Debutant. Chapter 20. Denouement. Part 1

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 20. Denouement. Part One

Not far from the race track was a grandiose nature park with clear natural lakes, deep gorges, winding mountain paths, colorful stone bridges and echoing canyons. Transparent waterfalls, glittering with all the colors of the rainbow, fell on rocks with unique patterns created by nature itself. There was a pristine silence in the park, interrupted only by the roar of rushing water and the chirping of birds. No trace of human presence.

But above the compact race track, which had carved out a spot next to picturesque vegetation, there was an unimaginable noise. Tens of thousands of spectators were not bothered at all by the cool October weather that prevailed on the east coast. People put on warm sweaters and jackets, pulled up their hats and enjoyed watching the game. Some cheered enthusiastically for their compatriots – the American diaspora is generously represented in the race, some fervently supported their idols regardless of nationality, but the majority were simply eager to admire the unusual spectacle. It is not often that the best pilots in the world are chosen from conservative Europe to grace the North American continent with their presence.

Spectators lined the course in large numbers and enthusiastically cheered on the racers as they ran past at great speed. The bravest fans, wanting to take a spectacular photo with their cameras, ran straight to the edge of the track. Stunned by such recklessness, the few people present on the track warned only the overly zealous so that they would not climb right under the wheels.

The surrounding village, which bordered the race track, was also empty. Almost all residents considered it their duty to participate in the sports festival. Despite the small size of the settlement there was also a sports bar here, where would we be without it. The few visitors in the main hall drank a beer and listened to the beeping radio. From there came the cheerful voice of the commentator.

– The cars line up on the starting field. Another first place was achieved by Sam Murphy, eager to celebrate the title of champion in this stage. Bridge comes second; Peter managed to perform well on his home track. Jeffrey Spencer is third, the newcomer looks increasingly confident. Jean-Luc Dubois unexpectedly came ahead of his teammate. Carlo Rinaldo is only fifth; it will be extremely difficult for the Italian to defend his claims to the title.

The bar also had a back room. For respected visitors who did not strive for unnecessary fuss and bustle, but valued solitude above all. The small but neatly furnished room could accommodate a dozen people, but there were only two. They smoked aromatic cigars, which sent up a pleasant chocolate smoke from the ceiling, and slowly drank fragrant rum. The indispensable radio receiver was working at full blast here too, spitting out the commentator’s chatter mixed with interference.

– After the first lap Sam Murphy retained the lead and now increases his lead. Carlo Rinaldo failed to make the starting breakthrough; Contrary to expectations, he did not regain any places, and only now is his teammate making way for the Italian.

– The laps are very short, that’s why we took the break from the twentieth to the thirtieth lap. The leader will simply overtake the back rows for one lap,” Manuel explained. Because of course one of the people in the room was him.

“The risk is terrible,” his interlocutor noted dissatisfied.

“Humberto, I’ve thought of everything,” Manuel pressed his hands to his chest, cursing.

“This is a race, you can’t predict everything,” said Umberto.

“Don’t talk too much,” Manuel waved him away.

– Need I remind you that my money is also at stake? – Umberto was worried.

“There is no risk, just stealing small things on the tram,” Manuel said serenely.

“Are you sure, Henry?”

– As much as possible.

– And how exactly, may I ask?!

– Henry is a cunning guy, but he is trapped, he has only one way out: to carry out my order. Later he will figure out how to fool me better, but for now it is more profitable for him to play by my rules.

– I really hope so.

“It looks like Bridge’s engine is starting to sputter.” What trouble befell our pilot! But if he was successful, he also kept his hopes of winning the title!

– And how do you calculate it? – Umberto threw up his hands emotionally. “Their rattles break every now and then.”

“You’re not a gambler,” Manuel blew out a beautiful smoke ring.

“I don’t like it when chance intervenes,” Umberto admitted. – Everything is clear in boxing. We know which round our athlete will fall into. Or the other way around: he eliminates his opponent because everything has been agreed. I often don’t even listen to the match, I just find out the result and go for the win. What about racing?

– We must develop and open new horizons. These are the basics of doing business,” Manuel took on a moralizing tone.

“To me he’s a merchant too,” Umberto grumbled.

– When we have mastered this market, I will see how you will be showered with gratitude.

– What do you need Henry for? – asked Umberto dissatisfied. – Is he that smart and unreliable? Couldn’t you find someone more accommodating?

– It’s not that simple. With racers it is more difficult than with boxers,” said Manuel regretfully.

