CHAPTER #2

The work week couldn't have taken longer, even if Gina had a mountain of paperwork. Lieutenant Castillo told her that she didn't have to be Crockett and Tubbs back up on Saturday, unless she felt it was necessary. He knew it was her day off.

Mark was very busy on race day, so Gina said she'd just meet him at Damien's place. His mansion was right on the water and was the start and finish point. The weather was perfect for racing. Her and Trudy got a ride with Tubbs in his Cadillac. Both ladies had summer dresses on that complimented their figures and showed off their legs. Trudy nursed a cocktail and Gina enjoyed a few mojitos. She saw Sonny arrive in his boat, with his throttle man. They tied off on the dock and came to say hello. Then the other competitors arrived, but Gina only had eyes for Mark. He picked her up and kissed her long and hard in front of everyone, making them all see she was his. he was a bit jealous of Sonny Burnett, when he saw how comfortable Gina was around him. He knew Sonny was still in her heart.

The racers inspected each other's boats. Then it was time to suite up and race. Helmets went on, engines fired up and then they lined up out in the bay. A flare gun signaled the start of the race. The throttles opened, boats roared to life and leapt forward. It was only a six mile race, so if you were caught sleeping at the start, your machine was hard pressed to catch up. The boats attacked the ocean, almost seeming to fly over it. Mark had a slight edge over Crockett and Damien's friend was right behind them. Mark cut in close to the turning point marker as Sonny went a little wide. On the return sprint, their speeds came close to 140 miles/hour. The waves of the trailing boats smashed against the hulls, the vibration was felt in the steering wheels of the leading boats.

On shore the crowd cheered their favorite racers and used binoculars to see the action. Gina knew neither man would back down, so it was all about who's boat was better. Trudy and Tubbs were cheering for Sonny. At one time Gina would have too, but now she wanted Mark to win.

The boats screamed closer and as quick as it had started, the race was over. As far as anyone could tell, Crockett and Mark had come to the finish in dead heat. No decisive winner. As the boats slowed down and came slowly to the dock, Mark waived at Gina. The racers took off their helmets and went to change out of the race suites, as soon as their feet were on solid ground.

Mark kissed Gina and then walked over to Crockett and shook his hand, "good race Burnett!"

Sonny smiled, "same to you."

The party goers then surrounded the racers. Mr. Gaviria drew Crockett aside and offered him a whiskey on the rocks. "You handle your boat very skillfully."

Crockett gave a nod and raised his glass in toast. Tubbs shook Mr. Gaviria's hand, "Sonny is use to needing speed on the ocean. Normally our transport business requires larger distances."

Mr. Gaviria nodded, "I think that we have similar interests and need to talk business."

They set up a time to meet at the local country club the following day for lunch. Then they all joined the party once again. Crockett went looking for Gina and accidentally interrupted a long lip lock with her and Mark.

"May I steal your date for a few minutes?" He asked Mark politely.

"Just a few," Mark winked at Gina.

Once Sonny had her alone he said, "you look lovely in that dress. I can't keep my eyes off you. Tubbs, Trudy and I have to leave soon. Gaviria has set up a meeting. Enjoy your party." He kissed her cheek.

"Thank you Sonny, I will." She left and he watched her walk away.

Gina went to find Mark, he was discussing his boat engine with Damien. She excused herself and went to say good bye to Trudy. Crockett got into the boat and Trudy was with Tubbs.

"You're lucky it's your day off," Trudy said enviously.

"I know. Days off are precious."

"Go have fun with your man," Trudy said. Then she got into the cadillac.