CHAPTER FIFTY ONE
"Are we there yet," asked Dylan.
"Yes, this is Epsom road just on the right here is the racecourse," replied Stanton.
"Is this where they run the Melbourne Cup," asked Anna.
"I sincerely hope so," replied Jodi.
Anna peered out the window at the hallowed turf as they passed the chute course extension, the cup runners would start mid way along the chute. Stanton had done some study on the layout and schedule for the cup and knew the point from which the race would start. "Flaxmead will run from just up there," he pointed towards the chute through the shrubs and buildings as they ambled along. "Now remember, you stay at the float with your dad and only leave if I'm with you."
"Yes Mr Stanton," replied Anna. She thought for a while watching the activity beyond the fence as the course came to life. It was a fine spring morning and Stanton drove with the windows down, they could smell the fresh cut grass and blooming flowers as the different scents wafted through the car. "Why must you be with us all the time Mr Stanton."
"They say there will be two hundred and fifty thousand people here today, don't know where they will all stand, it's easy to get lost Anna. If I loose you how will I explain it to your dad and mum."
"Oh, that's a lot of people. Yes my dad and mum would be really angry, not with you but me for getting lost," replied Anna.
"People will want to talk to you especially the press, you talk to no one unless your father is there okay."
"Okay Mr Stanton," said Dylan.
Jodi had dressed Anna and Dylan up in clothes supplied for the day by their mother. They detested them and insisted they wear there normal jeans, denim shirt and riding boots, they also insisted they be able to wear their Akubra hats. Jodi obliged the children and dressed in similar clothes herself. She tried her elaborate dress and hat but felt out of place alongside the children and her husband who always dressed casually. With everyone happy and dressed down for the float park Stanton powered past the float just before they turned into the course from Smithfield road. Chief Steward Jarrod Carpenter was on hand to make sure the Stanton's car and the float passed thorough without incident, he then scurried off to attend to pressing matters.
They ambled along the route Stanton had checked out many times on line and passed landmarks such as the Quest to their right and the vast stable complex to their left. Anna closed her eyes occasionally and savoured the many different scents wafting through the car. From freshly cut grass, expensive perfume, the distinct scent of horses and occasional cigar smoke. Stanton felt the tension, prying eyes and in some cases frowns lined the edges of the stable complex. They rounded the end of the chute and headed along its northern edge, Stanton checked to see he was closely tagged by the float at all times. He made a little ground and by the three thousand two hundred metre start marker along the chute showed Anna and Dylan exactly where Flaxmead would start his run. Stanton pulled right into the float parking area and pointed out the vast grandstand complex, and mounting paddock to the west, the children watched in awe taking in everything Stanton said. They pulled up exactly where Winston had suggested, the float ground to a halt and the team went to work. Jodi took charge of the children and Stanton took up point as the horses were unloaded. The place was a hive of activity, the media wanted access to Anna and Dylan but Stanton knew a press conference had been scheduled and denied any requests. Freelance journalist Lee Hayford had followed the progress of Flaxmead and written of the children from day one, but Stanton trusted no one only allowing her to call some basic questions out to them as they alighted from the car with Jodi which was far more than he did for the rest pushing the line back to a spot he was comfortable with.
Then the problems started, Winston had just arrived in the members lounge area with Wilson and Bartholomew when he got a call from a distraught Lorraine Wills. She was in a hotel in Melbourne and could not leave the toilet, she had acute diarrhoea. The handsome young man she had been with the night before had gone before she woke, a doctor had just diagnosed she had been given something causing her symptoms, she also had a fever. She was to be taken to the hospital and admitted as she was severely dehydrated and could not ride.
Winston race to the float passing Stanton and gave Graham the news. Stanton could see something was wrong, he called Bob over to take his place and joined the conversation by the float between Graham and Winston. "What's going on?" asked Stanton as he walked up beside them.
Graham had a look of grave concern and held his chin with his arms folded. "We have no Jockey John, someone got to her."
"Damn, get another one," replied Stanton.
"Today every female jockey in the country has a ride, first time it's ever happened in the history of racing in this country," said Winston. "Lorraine was nobbled, Someone's put two and two together and come up with the answer. We should have covered this," added Winston.
"It's done; forget it, the little Sheila in Scone, Lindy. Is she available?" asked Stanton.
"She hasn't ridden since her fall, her parents would object and the race starts in six hours John," replied Graham.
"You never covered this because she was always there, all you needed was grounds to act. There's plenty of time, anyone got any other ideas," asked Stanton.
Graham and Winston looked at each other, a binding contrast, Winston in top hat and tails, Graham in riding pants and Akubra. They studied each other in despair.
Graham looked at Stanton. "How John?"
"Come over to the car, I need you to point her house out on an earth map," Stanton walked towards his car only meters away.
"I can give you her address," said Graham.