– Murphy continues to confidently increase his lead in the race, Rinaldo tries to get past Spencer, but the young driver is confident of defending himself against attacks.

– Although we will invest in Henry, there is no other. During this time we will skim the cream, get comfortable and find others there. Extra money and the support of influential people won’t hurt anyone,” Manuel rolled his eyes dreamily.

-What’s wrong with horse racing? The old-fashioned way? – Umberto didn’t give up. “It’s easier to handle a real mare than an iron one.”

“Take it easy,” Manuel waved him away.

At this point, the radio receiver finally began to squeal with interference, drowning the commentator’s voice in it.

“Move him,” Manuel muttered worriedly.

Umberto simply pounded the cover of the outdated technology with his fist; it creaked miserably, but said:

– Sam Murphy leaves for the twentieth round. So far the British pilot feels very confident on our track. But this is not surprising, because he won here twice.

“I’m a little worried,” Umberto admitted. “Not even rum goes down my throat.”

“Not like you,” Manuel chuckled.

“I didn’t shake so much when we transported the first batch of goods.” But then we had to travel through four states. And that was more confidence.

– Murphy started to get ahead of the pilots who were one lap behind. The track is narrow, so you have to lose time every time you overtake. But Sam is an experienced pilot and he knows how to keep losses to a minimum.

– Where is this Henry? – Umberto involuntarily tapped his fist on his knee.

-Who will tell you? Who is interested in him? Behind somewhere.

– I wish I knew where.

– Do not worry. It was like coming to the police station for the first time. That does not matter.

– Aren’t you worried at all?

– A little.

– But not me! Like on coal!

– Have some rum?

– I do not want!

– And in vain.

– Dear radio listeners, the unexpected has happened! While passing one of the Quincy team riders for a lap, a collision occurred! I can’t believe my eyes! Sam Murphy hit the back wheel of the car in front of him with his wheel! Looks like he damaged the suspension! His car limps to one side and Murphy goes to the pits! The race is lost for him! What an unexpected ending!

“And you were sweating like a seal in the sun,” Manuel laughed happily.

– Completely a waste of nerves. – Umberto gargled half a glass at once out of emotional distress.

“For our successful entry into the world of motorsport,” Manuel raised his glass.
Umberto took a long sip without clinking glasses:

– Yes.

– Yeah, shut that horn, I’m tired of the mumbling.

Henry showed up very quickly, the race wasn’t even over yet. The unfortunate racer knocked stealthily and entered the room.

– Rome? – suggested a satisfied Manuel.

– Thank you.

-You look out of breath.

– I’m in a hurry to pick up my newspaper. I have fulfilled your order.

– I believed in you.

“Only I will become an outcast in the European racing world.”

– Why is this?

– Didn’t you guess? I did the stupidest thing.

– Just imagine: I knocked the world champion off the track. But with you, your life is the most precious gift.

– Where’s the paper?

– What are you in such a hurry, Henry?

“I want to destroy this despicable document.”

– Did he surrender to you?

“If I remember correctly, it says I planned to run into Murphy on purpose.” With your dictation.

– Absolutely, Henry, it doesn’t change.

– Give it to me, Manuel. To ask. I followed your instructions.

– Well done.

– I ran into Sam Murphy on the highway like you asked.

– That’s right, Henry.

– Did I do everything right?

-You knocked out Murphy. Of course I am extremely grateful to you. Is this what you wanted to hear?

“Of course,” Henry smiled happily at something. – The flag has fallen!

– What? Have you left the race yet?! – Manuel laughed. – What else…

And the words got stuck in his throat. The door of the room suddenly swung open, it felt like a powerful kick. And the room suddenly became crowded. Plain clothes and blue police uniforms flashed by. Strong hands unceremoniously pulled Manuel and Humberto off the table and clapped them with a strong hand.

– What kind of jokes? – Manuel asked somberly when the fuss had subsided and two strong young men stretched out next to them and held them by the elbows.

A tall man in a police uniform, athletic build, but with a looming belly, covered in all kinds of shiny things, came towards him with measured steps.

– Manuel Sanchez?

– Good.

– Western District Police. Captain Harris,” the police officer introduced himself casually.

– What do you owe? – Manuel asked rudely.

– You’re under arrest. For attempted fraud, kidnapping and extortion. Do you read your rights or know them by heart? – the captain lost his official tone a little and could barely contain a smile from ear to ear.

== To be continued…