“Pretend, Cordell,” Nealy said before her throat closed tight.
She ran then, faster than she’d ever run in her life.
16
Nealy was waiting on the front porch, Hatch at her side, when the airport shuttle dropped off her family. She smiled from ear to ear as she watched Fanny walk toward her, her arms outstretched. The others followed behind, with Sunny and Harry bringing up the rear, Sage and Birch guiding their wheelchairs.
Her family was here. All of them this time, and this time they were all going to Churchill Downs to watch the Run for the Roses. Kentucky’s most important event of the year. The Kentucky Derby was to Louisville what Mardi Gras was to New Orleans. A super mega event the whole world watched.
“Hurry, everyone, we have to get over to the track. Jake is going to explode wide open if he doesn’t get to show off for you. He’s been waiting for this moment all day long. He’s saddled up and ready.” Nealy stopped at Sunny’s chair and bent low. “He wants to do this for you, Sunny, since he won’t be riding in the Derby. This little Blue Diamond Farms race is strictly for you. I have to run ahead because I’m racing with him. Make sure you clap real loud and whistle between your teeth. And, Sunny, it doesn’t matter if he wins or not. You okay with that?”
Sunny smiled. “I’m okay with it. He’s happy, and that’s all that matters.”
“Okay, I’ll see you over on the track.” Nealy sprinted away like a young girl. Hatch watched her, love shining in his eyes.
It was Lee Liu atop Gadfly, Jake on a horse named Lucky Lew. She would be riding Ethereal. Cordell was the clocker.
Nealy rolled her shoulders, bent low, and totally relaxed. The moment Cordell fired upward and the gates clanged open, all three horses blasted from the gate.
Back in the makeshift stands, Sunny gasped, “Oh my God! Is that my son out there on that huge horse? Mom, look at him go! Remember when he was afraid of the pony rides we used to try to get him to go on?”
Birch and Sage, Riley and Cole were like four young kids as they ran hooting and hollering down to the finish line to cheer Jake on. They clapped, whistled, and stomped their feet.
When he came in second, he stood up, his fists shooting in the air. “Yahoo!” he yelled.
“Good race, kiddo,” Nealy said, reaching for his hand. “I kind of think that family of ours is pretty proud of you right now. Congratulations, Lee. You look like a winner to me.”
“Thanks, Nealy. It’s always a pleasure to race with you. This boy is getting antsy. I’m going to cool him down and turn in. Thanks for inviting me to dinner but my stomach is still on overdrive. I’ll be ready to leave for Churchill Downs in the morning. You’ll know me because I’ll be the one with the bells on.”
Nealy leaned down to speak to Fanny. “What did you think?”
“I think you did a magnificent job with my grandson. I’ll be forever grateful. He’s got the right stuff, doesn’t he? My heart was in my mouth there for a few seconds. Don’t let me forget to give you a letter that was delivered to me earlier this morning. It was addressed to you in care of me.”
Nealy frowned, then shrugged. “Yes, he does have the right stuff, Fanny. For sure he’ll ride the Derby next year. I think I can almost guarantee it. I just have to take this horse to the barn and wash up a bit, and then it’s Blue Diamond Farms’ version of a Derby dinner this evening, along with mint juleps and all the trimmings. I won’t be long.”
The dinner was delicious, the conversation even more delicious as Nealy laughed and joked with her family. Excitement was running high, and everyone was excited about a possible win in the Derby.
“Where’s Emmie?” Sunny asked when dessert was being served.
“She said she would be late. Gabby had a play of some sort early this evening. She had to find a sitter among other things. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
“I’m stuffed,” Sawyer said, loosening the belt on her slacks. “I liked that caviar. What kind was it?”
“It’s a dark large-beaded roe taken from a type of sturgeon native to Kentucky rivers. It’s best paired with oysters in a vodka vinaigrette like we did it tonight. Domestic of course. Did you like the toasted pecans dipped in concentrated bourbon and then rolled in crystalized sugar? They’re one of my favorites. I can eat those things all day long. It’s a good thing the Derby only comes around once a year,” Nealy said, pointing to her hips.
