, intently staring at me. In measured steps, he drew closer and closer.
"Now, Lucero," I said pressing my body flat against the door, "this is ridiculous. Let's talk. Why did you get so upset?" He continued to come closer and closer. "There was no reason to punch Arthur like that…especially since you didn't give him a reason." My voice had become high pitched with panic.
Finally, he reached me. Still refusing to say anything, he took a firm hold of my throat, the other hand twisting the doorknob as if to open it. Fearfully, I looked into his eyes. A small smirk briefly played across his lips. His hand pushed against my throat. His body pressed even closer to mine. I was sure that in any second I would be absorbed into the wood.
Suddenly, I felt this falling sensation. Then, I felt the jolt as I bounced on the ground. Looking up, I saw Lucero's threatening silhouette in the doorway. Reaching out, he grabbed the doorknob slamming the door shut, bathing me in the night's darkness.
Sitting there, stunned, I absorbed what happened. Lucero gave me exactly what I wanted—escape. So that door did open! It opened away from me, not toward me! I was such an idiot! Heaving myself up, I dejectedly walked to my car. I knew Arthur would be ok. Lucero could be violent sometimes, but not murderous.
What a day!
Apprehensively, I wandered down the barn aisle the next morning. Everyone was bustling around, ignoring me. Thank goodness! I didn't know if I could have handled the attention.
That morning was like any other except for the glaring absence of Lucero. The assistant trainer was left in charge with specific instructions. He explained that Lucero had an important matter to attend to and would not be around that day.
That morning, I rode Longshot and a couple of the grass horses. Longshot was continuing to thrive. He continued to hold his weight and even perhaps gained a little. On the track he moved with such confidence. People, eleven veteran trainers, ceased whatever they were doing to watch him jog past. Later on, Harry told me about all the wonderful comments he'd received about Longshot.
So, at the end of the day, I deemed it a day well spent. Everyone was peaceful, and most of all, there were no fights.
You know the old saying. What goes around comes around. Just like always, the peace never lasts. I walked into the barn in the morning. Immediately, that woman, Lucero's ex-wife, saunters out heading straight for me. I tried to show no reaction, but a grimace must have slipped.
Smirking at my discomfort, she demanded, "Stop manipulating Bobby. You're disposable to him you know. I've told him all your conniving little scams. He's through with you." If her face could become more evil, it did. "Sorry, honey, but you're never riding in the Breeder's Cup. For Bobby anyway. Not this year, the next, or ever!" Laughing, she turned and walked into the barn.
Through her whole tirade, I had managed to keep my face impassive. Thousands of thought and emotions raced through my mind. Did she still have that kind of influence on him? I desperately didn't want to believe her. She was quite capable of telling lies. The hurt from the first time still ran deep, keeping me rooted to the spot.
Before I had a chance to gather my courage to take that first step, Lucero emerged, spotted me, and yelled, "Taylor! Get you butt down to the track! The horses need to be ridden!"
I made it through that day. Lucero was even nicer than usual…besides the fact that when Arthur came to work Gambit, I didn't leave Lucero's side until Arthur left. I never even got the chance to say hello to him! Another disconcerting turn of events was the arrival of some reporters. Even though they never approached, they dept their eyes trained on Lucero and me. Also, I heard the distinctive click of cameras.
I could tell that Lucero was greatly disturbed by their presence. He knew something was up, but didn't know exactly what it was about. Several times, he attempted some small talk with me, but I still wasn't in the mood. Every time he spoke, feelings of anger and betrayal rose in my chest. I was never able to mutter more than monosyllables, which annoyed him to no end.
Finally, I was able to detach myself from him. Hurrying away, I didn't slow down until I had ducked out of site behind a barn. Then, I began my search to find Arthur.
He was no where to be found. I looked at all his usual haunts. Out of sheer desperation, I waited near is car, leaning on a post ten feet away. Then, I heard voices and footsteps approaching.
Arthur rounded the corner first, and to my utter horror, Lucero followed right behind. Ducking down behind a nearby car, I peered around the front bumper. Arthur looked none the worse for ware besides a swollen nose and cut lip. The two were chatting companionably. Apparently, they were still friends.
I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help listening to their conversation.
Lucero spoke with a serious look on his face, "So you understand, due to the circumstances I've described, soon you will be my main go to rider?"
Arthur nodded, "Sure. But one last suggestion. Lucero, you really need to get rid of her once and for all. Continuing to employ her will be your downfall."
Sighing, Lucero swiped the sweat off his forehead, "I know. I will once I figure out a way to do it will little fuss. If she explodes and creates a huge media frenzy, I won't survive in one piece the second time."
"Lucero," Arthur cautioned, "just don't' wait too long."
Turning away from the pair, I sat back against the car. They had to be talking about me. Arthur sure did turn out to be a good friend. A sense of helplessness swept over me. I would not be sacked the same way. I would do something. I just didn't know what.
Later that day, I tracked down Chrissy mucking out stalls. Grabbing a pitchfork, I lent her a hand.
"So," she said smiling, "What brings you to do menial stable work?"
"Well, I wanted to talk to you."
The tone of my voice must have told her something because she stopped what she was doing to look at me. "Shoot."
Almost losing my nerve, I forged on, "Remember the one time we were talking about your breeding farm? How's that going?"
Instead of asking me to cut to the chase, she humored my questions. "I'm really excited. It was be up and running next year with brand new residents, Longshot and Gambit. Bobby's sending his own broodmare band. Small, but a start! Then, next summer, I'm going to advertise a service to prepare yearlings for sales. You know," she said giving me a sideways glance, "if you're interested would you like to become partners with me? You've got a good head. You would fit in real well."
When I had started this conversation, in the back of my mind I had wanted her to ask me this. Recent events had begun to convince me that a jockey's life was much too unpredictable. Becoming a partner with Chrissy would provide the stability I craved.
Nothing, I knew, would ever replace the thrill of galloping a thoroughbred racehorse full speed. Maybe, someday, I would find the same thrill by watching Longshot's foals take their first steps and preparing fledgling young thoroughbreds for their emergence into the bustling industry. Turning to Chrissy, I had made up my mind.
"Chrissy, I feel so honored that you would ask me to take this position. I would like to accept."
"Really!" she shrieked, "This is goin
g to be great!" Zealously, she attacked the manure, sending it flying everywhere; once in a while making it into the wheel barrow.
"On one condition," I said interrupting her celebration. "Don't announce it until after the Breeder's Cup."
"Ok!" Nothing was going to damper her excitement.
I added, "Don't even tell your brother."
"Oh. I see," she gave me this secret look.
Pretending I didn't notice, I gave her a quick hug and hurried out.
The next day was a nightmare from the beginning. I wasn't at the track two minutes before Lucero's ex-wife, whose name was Kay; set her angry eyes on me.
