by PJ Eiden
“If you had a choice for a birthday present, would you introduce yourself to a pest?” Evelyn asked.
Rachel looked puzzled.
“The reason I think they’re pinstripers is, first take a look at their shoes. They are wearing Italian leather shoes to a dog racing track. They both have slick-backed hair, pocket watches, and expensive trousers. These guys are either investors in the stock market or attorneys who keep the mob out of prison. Either way, I don’t believe either of them has ever done an honest day’s work.”
Rachel was stunned. “How exactly did you get so much information on them while playing darts. You never even turned around to look at them.”
“Oh, I noticed them milling around out front when we arrived. I sized them up while you were getting our race programs.”
Rachel was stumped. She had never bothered to make such assumptions about people before she met them. It simply ruined the fun of it.
Evelyn kept on throwing darts.
Rachel started to snicker.
“What’s come over you?
She thumped Evelyn on the shoulder. “Don’t look now, but they’re headed this way.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Great, I’m overjoyed.”
The man with deep-set eyes and a dimple in his chin stepped close and introduced himself. “Hi, ladies. I’m Robert.” Pointing to his partner, he said, “My friend here is Thomas. May I ask, what brings such fine-looking dames to a sinful place like this?”
Evelyn wasn’t taking the bait. She shook her head as she spoke. “Dames? Is this how you try to impress women?”
Robert didn’t expect a cool reception. “Whoa, pretty lady! No insult was intended. I’m more of an admirer.”
Evelyn walked around the pair and looked them over. “Well, we’ve seen you two stacking up cash over there like a couple of bank robbers. I’m guessing you’ve been to this sinful place more than a time or two?”
Thomas looked at Robert and smiled. “Yes, you’ve caught us. We even got here early today to spend time watching the dogs do their warm-ups.”
“So that is how you knew which dogs would be the fastest?” Millie asked.
Thomas smiled again. “Well, sort of. But you birds wouldn’t understand the mathematics of odds, dog breeding, and betting stuff. You’d be best left to pretty dresses and fancy hats.”
Evelyn could feel the heat rising from her neck. “All right, we didn’t invite you to our party. You wandered over here because you are off your leash or something. Why don’t you take your cash and fancy shoes and shuffle off somewhere? I recommend you try the dog kennels. It’s clear you need a muzzle.”
Evelyn planted three darts in a tight circle very near the center of the target. She rose to her tiptoes and clapped her hands.
“I can’t believe it. What a luck you are! Obviously, you’ve got more experience than the average gal who showed up here tonight,” her opponent, a red-haired tart named Rosie scoffed. “Well, I’m headed upstairs to watch the races now. Congratulations, you deserve it.”
Between race heats, the public address system crackled to life. A male voice echoed out across the track. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please for a special announcement? First, thank you all for coming to our inaugural ladies’ night. By all measures, it’s been a great success. We hope you’re having fun. At this time, I’m pleased to announce the winner of the Maywood Kennel Club ladies-only dart tournament.” He covered the microphone with his hand. “Step up here closer and take this chair, please.” Rachel pushed Evelyn in near the announcer. He returned to broadcasting. “So, tell everyone dear, what’s your name?”
Evelyn leaned down near the wide chrome microphone. “I’m Evelyn Smith, sir.”
The announcer smiled. “So, Evelyn, I understand you beat out the other women in the tournament tonight even with amazing participation of over fifty competitors. Great job!”
“Wow, I didn’t realize there were that many.”
The announcer chuckled. “Now, I’m told your dart-throwing accuracy is remarkable. Can you share your secret to success and tell us how long you’ve been throwing darts? It appears you’ve been practicing a lot.”
Evelyn hesitated and cleared her throat. “Sure, I guess I can answer your questions. Tonight was actually the first time I ever tried throwing darts. It turns out, it’s quite easy.”
The announcer laughed. “No kidding, so you’re a natural at this? Would you share your secret for how you scored so high?”