Sawyer pointed to her belt. “I loved them, too. See, the dish is empty, but I think Cole and Riley ate more than I did.”
“We categorically deny that,” Riley and Cole said in unison.
“I particularly liked the fish spread,” Birch said.
“You should. We only serve it during Derby Week. It’s made from hickory-smoked Atlantic salmon and then we cure it in Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon and blend it with cream cheese. You can get drunk if you eat enough of it.” Nealy laughed.
“Is everything made with bourbon?” Fanny asked.
“During Derby Week it is. Sometimes after Derby Week, too. Would anyone care for another mint julep?”
“We all would,” Sawyer said, holding her glass aloft. “Bring it on!”
“Mint juleps are as symbolic of the Derby as the blanket of roses. Did you all bring your Derby clothes?” Nealy asked.
“We certainly did. I read up on everything I could find to make sure we don’t shame you. We have some rather elegant attire, thanks to Ms. Billie Thornton and Billie Ltd. Our hats are one of a kind, straw of course, with bright spring flowers and ribbons. We even brought straw hats for the men and bow ties. What do you think of that?” Maggie asked.
“I think it’s wonderful that you’re all in the spirit of it. Hatch has promised to take pictures of all of us. I’ll be changing in the barn and will join you all in the box at the very last minute. Thanks for the hat, Maggie, it’s gorgeous. I never wore a hat like that before. I’m going to feel like a real Southern belle. The Derby is the most exciting two and one-half minutes of racing you’ll ever see. The Preakness and the Belmont are great, but the Derby is really special.”
“What did you call this stew that I had three bowls of?” Fanny asked.
“Burgoo. It’s the spices that make it. We have gallons of it in case you want to take some home. And our Kentucky hams are the best in the country. We have plenty of those, too, if you want to take some home or we can ship them to you in dry ice.”
“Put me down for whatever you want to give away.” Sawyer yawned. “It’s not the company, it’s the time and the mint juleps. If you all don’t mind, I’m going to head back to the Inn.”
“You aren’t driving in that condition,” Riley snorted.
“No sirree, you are not,” Cole said.
“I’m driving them if you can lend us a vehicle,” Maggie said.
The phone rang just as Nealy was about to respond. Hatch answered it. “It’s Emmie.”
“Emmie, what’s wrong?” Nealy listened. “Oh, I hope she’s feeling better. No, of course not. I’ll explain. We’ll see you in the morning then.
“Gabby was in this school play tonight. Emmie said she was so nervous she threw up. She doesn’t want to leave her. You were asking about a vehicle. Of course. They’re all lined up by the garage. Keys are in the ignition. We’ll be leaving here around seven if that’s all right with all of you.”
An hour later, Nealy and Hatch found themselves saying good night to Fanny, who was the last to leave. “I wanted to wait till last to give you this, Nealy.”
“Who is it from, Fanny?”
“Them.”
“You mean the them we got the chicken soup from?” Fanny nodded. “Why don’t you take it in the house to read. Sage is waiting for me. I’ll see you in the morning. It was a lovely dinner, Nealy, and I enjoyed every mouth-watering bite. And thank you again for all you’ve done for Jake. I’ve never seen him so happy. Sunny just beamed all evening. Nothing can make a mother happier than seeing her children well and happy. Absolutely nothing.�
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Nealy frowned at Fanny’s words as she hugged her good night, and then it was Hatch’s turn. “We’ll see you in the morning.” Together they stood on the front porch until the headlights of Nealy’s BMW were out of sight.
“What is it, Nealy?”
“I have no idea, Hatch. Let’s go in the house to read it. Let’s have a mint julep, there’s plenty left in the pitcher, while we read it. It might be something we don’t want to hear . . . see. You know what I mean.”
“Nealy, who is the them Fanny was referring to?”
Nealy turned evasive. “You know, them.”
“No, Nealy, I don’t know who them is. How about telling me.”
“What they do is they make this . . . chicken soup in this . . . ramshackle diner. The bread is good, too, and then they give you some to . . . you know, go. Someone comes in, pulls down the blinds on the door, and . . . and they look . . . very, ah, collegiate. Very mannerly and respectful. They like Fanny.”