"Helicopters don't navigate to address they use coordinates." Graham and Winston followed Stanton to his car and watched as his satellite system was cranked up, Graham showed Stanton the Cumberland's property on an earth map and Stanton noted the coordinates. He powered up his satellite phone and rang his son Anthony in Hawks nest near Newcastle. Anthony was in his seafront second floor study working on a legal case for his law practice, his fathers satellite phone rang and it only meant one thing, problems. He answered it immediately. "Dad."
"Anthony, I want you to go to Rutherford airport, get the chopper and go to these coordinates." Anthony scribbled numbers on a piece of paper. "Pick up a girl called Lindy Cumberland, tell her Flaxmead needs her at Flemington he has no jockey. Take her to Sydney airport get her on a plane to Melbourne."
Winston interrupted. "The Jets in Newcastle at Williamtown, picking up some people to attend the race here today."
"Get it to wait for her, contact the pilot. Tell them to wait or if it's taken off to return for another two passengers. Don't mention any names, the walls have ears." Winston walked away from the car activating his phone. "Head to Williamtown and board the Shangri La jet it's on the tarmac there, come with her and I'll have a chopper ready at Melbourne airport for you to drop her in here. Call when you take off from Melbourne, if you don't hear from me nothings changed." Anthony quickly told his wife his father had called and headed for Rutherford airfield.
As Kerry Snow and a contingent of the Greedy Piggy Creek mob shuffled though the main gate they could only feel the atmosphere of history in the making. His clan had decided to dress formally, when in Rome do as the Romans. He felt a bit overdressed in his top hat and tails but once amongst the crowd in some places he felt underdressed. Never had he experienced such extravagance, organisation and dominance. This was Melbourne Cup day and more than he expected, wherever they went they struck people from the hunter valley and hundreds wearing Thunderbolt badges he didn't know. They passed wine tasting, extravagant food demonstrations, the sights sounds and smells of the cup kept him wide eyed, and then they came across the mandatory fashion parades. Every woman he saw seemed to have a glass of champagne, many blokes he past had obviously had several glasses of champagne but the atmosphere was open and friendly. He and his friend stopped next to a fashion parade catwalk, they had never witnessed such a t
hing and watched with interest. An overly well spoken attractive lady dressed in an extravagant flowing robe and lace hat gave a commentary on the garments being displayed by the models as they strutted up and down the carpeted catwalk. Kerry's friend peering over his shoulder at the show whispered in his ear. "These are the scrawniest Sheila's I've ever seen Kerry, they could do with a few decent feeds mate."
"I was thinking the same thing mate, they'd have to run around in the shower to get wet."
"Maybe their trying to save money on the amount of fabric they use to make the dresses, or maybe the catwalk wont hold a decent size Sheila or something."
"Yeah, gives me the creeps, my missus didn't want to come. She said things would be a bit on the bullshit side."
"You're missus is spoilt mate, nothing impresses her unless she did it."
"I need answers to life, not commentary and questions mate."
"Mate she's right though, I haven't seen a horse or a jockey yet."
"Let's head for the paddock, got to be a horse there." Kerry led the way through the bustling crowd and there at last were some horses in the parade paddock, he pulled out his race guide and studied the runners when he was tapped on the shoulder.
"Mr Snow, Kerry Snow?" asked Winston noticing him on the way past.
"Yes," replied Kerry as he shook Winston's hand.
"Winston Blake, I manage a few things for Graham Harper. I've seen you around a few times and thought Id just stop and say thanks for helping out with all the support for Flaxmead. I recognised you from the picture on the Thunderbolt website."
"Je's I didn't think anyone noticed in all this mayhem," replied Kerry.
"Anything we can do for you please feel free to ask," said Winston.
Kerry had a think. "Could I see Flaxmead?"
"Absolutely, he's just the other side of the paddock here, follow me."
Kerry and his friend followed Winston and were permitted though the float park gate and then past Stanton. They stood no more than ten metres from the untouchables sheltered under an awning that pulled out from the side of the float.
"Hello mister, you're the man from the creek," said Anna approching Kerry from beside Flaxmead.
"How are you love, you told me Flaxmead would win the Melbourne Cup."
"Do you believe me now Mr."
"Yes love, I'll be taking a lot more notice of what you say in the future," chuckled Kerry.
"Come and see him mister," added Anna. Kerry walked to within three metres of the champ, Flaxmead grunted and shook his head. "He hasn't tried to kill you yet so he remembers your smell from the creek mister."
Kerry looked in wonder at the incredible form of the thunderbolt. His fingers tingled and the hair stood up on the back of his neck, he swallowed hard and felt privileged to stand next to the untouchables. "We've had some great things come out of the valley love, but never a god before," said Kerry as he looked down at Anna next to him. "I like your outfit Anna, and Dylan's, very valley."
"You look a bit poncy mister," added Dylan.
