Heart of Thunder 5
Chapter 5
Michael immediately scanned the paint with his bionic eye. He looked at the paint's molecular structure.
"Well," he whispered to Lisa, "It's just run-of-the-mill red paint. You could get it at most any hardware store."
Lisa nodded.
"There are only two hardware stores in town," said Lisa, "We need to find out who bought red paint recently."
Right, and if they have any connection with any of our rivals." Added Stevie
"Or the board that oversees the county tournament." Said Carole
Later that afternoon, Michael and the Saddle club met at JB's. they ordered some burgers, and started to compare notes.
"Okay," said Carole, "I did some checking and right now Pine Hollow is the heavy favorite in this year's tournament."
That triggered a memory in Michael.
"Hey guys," he said, "I just remembered something!"
"What?" asked Stevie
"A couple days back, thanks to my bionic ear, I caught a piece of a conversation between Jess and Melanie." Replied Michael
"So?" Lisa said, "What does that have to do with that ominous warning that we got?"
"It's what they were talking about that's important," said Michael, "Let me Explain: they were talking about some guy named Jinx Martin who apparently is a teenage bookie. Apparently, he's been seen hanging out here taking bets from the local high schoolers on the county tournament!"
"Okay," said Carole, "I think we're beginning to see. Go on."
"Betting on a tournament, derby, or any sporting event starts with the odds." Said Michael, "for instance, if a competitor's odds of winning are 5 to 1 that means you bet ten dollars on them and they win, you get fifty dollars. A bookie only makes money if more people lose their money that win."
"I get it!" said Stevie, "And if Pine Hollow is the heavy favorite, it would be obvious to bet on us."
"Right," said Michael, "If the Pine Hollow team is favored at say 50 to 1 over the rival team that means…,"
"That, assuming we win, a bookie like Jinx could wind up paying out 50 dollars for every dollar that's bet on us!" said Lisa finishing Michael's thought, "That would add up fast!"
"You better believe it!" said Michael, "What's more there are a lot of crooked bookies who try to cheat people."
"How would they do that?" asked Lisa
"They could lie about the odds," said Carole, her eyes widened, "Or, find some way to rig it so the favorite loses."
"And that way he'd make a killing!" nodded Michael, "Now I think you see where I'm going with this."
"Someone is trying to rattle the Pine Hollow team so we lose, and they, who ever they are, can make a bunch of money!" said Carole.
They had all finished their burgers and were looking around.
"Let's get another basket of French fries, and hang around a while longer." Said Stevie, "just in case Jinx shows up today."
"Yeah," said Lisa, "we need to have a word with him!"
"Isn't he kind of a small-time operator?" asked Carole
"That's true enough." Replied Stevie, "But even if he's not the guilty party, he might know who around here is a big enough operator to think that he could rattle Pine Hollow!"
"Exactly!" said Michael
Their fresh basket of Fries arrived and they all began nibbling as they waited. A few minutes later. Jinx came strolling in. he was at tall blond buy with short spikey hair and a pair of sunglasses. He was also wearing a black leather jacket and a gawdy gold chain around his neck.
"That's him," whispered Lisa
As soon as he settled into his favorite corner booth and had given his order to the waiter, the gang moved in.
Jinx was a little startled When they slid into the booth and surrounded him.
"Sorry guys," he crooned arrogantly, "I know my personage is ravishing, but I'm not open for business until after I have my lunch."
"Can the Baloney!" snapped Stevie, "We've got some questions for you Jinx, and you're going to answer them."
"and who's gonna make me?" retorted Jinx. In a flash a switchblade was in his hand. But before he could do anything with it, Michael caught his wrist and twisted the knife blade until the tip was pointing at the ground.
"Lose the knife or I'll do the same thing to your neck!" Michael growled.
The knife dropped to the table with a thud.
"W-What do you want to know?" Jinx stammered
"Someone's trying to scare Pine Hollow's team out of the county tournament." Said Stevie, "Have any bookies moved into the area who are powerful enough to try rigging the tournament?"
"Why would I know something like that?" asked Jinx still trying to play dumb
Lisa grabbed the front of his shirt and twisted it tight enough to make him squirm uncomfortably.
"Because, nothing having to do with gambling goes on in this town without you knowing about it!" she snapped, "Now cut the crap!"
"Okay, Okay," Pleaded Jinx, "All I know is that a big-time bookie named Brandor Harrigan moved into to Willow creek about two weeks ago and immediately started taking some big bets on the tournament!"
Michael's eyes widened at the name.
"Butcher Harrigan is in town?!"
TO BE CONTINUED…PLEASE REVIEW