Games (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd Read Free Book Online Page B

horses were never fooled like their trusting owners. Somehow the beasts always knew he was up to no good. Making eye contact with the uneasy animal now, his cold gaze told the mare she was next. Excitement shot through his bloodstream when the horse reared in agitation, causing the chill in his eyes to be replaced with heat.
    “Rear all you want,” he whispered cruelly. “Won’t do no bit of good. You think you’re gonna win the derby? Ha! I’ve got other plans. You’ll be dead before the end of the month and no one will know someone this close was involved.”
    He then turned his back on the proud beast and strolled out of the stable, whistling a jaunty tune along the way.

     

Chapter 5
    Simon Harrington arrived at the White House in accordance with the president’s summons. Two army officers escorted him toward the Oval Office.
    “Oh, good,” President Grant said, looking up from behind a large mahogany desk when he entered the room. Two other men sat in plush chairs in front of the desk. “You’re finally here. You know Parker Davis and Jonathan Morgan?”
    “Good afternoon, Mr. President .” He glanced at the men, one his partner from his last case and the other his superior, and nodded. “Parker. Jon.” When both men returned the nod, Simon moved to sit in the chair President Grant had indicated.
    “What’ll you have to drink?”
    “Bourbon would be fine. Thank you, Mr. President,” Simon replied.
    The servant poured his drink and handed it to him. Simon remained silent until he left the room, then said, “I gather you have need of some special services?”
    The president’s bark of laughter came out with force . “You’re a quick one, Harrington. Of course I have need of your services. Don’t I always?”
    Chuckling, Simon sipped his drink and waited for him to elaborate.
    President Grant leaned back in his seat . “This is Morgan’s operation.” He nodded at the older man. “I’ll let him explain the details.”
    Jonathan Morgan rose and moved to stand in front of the president’s desk, in between Parker and Simon.
    “ Our intelligence sources are concerned about a foul plot that may be afoot. The two of you are here today because one of you has connections in Louisville, Kentucky, and both of you have been there within the last six months. I need agents familiar with the area, men who can blend in to uncover what, if anything, is going on.”
    No one spoke .
    A good fifteen seconds ticked on the grandfather clock in the corner of the room before Simon cleared his throat. “What makes you think this plot is dire enough to require our services?”
    “You’re aware of a new racetrack complete with grandstand and stables being built on the outskirts of Louisville?” With eyebrows raised, Jon waited for a response. Parker murmured his assent. At Simon’s nod, he continued. “For several months now, minor disturbances have delayed the building. At first, it all seemed coincidental and nothing out of the ordinary. Materials arriving late or being stolen, workmen not showing up when scheduled, and such. All are normal occurrences on this type of projects, so no one paid any mind until other more serious incidents took place. Add to this, several horses connected with the track have been injured or killed in past weeks. Within the last six months, other stallions from Virginia and Maryland have also been injured, some even having to be put down. We’re not sure if their injuries are connected or not, or if they are just plain happenstance.”
    Jon hesitated before continuing, and glanced first at Parker before his gaze landed on Simon. “The Central Railroad has crewmen laying track, and it’s clear someone is sabotaging their work. Last week, a man died after a cable broke and a pile of secured wood tumbled down on top of him. The cable was cut, denoting one thing. His death was not an accident.”
    “How is this in federal jurisdiction,” Simon asked. “Sounds like a case for the