Kerry lifted one eyebrow and Jessica, Ross and Graham chuckled as they went about their chores. "Thanks for that mate, I gotta go." Kerry and his friend bid them farewell and with a final glance of confidence and arrogance from the champ they left.
No sooner Kerry left Winston was approached by Steward Jarrod Carpenter, a protest had been lodged by someone regarding Flaxmead and an immediate meeting was to be convened to hear the protest. Winston rang Wilson as he walked to the steward's office adjacent to the paddock area and conveyed problems to Stanton on the way past him. Winston sat down in the small office waiting. Stanton put Bob on point and gave the responsibility of the children to Jodi and Gail Flametower. A short smiling old man held Flaxmead's halter while Jessica worked on him, Stanton smiled and nodded at him as he left the area. Stanton entered the Stewards office, "Can I help you Mr Stanton," asked Carpenter.
"He's with me," said Winston."
"Oh, I see. These things are generally taken care of by the trainer in this case Graham Harper," said Carpenter sitting behind his desk with two other stewards' one either side of him. They shuffled and studied papers.
The smell in the room brought memories of officialdom to Stanton and he became agitated. "Graham is busy, should he be required I'll get him. I am responsible for security around the horse Flaxmead, if this meeting is about him then I'm in the right place."
The stewards looked awkwardly at each other. "Okay," said Carpenter.
The door opened and in walked Theo Delores and Neville Creighton, they closed the door behind them.
Meanwhile in Scone the Cumberland family were startled by a circling helicopter, Glen and Susan rushed to the yard backing onto the open paddocks of their property and Lindy peered from the window of her darkened bedroom. The Bell Ranger chopper touched gently down fifty yards from their back door and after the engine was shut down the towering well dressed form of Anthony Stanton approached them. "Mr and Mrs Cumberland?" he asked.
"Yes," replied Glen.
"I'm Anthony Stanton, John Stanton's son."
Susan put her palms on her checks. "Oh my god has something happened to someone."
"No everyone's fine Mrs Cumberland, I need to talk to Lindy."
Glen frowned. "The buggers got to Lorraine."
"I think so Mr Cumberland, we don't have much time. If we don't get Lindy to Flemington Flaxmead won't run the Melbourne Cup."
Susan put her face in her hands and started crying. "Oh no," she looked at her husband tears streaming down her checks. "What do we do Glen?"
"Well if anything can get her out of her room, this will. Come with me Anthony," said Glen. He held Susan still sobbing as they walked to the house, he left Susan in the kitchen and walked to Lindys door. He hesitated then opened it up. "Lindy, there's a man here to see you." She had been watching the live telecast of the cup on television and looked up at Anthony as he filled the doorway.
"Miss Cumberland, I've been sent to take you to Flemington. I was told to say Flaxmead needs you."
Lindys father walked around Anthony and looked at his daughter. "They got to Lorraine."
Lindy jumped to her feet. "What, is she okay?"
"Let's go find out," smiled her father.
She hugged her father and looked him in the face. "Get my saddle and I'll get my clothes."
"We need to make Williamtown quick as we can. The Shangri La jet will take us to Melbourne then I'll take a chopper from the airport to Flemington," explained Anthony.
"Do we have enough time? asked Glen.
"My dad would say we have plenty of time, Id say we have minutes to spare."
The stewards meeting began and Delores looked menacingly at Stanton, Stanton glared back and the assassin felt the demeaning presence of Stanton's aura.
"Who is this man and why is he here," asked Delores.
"I'm John Stanton responsible for the security of the horses in Graham Harpers stable, any questions."
The assassin cracked smile mode. "Oh, so you're John Stanton, heard allot about you Mr Stanton."
"Don't try and sell me any cars Mr Delores I'm not in the market." The assassins check flickered with a nervous twitch.
Carpenter interrupted. "Winston, Mr Delores and Mr Creighton have."
Creighton interrupted. "I'm not sure about this Theo, I got some things to attend to." He put his top hat back on and opened the door.
"Nev we agreed on this," insisted Delores.
"Let him go," said Stanton. "Rats quite often desert sinking ships." Creighton closed the door behind him and the assassin steadied himself with half a smile.
Carpenter continued. "Our attention has been brought to the fact that the bloodline of Flaxmead may be in question and therefore his documentation a forgery. The horse that is stated as sire cannot be verified, and is probably incorrect according to information suppled by Mr Delores. If this is the case, Flaxmead would be stripped of his registration and disqualified from all future
and passed events."
Stanton became short tempered. "So all the bullshit the horse had to go through to get his paperwork is void. Just because somebody doesn't want the horse running in the cup, could spoil there party. Winston and Graham are at fault, no comeback on the people who are responsible for checking all these things out prior to the issuing of authority. No one rule of management, I am responsible for everything. Where are the people who signed his papers, they must have checked this out."
