by Brian Cain
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Stanton had found no trace of Winston Blake or his daughter Rose, facial recognition priority brought zero results. Blake was sitting tight or had changed his identity, Stanton didn't even know what Rose looked like other than old photos. Bret McCrea working beneath his new placement had also came up with nothing, however the day of the challenge he did know of a chopper destined for grassy infield opposite the grand stand at Churchill Downs Kentucky. He inadvertently concerned about international condemnation spurred by comments in the media by Thunderbolts owner Bryce bolstered security in the area of the choppers planned landing spot with CIA agents Dirk Truman and Conrad Wayne given leave to attend the race.
Bryce wallowed in attention as the challenge time approached and the horse Flaxmead reported to have landed in the country had half hour prior to the challenge not shown itself. Bryce confronted Whistler for information, Whistler smiled and said nothing, he couldn't do anything else he didn't know anything but was sure there would be no repeat of Phar Laps demise. As Bryce climbed the stairs to the official's office complex in the Grandstand to demand he be declared the winner on a no show a Sikorsky S92 chopper swooped by banked and poised to land on the grassy infield. Bryce watched from the terrace, the rotors came to standstill and the ramp door on the side of the aircraft lowered. Lindy Cumberland led Flaxmead onto the hallowed soil of Churchill downs, Stanton gave her a leg up and Jessica led Flaxmead to an access in the inner railing releasing Flaxmead onto the kicking up the sandy loam surface, he reared up and screamed out. It echoed around the grandstand and the crowd realising it was the challenger got to their feet most looking around for the challenged. Bryce shook his head at the excruciating cry from Flaxmead and gripped the terrace railing in rage. He raced down the steps, Thunderbolt was languishing in the parade ground but had been rattled by the cry of another horse. Thunderbolts jockey hastily mounted his steed as Bryce yelled abuse at all around him scattering gatherings in the parade ground whom mixed with those vying for vantage points to watch the action.
Lindy positioned Flaxmead in front of the grandstand at the start finish point, he became restless and hard to handle in front of the noisy crowd. The rules were simple to Lindy, three times round the one mile track with a standing start without gates. The American president would signal the start with a flag from the railing beneath the grandstand. Thunderbolt appeared on the track and attempted to tort round the challenger, the stallion was confronted by the professional demoraliser, Flaxmead walked sideways toward him with eyes of fire.
The president raised the flag and the grounds went silent, the flag came down and Thunderbolt raced away, Flaxmead reared up with a cry then set off after his adversary. He caught him before the first corner and Lindy could be heard screaming at him to hold, her cries drowned out by the crowd. Flaxmead disregarded her advice, thundered past on the first corner on the outside and disappeared in a blur. Thunderbolts jockey was puzzled and held his steed at a pace destined for a kick when Flaxmead tired of his pace. But Flaxmead didn't tire, he just powered on, Lindy again yelled at him as they passed the post the second time looking under her shoulder first, she could see nothing. "Give it a rest you bloody nob!" But he just powered on, Lindy crouched behind his ears and hung on lung for lung with he's enormous stride. The result was devastating for Bryce, Lindy was cantering back from turn one as Thunderbolt crossed the line. Flaxmead intimidated the vanquished and strutted around putting on a hell of a show.
Bryce standing near the finishing line on the rail whispered to himself. "God dam, Courtney's right, give me that horse and Ill give you the world."
Jessica grappled with Flaxmead as he neared the inside rail access leading him onto the grass infield circuit in front of the grandstand. She held him there as Lindy slid down, Flaxmead lowered his head and she cuddled him, he turned into a shimmering wimp as she praised and kissed his forehead. She fell to her knees and cried, he mothered her with his muzzle and gentle snorts.
The American president and Larry Librarian crossed the earthen track to see the steed along with their entourage. Stanton held them at the rail some metres from Flaxmead. "Ah, John, is it safe for me to approach Flaxmead, for a picture or two."
"No, he doesn't like politicians. Animals can sense intent." Liberian was stumped for words, the president chuckled under his breath and extended his hand to Stanton, Stanton took it. "I'll have Lindy come over, excuse me." Stanton disengaged the president's hand, moved over to Flaxmead talking to Lindy, she trotted over to the rail. Stanton accompanied Jessica and Flaxmead to the chopper and the horse was led up the ramp as Anthony was doing a pre flight check. Lindy climbed the ramp as the rotors began to wind slowly, McCrea appeared waving both hands above his head. Stanton walked down to talk to him.
"They came out of the woodwork just now." There behind him, was Winston and Rose Blake, flanked by Dirk Truman and Conrad Wayne. Stanton waved to them to climb the ramp, they raced inside the chopper. Stanton slapped McCrea on the shoulder unable to converse the chopper was now to loud. Stanton mounted the ramp and the ramp closed. The crew clamped Flaxmead in his standing cubicle as the chopper lifted off. Stanton sat next to Winston and belted in.
"I knew you'd come. I trusted no one." said Winston.
"You've learnt well." smiled Stanton. "Rhiannon Faversham, you saw her."
"She heard about her father, she belongs here now, long story."
"Fair enough."
"Rose, she has something of interest for you."
"Were not home yet, I have to focus."
"Rose has powerful enemies here, her husband is furious, turning the place upside down. I knew Flaxmead would cover for us, Jodi kept us well informed in the press. I knew you'd come, thank god."
Although the Hunt for Rose was over, it had created more questions that it had answered. The spearhead was now Louise Legrande.