Evelyn turned back and looked at Rachel who was watching from the rear of the announcer’s booth. When Evelyn was ready, she leaned in close to the microphone again. “Well, I thought about someone I dislike and imagined their face on the dartboard each time I threw.”
The announcer and people in the crowd broke into snickers. Rachel leaned back against the wall and covered her eyes. She couldn’t help but marvel at her friend’s unfiltered mouth.
The announcer continued, “This is precious! So, Evelyn, may I ask exactly who you imagined on your dartboard tonight?”
Evelyn hesitated. “Well, I’d rather not say.”
People in the crowd fell out of the bleachers laughing.
After a few moments, the announcer regained his composure. “So, can you give us a hint? Is it maybe someone you work with or an acquaintance?”
Evelyn’s face turned as red as a beet. The announcer slid the microphone right up to the table’s edge. She finally blurted, “This always happens to me on my birthday! We go out for some fun and it turns into a public spectacle!”
Now, Rachel was blushing.
The announcer prodded, “How interesting. So, go on, tell us more.”
“I could imagine my close friend Rachel on those dart boards tonight. You see, she often drags me out to meet people when I’d rather not. But no, tonight it wasn’t her. It was a fella named Robert who strolled up to me and made me mad by bragging about how much he was winning on these races.” Evelyn reached down and took hold of the long flat jewelry box on the announcer’s table. She raised it in the air with her right hand. “But now, I’ve shown him. Thanks to the Kennel Club, I’ve got a string of real pearls.”
Applause and cheers swept across the grandstands. The announcer took back the mic. “Oh my, this is rich. There’s even a bit of revenge in there. Folks, before we kick off the second heat tonight, how about we all stand and sing happy birthday to Evelyn.”
As the crowd of over two thousand rose to their feet, turned toward the announcer’s booth, and joined in the chorus, Evelyn shot up from the chair and swiveled to chase Rachel from the booth. On the way out the door, she reached up, took hold of a long strand of Rachel’s brown hair, and gave it a sharp tug. Rachel spun around with her hand covering her mouth. Tears of laughter were rolling down both of her cheeks. As she snickered, she mumbled, “I deserve it! But, it’s sooo worth it to take you out on your birthday.”
“You’ve really done it this time, Rach.”
As the women made their way back to rejoin their friends, some people wished Evelyn a happy birthday. A few asked to see the string of pearls. She was embarrassed about everyone knowing her name now. Near the refreshments area, the crowd was thick. She stepped around a group of people who were busy talking and without warning came face-to-face with Robert, the pinstriper. Once their eyes met, they both tried to look away.
Evelyn didn’t know what to say after the tale she shared with everyone. As she tried to brush past him, the crowd pressed in, and she was pushed right into him. He jumped back a little. “So, now its public knowledge, you really don’t like me?”
Evelyn took a deep breath. “Wasn’t it clear when we first met?”
“Oh, quite clear. You seem to be a woman who knows how to speak her mind all right.”
“Well, you sir, are not a gentleman, but a pompous fool.”
&nb
sp; “I prefer to think I know my place. Despite everything, I’m still willing to teach you a thing or two about betting if you like.”
Evelyn leaned in and looked him straight in the eyes. “No, thank you. But I could offer to show you how to throw darts.”
“How kind. You are quite clever.”
Evelyn stared at the stubble emerging on his chin. “I would gladly take a position behind you.”
“Why, because you know your place?”
“No, so I could use the back of your pants for a live target.”
“Say, you’re a sassy one.”
They both smirked a little.
“The likes of which you’ll never get to know.”
“OK, I can see you’re capable of holding your own in a debate. I haven’t found this trait in many women.”
The crowd was breaking up a bit now. “Our fun is over. I’m going to rejoin my friends. Good luck with your get-rich schemes.”
He shook his head. “You are always a comic. Well, happy birthday. I do hope you enjoy your pearls.”
