The Fall Guy

A group of Kentucky horse breeders are cleaning up at the races. They have a talking horse named Mr. Ted (grandson of Mr. Ed), who is not only amusing entertainment for farm visitors, but also a real financial asset because of his uncanny knack of predicting which horse will win the next big sweepstakes. Unfortunately for the gamblers from the Bluegrass State, a gang of NYC bookies catches wind of the “magic” horse and sends a trio of asassins to Kentucky to eliminate the talkative stallion. Unnerved by the deadly deed, the Kentucky breeders quickly come to the conclusion that the criminal network from out-of-state will not be satisfied with just one dead horse, So, to save their own hides, they contact a private eye in Pennsylvania, who specializes in large animal homicides. Next we follow Harry Martini, Private Investigator, and his girlfriend, Rita Mack, traveling from their hometown in rural Pennsylvania to the Kentucky Derby, where Harry is to meet with the horse breeders. Unbeknowst, to Harry and Rita, the real motive of the meeting is to set up Harry with the NY mob, in order to protect the financial interests of the Kentucky group. From Harry's point-of-view, the meeting goes well, as Harry is asked to take on the investigation. He does so with great gusto. After watching the Run for the Roses, Harry and Rita, return to Wagon City, PA before venturing on to the Preakness Stakes in neighboring Maryland. Also along for the ride are Rita's two sisters, Flora and Rosa. In Baltimore, Harry gets a big clue that leads him to the Equus Express, a large private jet that is used to transport thoroughbred race horses to high stakes sporting events. Unfortunately, at the small private airfield, where the plane is parked, things go horribly wrong. Harry is abducted at gunpoint, while Rita and her two sisters are told to go back to Pennsylvania and stay there. Right away, Rita makes a promise to herself to pursue this matter to its fullest resolution, no matter how long it takes and how rough things get. Her two sisters back her up in her decision. Since they have been told they are being watched, Rita, Flora and Rosa return to Wagon City, but just for the night. The next day, they give the mob the slip and head for Long Island, where they rent a motel efficiency situated in the marshland, not too far from the town of Elmont, home of the Belmont Stakes. After several days of amusing interactions with the locals, including a few individuals connected with the racing industry, the three women discover the boathouse, where Harry is being held captive. On their first visit to the property, the threesome come across two homeless characters, CJ and Bridger, who are living in a tent across the inlet from the boathouse. The two men appear to be friends with the gangsters, but through their generosity, the three sisters enlist the men's help in freeing Harry. The big event takes place on a Friday night, while the gangsters are attending a nearby harness racing event. It is a harrowing night for all involved, but Harry is freed and the land owners are sent to prison, except for the two biggest wigs, who bribe and fake their way out of incarceration with an insanity plea. P.S. Please note that The Fall Guy is the second Harry Martini Mystery in a series of three.