“Are you talking about the . . .”
“Uh-huh. Fanny said we needed some help. She has this phone number on a little piece of paper in her change purse. She knows the number by heart, though. They know things before they happen. Isn’t that uncanny? We dined out that night on their side of the street, and it was like we were royalty. It was unbelievable. Then we got an ice-cream cone and went back to Babylon. It was real late at night, but as Fanny pointed out, we had escorts, front, back, and sideways to make sure nothing happened along the way. It was about the Willow mess.”
“I see.”
“No, you don’t see, Hatch. That side of the street gives Fanny money for the rehab. They want to do that. You know how everyone in Vegas looks up to Fanny. She’s a legend. One time she turned all the lights and the water off in Vegas to show them they couldn’t mess with her. She said she was never so scared in her life. After that, they became friends. They even helped replant her beloved mountain when it burned. The whole town shut down to help her.”
“And they make chicken soup and really good bread to go.”
“That’s probably a sideline,” Nealy said, fiddling with the envelope.
“All right. I don’t think I want to talk about this anymore. Open the envelope and see what it says.”
Nealy ripped at the envelope, unfolded a single sheet of paper, and read the one sentence typed in the middle of the page:
Watch the eleven o’clock news.
Nealy looked at her watch. “It’s 10:50.” She walked over to the kitchen counter and turned on the small television set. They sipped at their mint juleps in silence, their eyes on the small screen while they suffered through ten minutes of Derby talk, the weather, and speculation on who was going to win the station’s Derby pool when the announcer said, “We have breaking news this evening. The nationwide manhunt for Willow Bishop was called off earlier this evening in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the arrests of Raphael Santiago and his brother Jesus. Both men are being charged with the murder of high roller Junior Belez, and will be arraigned in the morning.”
“Well, hot damn!” Hatch said, slapping his thigh. “Did you hear that, Nealy? She really was innocent. I have to call Nick and Zack Leroy. Have another drink, honey, while I make the calls. Shoot, I can’t call Nick. He was taking a late-night flight. In fact he should be arriving at the airport any minute. That’s okay, I can tell him in the morning. I do have to call Zack, though. If anyone can get word to Willow, he can. Don’t look at me like that, Nealy. No one should have to run and look over their shoulder for the rest of their life for something they didn’t do, no matter who they are.”
Hatch lumbered upstairs to his briefcase for his Palm Pilot. He found the number he wanted, raced back downstairs, and placed the overseas call. Seven minutes later he was talking to Zack Leroy.
“Mr. Leroy, this is Hatch Littletree. I’m calling you with good news. The police in Vegas arrested and are charging two men with the murder of Junior Belez. If you know how to get in touch with Willow or Mazie or whatever you want to call her, tell her she’s home free. Just call the NBC news station in Las Vegas, and they’ll confirm it. This isn’t a trick, Zack. Give Willow a message for me. Tell her I said to have a good life and to stop getting married. Take care of that dog of yours. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime, old-timer.”
Hatch turned to look at his wife. “You did that. By going to that chicken soup place and meeting Fanny’s . . . ah . . . friends, you were able to give Willow back her life. That’s no small thing, honey. That’s right up there as in a major happening. I’m wired now. You up for some intense lovemaking?” He leered at her.
“How intense is intense?”
“Like really intense.” Hatch grinned as he gulped the last of his mint julep.
“I’m your girl then.” Nealy drained the last of her drink, and set it down with a thump in the middle of the table.
Together they tottered up the back stairway. In their room, they both flopped down on the bed and were asleep within seconds.
Nealy hopped from the Ford Ranger, a smile on her face.
Churchill Downs!
The land of hopes and dreams for every horse owner setting foot on its fabled turf. Herself included. She watched Jake as he twirled around and around, trying to take it all in at once.
“I can’t believe I’m here! I’m really here! Someday, and I don’t know when that day will be, but it’s coming, and I’m going to fly out of that gate, and I’m going to fly across the finish line. Will you bet your poke on me, Aunt Nealy?”
Nealy hugged him. “You betcha. Come on now, we have to get these guys settled. Where did Lee go?”
