Page 90 of Scored

Horses.

Meadow Farms and the Clarks.

I turned to Virginia. “I have an idea. Remind me to tell you later.”

She nodded.

Janine and I climbed the four steps up to the stage. “We’ll speak here.” I pointed. “Some of the fans will be around us, but see that camera? It’s one of many. Our speeches will be shown live on the jumbotron for everyone to hear.”

As we spoke, the Stephens Security member spoke with the mayor’s bodyguards.

“Do you mind having security?” I asked.

Mayor Watson shrugged. “One of those necessary evils in today’s world.”

“I wish it wasn’t.”

My radio buzzed. “Event doors opening in fifteen minutes.”

The countdown was on.

As Janine and I spoke, I couldn’t help thinking about what she said about the Kentucky Derby. Why would Preston or any of the Clarks be sending me threatening notes? It didn’t make sense.

With only a few minutes to go, I touched up my lipstick and smoothed my hair in the ladies’ room. Wearing blue jeans, an amber-colored blouse, and a tan blazer, I did a visual sweep. I was as good as I was going to get. Once the stadium was filled with fifteen thousand people, I would probably be a sweaty mess. Virginia met me as I exited the restroom.

“I hate to admit, I feel better that you’re here.” I pressed my lips together. “But I do.”

“What did you want me to remind you about?”

“It was something Mayor Watson said. When she saw the roses, she said something about the Kentucky Derby. It’s nicknamed the Run for the Roses. Even though it’s held in Louisville, all of Kentucky is filled with roses.”

“You think there’s a connection?” she asked.

“It’s a long shot. Up until about four months ago, I dated Preston Clark of the Meadow Farm Clarks. They’re, as they like to say, thoroughbred royalty here in Kentucky. I learned recently that prior to his death, my father met with Preston’s father. I don’t know for sure, but I think it was regarding my father’s quest for investors to help build out Lexington’s infrastructure. We need more hotel rooms to host a Super Bowl,” I added for explanation.

“Did your and Preston Clark’s relationship end badly?”

I nibbled my lip. “No breakup is great, but there weren’t horrible things said or threats made. Preston isn’t that kind of a man. We’ve spoken multiple times since the breakup. He knows I’m currently seeing Griffin Graham.” I paused. “It’s probably silly. It was just a thought.”

“No thought is silly, Vee. Share them whenever they occur.”

“Doors are open,” came from my radio.

“Here we go.”

It was difficult to worry about the roses as smiling people entered the floor. Adults and children alike, all wearing the Coopers amber, filed in, their lips agape as they took in the decorations. Within minutes the carnival games and food vendors had lines. The cheerleaders were busy with photos, and a face painter booth was painting the Coopers’ C on children’s cheeks.

“Vee, this is impressive.”

I turned to find Aunt Rachel. “You made it,” I said. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Darin and Grant are also here. We’re the face of the Coopers.” She looked around. “It’s truly amazing that it looks and feels like a county fair in here and in two days we’ll be hosting the AFC championship.”

My cheeks rose as a smile came to my lips. “We have an amazing team in stadium ops. This day at a fair was Fran Holland’s dream child.”

Aunt Rachel shook her head. “You are our resident expert in this category. Reid was the one to oversee stadium operations. It’s all new to me.”

“We can help one another learn all there is to know about our Coopers.”