Run into Trouble

the section from Torrey Pines to the Oceanside entrance to Camp Pendleton, we will run on the beach the whole way. Because this is a populated area, it is safer and sometimes faster to run on the beach. You’re used to beach running by now, and it should be no problem. You will be passing through a number of lovely beaches, including Del Mar, Solana, Cardiff by the Sea, Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. If the beach is difficult to negotiate at high tide, you can temporarily run on the road.
    ***
    The ringing telephone woke Drake from a dream in which he was attempting to run somewhere, but large rocks and other obstacles kept getting in his way. He opened his eyes. A rosy glow behind the thin curtains told him that the sun was almost up. Should he try to answer the phone? It had been easier for him to turn over during the night than it had the night before.
    When the phone kept ringing its persistent double brrrr he couldn’t think of any excuses to ignore it. He reached out his arm and lifted the receiver.
    “This is your wakeup call. It’s six a.m.”
    Drake growled something back at the too-pleasant voice and dropped the receiver on the cradle. He stretched, trying to get a reading on his back. The pain was still there when he moved. What were they doing today? Oh yes, he and Melody were quitting Running California and going home. They had talked about spending a couple of days together first—on holiday, as she phrased it, but nothing had been settled.
    Fred had not only refused to accept their resignations, he had made them talk to the reporter just as if they were still in the race. The young man was a sports reporter by trade and had wanted to talk about the athletic aspects of the race. Drake had played down his injuries while they discussed how one prepared for and maintained conditioning during ultra-marathoning, a term used by the reporter.
    It would be fun to be alone with Melody for a few days. Just like old times, hopefully. Drake rolled onto his side, sat up, and headed for the shower.
    ***
    “Mr. Drake?”
    Drake turned and saw the middle-aged woman at the reception desk. Her voice sounded like the voice on the phone. He was meeting Melody here. They were going to the café next door to eat a real breakfast. The continental breakfast served by the motel wouldn’t sustain them.
    “I have an envelope for you.”
    “For me?”
    “You are Mr. Drake, aren’t you?”
    “Yes.”
    How did she know? It wasn’t difficult. He was the only guest at the motel with a bandage on his face. Somebody must have told her that. He took the proffered envelope, thanked her, and sat down at one of the small tables in the lobby area where a few early rising guests were drinking coffee and eating sweet rolls.
    It was a white business-size envelope with “Oliver Drake” typed on the outside. It had been sealed but only at one spot in the center. Drake tore the envelope open and pulled out a sheet of standard typewriter paper folded neatly in thirds. He unfolded the paper and saw a typewritten note. As he quickly read the note, he got a sick feeling in his stomach. The English was broken and there were spelling errors, but the meaning was clear.
    To: Oliver Drake
    From: The Syndicate
    You not know us but that no matter. We know you. We have great interest in Running California race. We see it as chance to make much money. Many people betting on race. People betting that you and Melody Jefferson not finish race. We bet that you finish race get exelent odds. But then you have acident. We think we know who caused acident but we not able to get out of bet. So you have to stay in race. We know where Melody mom lives in Rotherfield England. As long as you too stay in race she ok. If you quit race she in big trouble. Do you understand? Do not show letter to any one.
    Shit. Drake almost said it out loud. He read the note a second time, more slowly. The meaning didn’t change.
    “Letter from home?”
    Melody placed a hand on his shoulder and started to look over it. Drake’s first inclination was to hide the paper, but he knew she had to see it. He reluctantly handed it to her.
    “Brace yourself. It’s not good news. I’ll be right back.”
    While Melody read the note, Drake went to the reception desk. He fidgeted impatiently while the clerk took care of a man who was checking out. He finally got her attention.
    “The envelope you gave me? Who gave it to you?”
    “It was here when I came in at five. I