Rachel stood up from the table and offered her friend a glass. “Evelyn, where have you been? I was worried the crowd mobbed you for your jewelry”
Evelyn placed the necklace box down on the table in front of the women and opened the cover. “Oh, while I avoided being robbed, I was forced to spend more time swapping insults with Robert, the famous pinstriper. He and I got tangled up together in the crowd. We had a good verbal dance.”
“Did you come out with your dignity intact?” Rachel was having fun at her friend’s expense. “Did anyone push your face in close to a microphone?”
Evelyn chuckled. “No, our debate came to a draw, but the people near us got a few good laughs once they realized we were the famous at-odds couple.”
Millie patted a chair’s seat. “Come, take a load off. We have some gifts to share with you.”
Evelyn smiled at her friends. “Hey, you ladies didn’t need to get me anything. Taking me along tonight was a gift. You know, I have to admit I never go out on the town unless I get dragged along.”
Rachel set the presents on the table. Each was wrapped in brown store paper. “Don’t worry about it. These are a few little things we thought you might like.”
Evelyn tore the package open from Rachel first. It contained a tiny perfume bottle imported from France. “Oh, how thoughtful!” She loosened the cap and smelled the fragrance. “It’s flowery and fantastic! Here, see for yourselves.” She passed the bottle around so everyone could smell it.
Next, she opened a package with a pair of gloves and the other was a scarf.
Claire spoke up. “Those are from Millie and me. I know it’s summer right now, but soon enough, the scarf will come in handy.”
“Thank you both. These are nice.” Evelyn was beaming. “Gosh, everyone, even with me embarrassing myself over the address system, I’ve had a great time tonight. Thank you all so much!”
Millie had to chime in. “Hold on now, we’re not leaving quite yet. Finish your drinks because we have some dogs to cheer for!”
The line for placing bets on the race was a flurry of activity with people each scouring over the printed betting programs before stepping to the bookies’ window. It didn’t allow much time to sort through the hounds.
Evelyn liked the sound of the name Spooky. “What kind of dog ends up with a name like Spooky? I’m guessing he’s skittish and runs like the wind. I’ll take a chance on him.”
Rachel settled on Tornado. Millie chose Salt Shaker. Claire placed her bet on Light Foot.
The public address system crackled back to life with an all too familiar male voice. “OK, ladies and gentlemen, we’ll get things set up for the seventh. Place your bets now because the action is fast, and this night will wind down soon. We run nine races an evening and this is number seven. OK, the dogs are being loaded in the traps now. We’ll cut off bets in about two minutes. Again, the bookies will be closing up shop for the seventh in about two minutes.”
The girls scrambled into the stands to find a place to watch the excitement. Rachel pointed toward the track. “Let’s take those seats down in front.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Keep your eyes peeled everyone; you don’t want to miss the launch of the new automatic rabbit.
“All right, we’ve got ourselves a six-dog set up for you here in the seventh. In the number one spot, we have Quick Sand. This dog’s a multi-race winner and always a favorite here at Fairview. In the number two trap is Tornado, who hails from a kennel in Oklahoma. They know how to train ‘em in the Sooner state. Number three is Spooky, a blue-gray with long legs. Watch this blur of speed when in the mood for a hare snack.
“Number four is Bolt. This pup was named after lightning struck her kennel. She’s been running fast ever since. At number five is Salt Shaker. He’s a white heartbreaker from Utah. Ladies, keep an eye out for a strong finish late in the race. In the sixth and final position is Light Foot. She’s worthy of her name due to her smaller size, but don’t be fooled. She’s won her weight in gold coins over the last two seasons.”
The line judge circled the box and prepared the gate. He stepped off the track, raised his arm, and waived a green ribbon. The mechanical rabbit dropped on the rail, caught the drive, and lurched into high speed. As the rabbit zipped passed the dog traps, the gate flipped open and released the hounds. The announcer called, “Away they go folks with Light Foot taking an early lead.”
The women jumped to their feet. Rachel fanned herself rapidly with a race program even though the evening was quite comfortable. Evelyn bumped her shoulder with her own. “You OK, dear?”