Carpenter replied. "The rules state clearly that a horse cannot be stopped from running if the matter can be dealt with after the meeting with the accent of time on everyone's side. We all agree this comes under that stipulation, however if there has been misappropriation of bloodline to have the horse registered this is a serious matter but requires detailed investigation."
Winston stood up. "And with that gentleman I think I can allay any fears of misappropriation or any other foul dead. I can tell you a lot more about Flaxmead than anyone."
"I'm keen to hear this," smiled Delores as he sat down on one of the chairs around the room's wall.
"I was the one who brought Flaxmead to Australia, I bought the horse as a foal in Ireland. He was sired back here in the hunter valley and transferred when a fire decimated the stable complex his dame was stabled at prior to his birth."
"There I told you, exactly the information I have," interrupted Delores.
"Please Theo, let him finish," asked Carpenter.
"My intention was indeed to have the horse run at the Melbourne Cup but for an alternate goal. My daughter went missing in Australia years ago and I believe she is still alive. I hoped the race would bring my daughter out of the woodwork should I get sufficient media coverage."
The assassin butted in. "This bloke should sell cars he's a natural."
Stanton looked daggers at Delores. "Shut up, well deal with you shortly."
"Are you threatening me," said the assassin.
"Absolutely, do you own a BMW," asked Stanton.
"Yes, what an earth has that have to do with it?" asked the assassin.
"You may want to sit there and think about explaining why you've had four spare wheels delivered for it over the last two months."
"How do you know that," asked Delores.
Stanton looked at Winston as the assassin lost his smile. "Continue Winston."
"I was baffled by the same things when I studied Flaxmead's bloodline and DNA matching showed the horse on the certification was indeed his sire. But the question still remained if someone had actually seen this happen. Then astute friends travelling around Ireland found the very man that was present when the fire struck in the valley, just excuse me." Winston opened the door. "Wilson could you bring him in please." Wilson shuffled in the door with an Irishman in tow, he was flanked by two burly Brits, Wilson asked them to remain outside as the room was getting crowded.
The Irishman appeared tired and looked pale. "My name is Patrick O'Hara and I'm from Kildare, Ireland. I'm sorry gentlemen but I'm not feeling so well, I've had a long journey and I don't remember most of it."
"Do you know of a horse called Flaxmead," asked Winston.
"I do," replied the Irishman.
"What can you tell us about him," asked Winston.
"Other that what's obvious I saw his sire burnt to death. There was a bushfire in the hunter valley, I worked there for a stud. I couldn't get to the dame to keep them apart the fence had broken and there were three stallions. It was the horse that perished that got to her."
Carpenter looked relieved. "Can you tell me the horse's name that got to the mare."
"I, I can. I'll remember it till I die." Patrick lowered his head. "It was Loudbark he belonged to a fella called Clifford Barking, he was devastated his horse never got to run and so was I."
"Loudbark is the listed sire," said Carpenter. He looked at the steward to his right. "Go and find Creighton have him come here immediately, if he fails to comply call the police. Mr O'Hara thanks for clearing this up, Loudbark never got to run but if it's any consolation his offspring will run here today. Clifford Barking has put a lot of time and money into this race meeting can someone find him and bring him here. Mr Blake, well arrange a press conference directly after the race, I'm sure they'll be keen to hear about your daughter. Mr Delores we will be launching an investigation into this matter, there was an incident this morning in Hidden Valley that could be linked to you. We believe your attempts to stop the horse Flaxmead from running here today are outside of the accepted guidelines of sportsmanship, this will be put in the hands of the police."
"Could you hold off on that please," interrupted Stanton. He walked over to the assassin. "You've stepped over the line, someone's put it out you're an ear. Some of the worst members of the mob are here today, none of them would stop two kids horse from running a race. They used to call you the chameleon, smiling camouflage won't help you now. Ring NASA see if they have a spare seat on the next space shuttle, couldn't happen to a nicer bloke." Stanton walked to the door. "Excuse me gentlemen I have to attend to something." He closed the door behind him.
"This protest is defeated, the meeting is adjourned. Now we have some horse races to run. Roy Taggart and Jimmy Cottons names are in the files, a bill of sale to Fields children for one hundred dollars signed by Cotton from Taggart's Riverside Stables," said Carpenter. "Not of any consequence but strange."
"Flaxmead belongs to Anna and Dylan Fields, he's their dearest pet. I signed the paperwork myself," replied Winston.
Carpenter nodded. "Mm, agreed but Taggart and Cotton are not the most respected members of the horse racing fraternity. They must have been involved somehow."
"Your perceptions of Mr Cotton are poor, if not for Jimmy Cotton Flaxmead would be pet food. However my knowledge of Mr Taggart is as you suggest," added Winston.
"Cotton's been held to ransom by our high flying mate over here, another feather in his hat," said Stanton. "Picking on old men who love horses, the list of heroism grows."
The room emptied, Wilson gave Patrick back to his minders on the lawns outside. "Thank you very much Patrick, would you like a job here my good man," asked Wilson.
