Debutant. Chapter 1. Part Two

This novel is fictional; there is no need to look for intersections with historical events. This is a continuation of “Debutant” by Nikita Savelyev, the first readers of which were readers of F1News.ru…

Chapter 1. An offer you can’t refuse. Part two

“Here’s the plan,” Manuel continued. “We hand over to you a car, not a simple one, but a very powerful one, but with one little secret: it has a fuel tank of non-standard size and half of it is not for gasoline at all.” This way our package is completely safe.

Henry suddenly felt bored.

“I know, you wanted to ask, what am I bringing?” – Manuel asked calmly.

No not at all. And I would like to repaint the parts so that none of the simple buyers will notice that they have been changed more than once. Without easy money, but with a clear conscience.

– Someone else in my place would answer: it’s none of your business, you’re just a carrier. But I’m not like that,” Manuel said importantly.

This is joy, Henry sighed heavily to himself.

“If I pay a lot of money, those who work for me should know the gist of the job,” Manuel ranted. – Compañero, have you ever wondered what my friends and I do?

No! Let those who are obliged to do so think about this; they receive a salary for this from the local budget or even the federal budget.

– We are gardeners. Just everything. We grow certain crops and then sell them. A respectable company, known since ancient times,” Manuel smiled broadly. “You only have to participate in one exchange.” You’ll probably ask the question: why me? Unfortunately, lately the local police have been looking askance at my guys on the suburban highways. Unnecessary questions may arise. What if a diligent cop decides to check the gas tank? What if there are smelly dogs?

The afternoon had now passed: it was far from really hot in Florida at the beginning of spring, but annoying streams of sweat flowed under my shirt, even though they were now floating on an ice floe. Of course you don’t feel sorry for the person on the outside. What must we do? Who would have advised? I should have gone to university and let them teach me something nice and reasonable.

– What if they stop me? – Henry touched on a burning topic.

“First of all, you’re a real gringo, and the chances of that are much smaller,” Manuel raised his finger. – And secondly, we have thought of everything. You’re a great guy – a former racer, we don’t want to lose you.

And Henry doesn’t want to lose himself! Who could have known?!

“Do you really think I rely on coincidence?” – Manuel asked casually. – You drive a real racing car. And you have a national car club certificate in your pocket. Have you prided yourself on having access to car racing competitions at all levels? Good?! No suspicions.

“What if they ask where I went in the race car?” – Henry said lost.

– Why did you listen to me? – Manuel said almost lovingly. – Have you already forgotten the purpose of your trip? Highlands Province. What’s happening this weekend at the former military airport?

Really, how could he forget? Shameful. But just a few years ago, half asleep, Henry could recite the dates of the nearest motor racing events without hesitation. The famous twelve-hour sports car marathon. A few hundred laps. The total length is over nine hundred miles. Difficult distance with many bends. A crew of two pilots who alternate behind the wheel. Not only American brands participate, but also the best racing teams from distant Europe. It is one of the three most prestigious automotive competitions on the continent. Henry once dreamed of racing there and even winning. And where did it all go, you ask?

– People come from all over the country to the competition; what cop would think of minutely inspecting a racing car? But you don’t participate in the race, otherwise the car with our improvements will not be appreciated there,” Manuel laughed dryly. “But I believe monetary compensation will more than cover your disappointment.” Agreement?

– When to go? – Henry squeezed out. Meanwhile, my thoughts were frantically looking for ways to escape.

– Tomorrow morning.

Perfect. By this time, Henry will easily suffer from a sharp attack of malaise. There is such a terrible draft in the garage, you won’t believe it.

“But you have to sleep, so now you will go with Osvaldo and settle in our country house, no one will bother you there,” Manuel showed concern.

And there will be no way to reach the phone even if such an irrational desire arises,” Henry finished sourly to himself. Well, without a doubt, he has always dreamed of spending unforgettable hours in the company of old Osvaldo. Henry took a closer look at Manuel’s assistant, who walked nearby like a silent shadow: a long, unbuttoned, colorful shirt clearly hid some kind of irregular swelling on his thigh. Not otherwise, the dear Osvaldo was concerned about his boss’s safety.

– Sorry, Henry, I heard you’ve been an orphan since childhood? – Manuel suddenly changed the subject.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Henry replied dryly.

– Do you really have no loved ones at all?

“I was raised by my uncle until I was eighteen.” When I was growing up, he granted me a certain amount of money and released himself from all obligations. He has his own business selling hot dogs, and I was never interested in helping him with his business.

“The loss of parents at such a young age can break a weak person, but on the contrary, make a strong person stronger,” Manuel reasoned philosophically.

Henry shrugged vaguely in response.

“But now that you’re not so young anymore, it’s time to start a family.” For example, I have three children and my boys are all banded.

Lacking other suitable gestures, Henry again limited himself to a universal shrug. You can make ropes out of a family man. And now he has to live here no matter what.

“Get ready, compañero, the details are coming,” Manuel changed to a businesslike tone again. – Ride in a limousine, I bet it’s your dream.

Keep your pocket wider! In such cars it is only good to transport beautiful women, three of whom sit in the back seat, and drink expensive champagne from their throats. No sense of speed or excitement.

== To be continued…