“He’s around here somewhere. He knows what to do. Look, there’s Matrix, the favorite to win. He’s stupendous. The one who’s going to challenge us the most is Alpha Omega. He’s got a great closing style. He can be running ninth and all of a sudden he’s second and then he gives that last spurt and crosses the finish line with everyone watching with their mouths hanging open. I’ve watched all his races on video.”
“Nealy, wait up,” a voice called.
“Nice to see you again, Nealy. Sorry you aren’t running this race today. I’m feeling kind of cheated. I got a great horse here,” the jockey said, pointing to Alpha Omega.
“Ricky! It is nice to see you, too. I heard you were riding the odds-on favorite. I’ve been hearing good things about you. I want you to meet my nephew, Blue Diamond Farm’s up-and-coming jockey. Ricky Vee, this is Jake Thornton. Jake, Ricky Vee.”
“Wow! You’re one of the best jockeys out there.”
“Nah, this lady is the best jockey ever to come out of Kentucky. I’m just a poor second,” Ricky joked as he pointed to Nealy. “See you around, Nealy.”
“Yeah, see you around. Cup of courage to you, Ricky.”
Nealy turned to Jake. “Not only is he a great jockey, he’s a great human being. He has heart, and he loves the horses.”
“You’re feeling sad, aren’t you?”
“A little. It’s like everything in life, Jake, the time always comes when you have to let it all go. The trick is knowing when that time is. I could probably do it but . . .”
“But?”
“I’m too old now.”
Jake guffawed. “Do you want me to tell you how old Willie and Eddie were?”
“No, we can skip that. Oh, oh, this isn’t good.”
“Oh, shit,” Jake said, sprinting after Emmie, who was leading Hifly to his stall where a cluster of grooms and jockeys were heckling her about the horse’s looks. Nealy was about to run to her daughter when she saw Ricky Vee swing around and jam his hand in the direction of the hecklers. His voice carried to Nealy. “Knock it off and grow up. And remember this, think back to John Henry. Now, get your asses out of here, all of you, or I’ll kick them all the way to the clubhouse turn.”
Properly chastised, the little group moved on. Even from this distance, Nealy could see her daughter’s shoulders shaking. She watched as Jake draped a co
mforting arm around her.
Nealy looked around and smiled at all the activity. Horse vans, trainers, grooms, owners, blaring music, it was all music to her soul. She saw Lee Liu and sighed with relief. There were Cordell and all her people. She whirled around when she heard her family call her name.
“What do you think?” Nealy said, waving her arms about.
“Awesome,” they responded as a group.
They would splinter off to tour the grounds, gaze upon the awesome track, and snap pictures of the twin spires, a must for any first-time visitor.
“Dinner is at seven; we do a tailgate picnic. Everything is throwaway. Afterward we sit around and tell tall horse tales. In between the tall tales, we either talk to the press or we go out of our way to avoid them. They’re like a band of locusts, they’re everywhere, and they don’t give up. I’d appreciate it if none of you would talk to them. I’d like to be the one to introduce Jake to the media. Okay, go explore Churchill Downs, family.” Nealy watched them straggle off before she walked back to the barn where Gadfly and Hifly were in stalls next to each other.
For three years, the two of them were barn buddies and while some said it didn’t mean anything, others said it meant everything. The naysayers, though, had never run two barn buddies in the Derby. Two barn buddies by the same awesome sire.
Nealy let her gaze rake the barn area for a sign of her daughter. When she spotted her, she took off on the run. She was breathless when she finally caught up to her. “Emmie, what was that all about? Are you all right? You look upset.”
“They were riding me about Hifly. I was about to tell them off when your . . . friend intervened.”
“Then why are you so jittery? You need to calm down now. Hifly is going to pick up on your nervousness.”
“Mom, I know that. I knew I was going to take some ribbing, I just didn’t expect it the minute I got out of the truck. It threw me, okay? I’m not you, I react differently to things than you do. Everything is under control.”
Nealy nodded. “Where’s your father?”
“He’s here somewhere. He spotted some people he wanted to shake hands with. He’ll be back soon. Do you need anything else, Mom?”
Kentucky Sunrise Page 29