"No thanks sir, I have a load lifted from my shoulders being here to see Flaxmead run. It should be I that thank you sir. I love being home."
"When you get home you will find a notable increase in your bank account, you have been paid for your time. Spend it wisely my friend," said Wilson.
"Is it you at the pub every Friday for two hours?"
"Yes we must own up to that."
"Could you pull the rug on that it's killing Bill McPherson and I."
Wilson laughed. "I can do that." They shook hands and the Irishman flanked by his burly friends melted into the crowd to watch some horse races.
Flushing Meadow was prepared for her group one event the first of the trio to run, the attention was on the paddock as the horses paraded and Knight mounted the mare and won the first of the trio's fixtures. He also won the competition for the biggest smile worn by a jockey at the wining post.
Celtic Storm was next and Brent Rosewood had a ride prior to her event. Whilst the biggest crowd in the history of Flemington flurried around the action Stanton waited patiently for his planned meeting with Hurst, he leant on the rail by the paddock looking like part of the scenery. Hurst suddenly leant beside him in top hat and tails, they spoke softly and did not make eye contact.
"How are you John?"
"Good to see you again Bruce."
"Have you found him?"
"Louise is all over him like a rash, don't kill him John."
Stanton blew out a heavy sigh and looked at the ground. "I want to talk to him before you take him away."
"Promise."
"He's to valuable Bruce. We can find some damn big holes with what he knows no doubt. The car where I thought it would be."
"Spot on, only place in the car park the surveillance cameras can't see. Louise has got them eating out of
her hand, she's dressed to kill. They think there about to score a top model. What shall we do with this Nasih gentleman?"
"Ditch him at the airport when you board, he might come in handy later."
"I'll buzz your pager when we have him in the car park ready to leave."
"Careful Bruce, you know what he's capable of."
"We have a little something for him, he'll be as quiet as a mouse. Latest potion from intelligence, things aren't much different John but they have become a bit easier in some areas."
"Id rather drain the life from him with my bare hands."
"Who wouldn't, but let's drain all the information we can first. I'm going back to monitor Louise, catch you in the car park." Hurst nonchalantly walked away into the crowd.
Celtic Storm caused a stir as Rosewood mounted up and she thundered to a tight win in a group one event. The untouchables were poised for their first clean sweep, but one slight setback was still apparent, Flaxmead had no Jockey. Stanton resisted contacting his son knowing he would call if there was a problem, he kept himself busy double checking his Melbourne airport helicopter contact. The chopper was there ready to go. He shutdown his computer and climbed from his car, he saw the old man holding Flaxmead's halter talking to Jessica. He smiled and approached him. "Jimmy."
"Ah John."
"Go for a walk mate."
"Their probably looking for me."
"I think they may have bigger fish to fry Jimmy, no law against loving horses."
Jessica touched his arm. "Go on Jimmy, go watch him run." Jimmy cut a smile his toothless mouth made for a wide grin. He walked off towards the paddock and grandstand brushing down his ageing suit with his hands. "Will he be alright Mr Stanton, my dad hid him in the hunter since he saved Flaxmead."
"Things get around Jessica, hell be fine," replied Stanton. Stanton followed the frail ageing horse man at a distance. Carpenter was in the parade paddock and noticed Jimmy walking past.
"Jimmy!" cried Carpenter. There was an uneasy silence as a few looked on. Carpenter went out of his way to get to Jimmy, he shook his hand. "Great to see you here Jimmy, can I have a drink with you later."
Jimmy went from stern concern to grinning joy in less than a second. "Mate, I'd love that. I've got some things I need to tell ya."
"I wont be listening Jimmy, Id just like to hear about your winning cup rides mate."
Jimmy was chocked up. "Thanks mate, I'll see you in the lounge." Jimmy went to walk away but Carpenter handed him a neck pass.
"Take this Jimmy, it's an all areas pass." Jimmy took it slowly turned and walked towards the grandstand unable to answer. Stanton walked back to the float.
Jack Prendergast had secured a window seat in the members lounge, he didn't want to miss anything. Geoff Leroy had just sat down at the table when Jack noticed Creighton arguing with officials at the bar. "Nev's having a bit of trouble by the looks Geoff," said Jack.
"Mate I just heard Nev and Theo are under investigation. They tried to stop Flaxmead running in the cup, and listen to his mate. They reckon Jimmy Cotton's here, came with Graham Harpers team. Do you believe that mate, been at Randal Flametower's place in the valley they reckon."
"Yeah, I'd believe Jimmy was here," replied Jack as he stood up.
"Really," replied Geoff.
"He just walked in the door, Jimmy!" Prendergast shouted across the room to Cotton standing at the door shaking hands with people. He heard Prendergast call and looked around, he waved his hand at Prendergast excused himself from the group he was talking to and made his way to Prendergast. They shook hands with a firm grip and sat down. "Where you been Jimmy," asked Jack.