“Yes, I’m just excited. Wow, these dogs are crazy fast.”
“As they sail through the first bend, the front pack is skinny with three hounds vying for number one. The rabbit’s got no rest as Salt Shaker is hot on his heels, yes it’s Salt Shaker with a two pooch lead,” called the announcer.
Evelyn leaned over to Rachel. “You’re right, these hounds are bred to fly.”
“Now in the back straight, nipping at Salt Shaker’s tail, are Bolt and Spooky. They are inching closer to a three-dog tie. Look at the speed! What’s this? Like a shot, Light Foot slips around and takes to the outside. What’s gotten into her? She’s stretching out for all she’s worth. Now, she’s lapped them in grand fashion to take away the prize. This one’s anybody’s guess folks. What a race we’ve got!
“Oops, there’s unrest in the second pack as Tornado and Quick Sand pull apart. Tornado is making a move right into the middle of the lead group. As they go into the final turn, the long legs are taking over. Yes, Tornado blasts the front pack like a bowling ball steaming through a set of pins. He’s got the nerve to do it and the timing in the home stretch. In hot pursuit is Quick Sand. No one’s leaving this dog behind. The money is on the line now, folks.
“Tornado and Light Foot are neck and neck now with the finish in sight. Tornado forges ahead as Light Foot tires. That’s it. Wow, what a race finish! You’ve seen a good one!
“Here are the official results. The first dog in is Tornado. Second finisher is Light Foot. The third payout goes to Quick Sand. Congratulations to all our winners!”
Rachel jumped up and down clapping. She hugged Claire, who was also jumping up and down. “Yeah, I won!” She stopped for a moment, then started jumping again. “I mean, I can’t believe we both won!”
Millie smiled at the beginner’s luck. “All right, ladies. Let’s go collect your winnings. The good news is, we’re not done yet. There are two more races to go. We’ve got about twenty minutes to pick the next round of winners and have a quick drink.”
Chapter 21
The Lake
Albert brought the pair of boats to Hubert Landing. He got them positioned along the dock for loading passengers and tied them off. The store was busy, too.
He headed over to collect provisions needed for the lodge.
Tom saw him come in. “Hi, Albert. Sorry I couldn’t meet you over at the dock. Go ahead and take the wagon to haul your things. I can collect it later. Good news! You have a few boat passengers today. It looks like summer has finally arrived.”
Albert loaded the food and supplies into the wooden crates in the second boat. As he placed the empty wagon next to the landing, a young family with two small children walked down to the shore. The father asked, “Are you the one who brings people to the lodge?”
“Yes, my name is Albert. If you folks want to take a seat in the front boat, I’ll add your bags to the other one before we head out. Please save me the middle bench for rowing.” Albert set to work loading everything in place.
As he turned to untie the boat, a man loomed over him, startling the teenager. The sound of his deep voice took the boy’s breath away. “Are you Albert?”
The blood drained from his face. Albert stood in the shadow of a dark-haired stranger wearing an expensive-looking suit, fancy shoes, and an out-of-place hat. After a considerable pause, Albert composed himself. He took a couple of steps forward, swallowed hard, and reached in the boat for a life vest. “Here, put this on. There’s room in the freight boat. My dad will want a word with you when we arrive at the lodge.”
The stranger smiled at the young man who appeared to be all business. “I would expect him to, young man.”
Perspiration soaked his shirt as Albert strained to row the loaded boat train across the lake. At the dock, he called for his father, then nodded toward the freight boat passenger.
Warren cringed at his son’s rude treatment of a guest. Extending his hand, he said, “You must be Pastor Colbert. Welcome to Clark Lake Lodge. I’m Warren Johnson. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. If I recall correctly, you are here for your niece’s wedding on Saturday?” Warren turned and made a secret scowl at Albert.
The minister smiled. “Yes, you’re correct, Warren. She asked me to perform the ceremony.”