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“I would love to eat something, thanks.” She drained her coffee, then joined him in the kitchenette. “Are there restaurants nearby?”
“Yes, and the mall is across the street.” He handed her the key she left on the table and pocketed the other. “Let’s go but stay close.”
“I will.” She doubted the gunmen would try anything in broad daylight but appreciated his dedication to keeping her safe.
The family restaurant was packed, but a family of four left as they entered. Fiona looked around curiously, wondering if the place was always that busy or if there was something special going on. Remembering what the hotel clerk had said the night before, she believed there was some event happening nearby.
Their server brought coffee, water, and menus. Everything looked great, and she was surprised at how hungry she was. The small bowl of beef stew she’d had at Doc’s cabin seemed like eons ago.
After placing their order, Doc cradled his mug in his hands. “Last night as I was watching the news, I learned there are a lot of horse races happening this week here in Lexington. That must be the reason everything is relatively booked.”
“The Keeneland Fall Meet.” The name of the event sprang unbidden to her mind. Doc’s brown eyes widened in surprise. She tensed, hoping he’d believe her. “I wish I could say I remember being at the Keeneland Fall Meet in the past, but I don’t. It’s just something I know. Like the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont together make up the Triple Crown.”
He nodded slowly. “I guess that makes sense. Knowing the races isn’t the same as remembering them.”
She relaxed a bit at that. “Horse racing is synonymous with Lexington.”
He regarded her steadily. “Anything else you know about horse racing that may help us figure out why you’re in danger?”
“If you’re asking about scandals, there’s always a concern about cheating.” She put her hand to her temple. The harder she tried to remember, the more her head throbbed with pain. “I don’t know if cheating is at the heart of why I’m in danger though.”
“Seems a logical assumption, based on Fiona’s Folly winning the Derby.” He pulled out his phone and poked at the screen. “Looks like Fiona’s Folly came in third place during the Belmont but didn’t place in the top three at the Preakness.”
“A single horse winning the Triple Crown is rare.” Again, the fact tumbled from her lips without her giving it conscious thought. Maybe the key to remembering was not trying so hard.
“You must have been close to your father at some point to be so knowledgeable about the racing community.” Doc’s comment wasn’t sarcastic, but she could sense his frustration. “Which only makes me wonder why he doesn’t seem to realize you’re in danger.”
She tried to come up with a suitable response, but just then their server returned with their plates. “Let me know if you need anything else.” With that, their server disappeared to check in on her other tables.
“They must have people working overtime in the kitchen,” Doc said in surprise. “That was fast.”
She nodded, then said, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to say grace.”
He gave her a sharp glance, then tersely nodded and stared down at his lap.
She leaned forward and kept her voice low. “Dear Lord Jesus, we ask You to bless this food we’re about to eat. Also, please continue to keep us safe in Your care as You heal my broken mind and restore my memories. Amen.”
Doc didn’t echo her sentiment this time but simply picked up his fork and dug into his meal. She wasn’t sure if that was because he didn’t believe or if he wasn’t accustomed to praying out loud. From her perspective, they needed all the help they could get.
Especially from the Lord above.
They ate in silence for several minutes. She felt better having food in her belly. Now she just needed her headache to go away, and her memories to return. Not necessarily in that order.
“Do you think your father is racing Fiona’s Folly in this upcoming meet?” Doc asked. “If so, we should try to attend.”
“I don’t know, but it makes sense, right?” She frowned, glancing around the packed restaurant. “I’m not sure we can get tickets though. At least not for the bigger races.”
He grimaced. “I hadn’t thought of how tickets are likely to be sold in advance.”
“If we use my name, we might be able to get in.”
“No way. The last thing I’d want to do is announce your presence. Especially not if the danger you’re in is related to horse racing.” He frowned. “I’ll check with Rex, see if he can potentially get tickets.”
She wasn’t sure how but decided there was no point in arguing.
When they finished eating, Doc pulled cash from his wallet and stood. “Ready to go shopping?”
She nodded, following him through the restaurant and back outside. Bright sunshine warmed the air, taking the chill off the early morning temperature. As they crossed the parking lot, she eyed the store names, wishing they looked or sounded familiar. Didn’t most women like shopping? It would make sense she’d been there before.