"In the valley, it's nice to know you have friends that'll always offer a bowl of soup. Even an old stalwart like me can hide but I can't run anymore, I come to do some explaining."
I hear no one wants to listen Jimmy, if not for you we wouldn't see what we waited to see all our lives. You somehow saved the black monster, I've been talking to Gail Jimmy, you saw him run didn't ya mate," said Jack.
"I didn't have to see him run Jack, It was love at first sight mate. I could feel his power my whole body tingled. Then when he ran and Jessica got into trouble I got a bit carried away."
"Forget it Jimmy, he's here. Nothing can stop him now mate."
"You got three runners in the cup Jack, you have a chance."
"If one runs second to the thunderbolt Id be very happy mate, but I wouldn't want to see him beaten. I'm old and sick Jimmy, he's given me something I've wanted to see all my life. Somewhere out there was a horse like Flaxmead, I just wanted to see it, didn't matter if it belonged to me or not. Geoff here has three runners as well; we're up for second place as the mark."
"That's why I'm here mate, if he wins this race I've seen everything I ever wanted to see."
Jack Prendergast looked out the window at the massive crowd in the spring sunshine. "You and everybody else mate, biggest crowd in the history of Australian racing. A quarter of a million people just to watch one horse run for three minutes, unreal."
"Would ya be anywhere else Jack."
"No Jimmy I would not, want a beer mate,"
"Does a one legged duck swim in circles," there was raucous laughter and the conversation continued.
Stanton had waited years to find Renoir, his face showed a thousand emotions as his pager buzzed in his pocket. He turned the buzzer off walked from the paddock railing to Jodi with the children by the float. There were wall to wall people and Bob had some assistance from ground security staff. Bob said hello as he passed and Stanton just managed a smile and nod. He blandly asked Gail Flametower to watch the children and asked Jodi to follow him; he passed Bob, and pushed through the crowd toward the far western car park behind the grandstand adjacent to fisher parade holding Jodi's hand tightly pulling her along behind him. They passed several security check points and eventually reached the edge of the car park by the north western corner of the grandstand. The car park was relatively quiet in comparison to the mayhem inside, the odd group of people standing around laughing and joking. Stanton stoped and held both Jodi's hands, "Renoir is just over there in the corner, under the trees by the road. Bruce and Louise have him, I want you to stop me from killing him."
"If there was a man I ever wanted you to kill it's him," replied Jodi with a face etched in sadness.
"Maybe some other time, he never struck the blow but set the scene. The information he has can save thousands of lives. He may even know who actually killed our boy."
"You won't hurt him John Stanton you've changed, even when they finish with him you won't do it."
"I'm glad you think so, come on." They made their way across the tarmac to beneath the trees and there against the fence was Renoir.
Louise greeted Stanton with a hug. "Monsieur Stanton, we have him."
"Better make it short John we're lifting off shortly," added Bruce Hurst.
Stanton walked right up to Renoirs face. "Can he hear me alright?" asked Stanton.
"Oh yes, he'll do anything you ask him. Wonder drug makes things a bit of a bore really John," added Bruce.
"Will he remember what I say?"
"Yes he will."
"The only way you will live is to keep talking, as soon as you stop talking with valuable information I can get at you. I'm John Stanton and you leaked information that led to the death of my son."
"I know who you are," muttered Renoir with a pale blank look. "I'm sorry."
"Fear holds no face in the sorrow of ones own conscience. From my own experience I believe you."
He took a couple of steps back and Jodi walked up to Renoir, she stood looking in his eyes for a few seconds with a look of anger then slapped his face. She stepped back beside her husband. Amid the noise and amplified commentary the cry of a horse echoed through the grandstand and out to the car park, it had come to be known as the cry of the Banshee.
"What shall we do with all this cocaine John, several kilo in a case they were carrying," ask
ed Hurst.
Stanton looked at Idris Nasih standing along side Renoir. "They have any keys with them."
"Yes several," replied Bruce.
"Any of them BMW?"
"Yes how did you know?"
"Give them and the case to Mr Nasih here. Put it back in Delores car, make sure Delores handles it before you do."
"I can't do that he...."
"Would you rather go with them!" snapped Stanton. Nasih picked up the case and took the keys. "You have half an hour so get to it, you work for me now. I have different rules, stuff up and you'll be back in Lebanon tomorrow afternoon." Nasih scurried off towards the grandstand.
"There's no goodbyes John," said Hurst as they bundled Renoir into their car.
"No." Stanton turned still holding Jodi's hand and made a b line for the mounting paddock. He made sure the car cleared the gate before putting on a hurry up.
Jodi returned to the children and Stanton leaned waiting against his car. Graham came to him. "John, we have an hour, maybe I should scratch him."
"An hour is forever Graham, just stand here a wait for two minutes to get a handle on it."
