Motocross Madness Read Online Free PDF Page A

article,” Navarro said. “Wealthy collector turns out for benefit motocross event—”
    â€œReally, I’m only interested in the bike for historical reasons,” Howard insisted.
    â€œIf you want that bike, we could help you out,” said a voice from the other side of the prize stand. The one who had spoken was a tall, blond man.The woman with her arm around him was nearly as tall, and had short, straight, dark hair.
    â€œBoy” Joe whispered to Frank, “you can’t even finish a conversation here without someone cutting in.”
    â€œAnd who might you two be?” Trent Howard asked, arching one eyebrow at the newcomers.
    The big man and the tall woman shook hands with Trent. “I’m Jules Kendallson,” said the man. “And this is my girl, Sylvia Short.”
    The brothers noticed the irony of a tall woman being named “Short,” but both managed to keep straight faces.
    â€œWe’re freelance riders,” Ms. Short declared.
    â€œWe like winning,” Kendallson said, “but we ain’t big collectors of cycles.”
    â€œMore bikes, more repairs,” Ms. Short added. “Y’know? We’d rather have the cash. How much you offering?”
    Trent Howard cleared his throat. “While I’m somewhat fascinated with the Metzger SD5, I’m not interested in hiring freelance riders at this point.”
    â€œIf you’re keen on getting this bike, Mr. Howard, why didn’t you just buy it from the Fernandezes?” Joe asked.
    â€œI tried,” Howard said, “but Mr. Fernandez wanted more than I was willing to pay. I may be well-off, but taking on the bulk of Corrine Fernandez’s rehab bills . . . It’s a hefty sum, and I just can’t let all that cash go right now.” He looked at Mr.
    Goldberg and added, “I suspect the same is true of Asa, here.”
    â€œYou got that right,” Goldberg replied. “But I would if I could. As it is, I’m happy just to be making a contribution.”
    â€œAs am I,” Howard replied.
    â€œYeah, we’re here for that, too,” Kendallson said. Ms. Short and the Navarros nodded in support.
    â€œWell, I’m sure Corri’s glad to have all of you pulling for her,” Frank said.
    Goldberg, Howard, and the rest nodded again. Then, as if by silent agreement, they all moved away from the prize table.
    â€œLet’s grab something to eat,” Joe said. “We were so busy rounding up pledges, we didn’t stop for dinner.”
    The brothers made their way to the refreshment table and picked up some snacks and punch. Frank dropped a few dollars into a contribution jar at the end of the buffet.
    â€œWe don’t want them to lose money putting on this party,” he explained.
    â€œIt’s a good turnout,” Joe said. “I hope they do as well with the races. People seem to be having a good time too.” He hooked a thumb to a corner where Corrine Fernandez and Jamal were chatting happily with some other racers.
    Suddenly, a shriek ripped through the air: “Fire!”

4 Where There Smoke . . .
----
    Everyone was quiet until another voice shouted, “Fire!”
    It was a different voice this time, and neither brother could place it. A billow of black smoke wafted across the ceiling of the room.
    Chaos erupted in the small assembly hall. The crowd began to press for the exits.
    â€œEveryone stay calm!” Frank called, but no one seemed to be listening.
    Smoke came from behind some curtains near the prize stand and rapidly filled the room. Cries of panic went up as people bumped into one another in the gathering gloom.
    â€œJamal! Where are you?” Frank called. He wavedsome of the smoke away from his face, but still couldn’t see much.
    â€œHere!” came Jamal’s voice from near the side exit. He coughed as he shouted to the brothers. “Corri and I are