Carpenter is asking questions, Lorraine didn't front for two other rides. We have to tell him mate or well have a riot on our hands." The last part of Graham's conversation was drowned by the sound of a helicopter swooping past directly overhead. It turned hard stirring the horses pitching to land just east of the float hard stand on the grassy area next to the dams.
Carpenter joined Graham and Stanton. "That chopper can't land their, keep an eye on it we don't want any problems this close," he stressed.
"We have a jockey change for Flaxmead, someone got to Lorraine Wills. Lindy Cumberland's in that chopper, we just flew her here from Scone in New South Wales," said Graham.
Carpenters face lit up like Luna Park. "I gotta get this to commentary; we've gone from having a riot to having a party. Get her ready for weigh in I'll fix up," he darted off toward the grandstand complex.
The chopper engine whirred to a standstill, the passenger door opened and for the first time Lindy Cumberland assisted by her father and mother set foot on Flemington racecourse, the teen looked like a child being helped to the ground. Lee Hayford recognised Lindy straight away, she mumbled to herself. "Oh my god she could only be here for one thing." She grabbed her phone and rang the Humbug media group press desk. "Lindy Cumberland will ride Flaxmead in the cup," she shouted.
"Lorraine Wills is still down to ride Flaxmead I just checked," was the reply.
"Ill sell it to someone else then," she hung up and rang the ABC live sports program live from Flemington, the program announce accepted her call. "Lindy Cumberland will ride Flaxmead in the cup, I'm looking at her walking towards the untouchables float from a helicopter that just landed. Lorraine Wills hasn't been seen here all day."
The sports talk host thought a few seconds. "I'll buy it Lee." He went straight to the mic interrupting guest commentators. "Just in if I could from a reliable source listeners. We will soon see a jockey change for cup favourite Flaxmead, the thunderbolt is rumoured to be piloted by little Lindy Cumberland from Scone in NSW. She has just been seen inn the vicinity of the untouchables float. Just remember you heard it first here."
There was a mass wave of people towards the paddock and float park up areas to catch a glimpse of the jockey. Someone approached Jack Prendergast, interrupted his yarns with Jimmy Cotton, leant down and whispered in his ear. Jack wore a look of glee rose to his feet. "Excuse me Jimmy, just want a have a yarn with someone." He walked to the end of the long bar where Creighton and Delores were arguing with each other. He interrupted the pair. "How are you Theo, just thought Id be the first to tell you, Flaxmead has a jockey change for the cup. Little Lindy Cumberland, checkmate, your out of moves, couldn't happen to a nicer bloke." He turned and walked away.
Creighton caught him grabbing his arm. "I'll come and have a beer with ya Jack, it wasn't me mate."
Prendergast pulled his arm free. "Stay where you are Nev, I don't want me day stuffed up, could be my last. So far it's been wine and roses. The assassin's accomplice sounds a bit long but we'll have an abbreviation by the end of the meet no doubt." He walked back towards his window table.
"Jack I just wa... Sorry Jack!" Creighton returned to argue with the assassin.
The course commentator made an announcement. "And eh, just to hand. A jockey change for cup favourite Flaxmead, Lorraine Wills withdrawn due to illness. I think I'm reading this right. Flaxmead will be ridden by Scone pocket rocket little Lindy Cumberland and I wonder how she's feeling at the moment they just whizzed her in here in a helicopter." The crowd erupted into vocal cheer.
Little Lindy Cumberland wasn't feeling too good at all, she was around the back of the float throwing up. Her parents tended to her but she was terrified. They cleaned her up and took her inside the float living quarters to change. Graham, Stanton and Ross discussed answers standing next to the horses. "Get Gail to talk to her, she's good at this kind of stuff," suggested Graham.
Stanton shook his head. "No time, she should be just about on top of Delores in the members bar by now, someone told her what was going on and where he was."
As Gail Flametower strutted through the tight crowd in the lounge towards Delores the entire place fell silent as she progressed. She stood in front of Delores with a look of dire obsession about her task. "You absolute pig!" she shouted. She slapped him around the face turned and walked out the entire lounge rose to its feet and clapped as she left.
Wilson Hornswaddle and Bartholomew Fothrington held the window area of the eastern most end of the lounge with Winston, from their vantage point they had been able to see most of what had aspired. "Quite a show Bartholomew don't you think," said Wilson.
"Absolutely, and we haven't even got to the main event what."
"Jack Prendergast stood up and looked around, then sat back down. "You seen Jimmy, he's been missing ever since we got the word on Lindy Cumberland.
Cotton tapped Graham on the shoulder as he discussed things with Ross and Stanton. "Lindy would be feeling a bit crook, can I see her please."
"Jimmy," said Graham. "Now that's good idea," he knocked on the door of the float and Glen answered the door.
"Jimmy, you better come in mate," said Glen. Jimmy clambered up the steps and into the truck. There was Lindy neat as a pin in Harpers triple blue colours sitting on a lower bunk in tears.
He looked at her and smiled. "Could you leave us please," asked Jimmy.
Glen and Susan left the truck closing the door behind them. "Hello Mr Cotton."
"They call me Jimmy," he sat next to her on the bunk.
"What's it like to win the Melbourne cup Mr Cotton."
"Well you'll know shortly. I never really thought about it till it was over. This was always the worst time. How many times have you been sick?"
Lindy looked up, "You were sick?"
"Oh yes, every time. Never told anyone but."
"If a champion like you is sick what hope is there for me."
"If you don't get on that horse and win what hope is there for me. I will die a broken man. All you have to do is get on the horse, that's the hardest bit. After that you're not alone, and you're assistant is not rated the best in the world for nothing. He could run under three minutes."
"That's impossible."
"Is it, everything he's done was thought impossible."
"Nasty people have been after him, they got Lorraine."
"It's all over love bar the shouting. They lost as badly as they'll loose the race. Mr Stanton's outside, he's going to escort you to the scales and then the mounting paddock. Do you think he'd let anything happen to you or Flaxmead."
She began to tie her buttock length hair back. "I still feel sick."
"It won't pass till you mount up."
"Do you have any race advice for me?"
"Yeah, I've seen every run he's made on video. Hang on and don't stop laughing and hope t
o god everybody stays out of his way. You don't drive Flaxmead, he has a race mind of his own."
At last Lindy cracked a smile. "I've done my weights, it's not fair."
"Heaviest weight ever carried by a horse in the cup. Was to be expected, won't worry him."
"I haven't ridden since I feel Mr Cotton."
"I haven't ridden a push bike for years, give me one and I'll be off and see if you can catch me." Lindy laughed. "Were ready love, I see the signs."
Jimmy opened the door and to wide vocal support and applause Lindy appeared to the crowds for the first time.
Carpenter had found Clifford Barking in a wine tent pulled him to one side and asked some questions. He introduced himself and short of time got strait to the point. "You had a horse called Loudbark."
Clifford looked away. "Yes, l find it hard to..."
"I understand, did you know Loudbark was Flaxmead's sire."
"Are you absolutely sure."
"I have eye witness verification."
Clifford looked stunned. "Good god."
"I hear you have historical data on Loudbark's bloodline back to the eighteen thirties."
"Yes my family diaries from the winery list who and where the horses they owned came from."
"Does it mention Henry Bailey?"
"How do you know this, my great great grandfathers personal diary mentions a horse listed in Loudbark's bloodline as being sired by Jorroks before he was gelded."
"Bring me the diary and I'll list the information for verification."
"Things from that far back seem sketchy, Jorrocks wasn't broken till he was Flaxmead's age now four, just ran around paddocks flat out. He didn't race till he was eight. The rumour was it was because no one could catch him, they didn't have a horse that could run him down."
"Sounds familiar. I'm going to banter this around."
"We've done it before when we had Loudbark but the powers to be laughed at us. Poor bugger never even got a run before he died, he was just two."
"They showed you documents that proved the diary entries by your family were wrong."
"No they didn't even want to see them, said they sounded like forgeries trying to bolster a bit of attention."
"I'll throw the story so far to the race caller. The diaries must be valuable so if you can bring them to us well check it out. If anyone claims your looking for attention Id have to have a laugh myself."
"Fair enough, Loudbark's boy running in the cup, I cant believe it. I can't believe no one in the team told me."
"There's a good reason for that, it's the post race press conference you want to hear. You'll see what I mean. I gotta get going its time for the main event."
"Thanks very much for that, I'll be all ears."
A burly suited man with a shaven head accompanied by a casually dressed man, flanked by several civil police officers walked through the member's lounge, avoiding people best they could heading for Delores. The casually dressed man was in fact Trevor Plod of the New South Wales police force attending the cup meet with the rest of the hunter valley. Good o'l Trev had been anonymously been feed some information, upon following the leads found a commercial amount of cocaine in a BMW owned by Delores. The lounge again fell silent as the wave of civil law keepers surrounded the assassin. The head shaven plain clothes officer produced his id to Delores. "Chief inspector Reginald Wilberforce, narcotics division. Theo Delores you are under arrest for the position and distribution of commercial amounts of the drug cocaine. You do not have to say anything, but whatever you do say will be taken down and may be used in evidence against you."
Creighton stood well to one side as Delores was handcuffed and lead towards the door looking pale and expressionless. The lounge again broke into applause, the assassin turned toward them as he was leaving and bowed with a smile. A gentleman standing in a group adjacent to the door shouted at Delores. "I don't know about the rest of them but I'm clapping for the police mate, don't happen very often but in this case I think it's warranted!" The lounge broke into deafening laughter.
Prendergast was in tears by the time he finished laughing, he spoke to Leroy still chuckling. "I can see the court case defence now Geoff, he had his teddy stolen as a child."