Run into Trouble

without this bozo.”
    “Maybe we should.”

    CHAPTER 29
    Today’s run is scenic (as if they all weren’t) and goes around the famous 17 Mile Drive. Enter the Drive at the Carmel Gate. There may be a quicker way to get there than following Route 1 as you get close to the Carmel Gate. Follow the 17 Mile Drive around the peninsula past Pebble Beach and Asilomar, always staying as close to the coast as possible, to the Lighthouse Gate in Pacific Grove. Work your way over to Del Monte Avenue. The run ends at the first intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Route 1 in Sand City.
    ***
    “It’s a good thing we don’t like to play golf. We might get seduced and stay here forever.”
    Melody had been taking in the beautifully manicured golf courses along the 17 Mile Drive, some of them set against the cliffs overlooking the ocean.
    Drake snorted. “The first question I have is how much money is lost in golf balls that go over the cliffs.”
    “Spoken like a true nonbeliever.”
    “I think there’s a fundamental difference between golfers and runners. Golfers make a big show out of having the right equipment and the right balls and the right lessons. Then most of them go out and stink up the course while riding in golf carts, which means that they don’t even get any exercise. Runners are pure; they don’t need fancy equipment. They don’t put on a show. They just run.”
    Melody was laughing so hard that she had trouble running. “Don’t let any of the golfers hear you. They’ll beat you to death with their nine-irons. I wonder what they think when we run past.”
    “They feel a mixture of horror and pity, I’m sure. Just the idea that they might get sweat stains on their peacock shirts is more than they can bear.”
    Melody scanned the road in front and behind them. Every one of the runners was in sight. “It looks like we’re having a group event today. Maybe we should have a picnic together on the rocks—practice our togetherness.”
    “There’ll be a chance for individual initiative when we get to Pacific Grove. We’ll be running on some side streets. Although it may just be the luck of the draw who picks the route with the fewest lights and traffic. Have you had any more thoughts on Casey?”
    “He’s certainly trying to buy your silence, at least as far as your father is concerned.”
    “I’m all for taking his money as compensation for my injuries, but I don’t like his political methods. I don’t like his agenda either—especially the land grab. I’m not going to vote for him.”
    “As long as you’re in the run and you don’t bad-mouth him to your dad, you may be giving him all the help he needs.”
    “There’ll be plenty of time to expose him after the run is over.”
    “You hope.”
    ***
    Drake’s message light at the motel in Monterey was blinking. The motel was close to where they had met Casey last night. They could have stayed here both nights, since they had just run around the peninsula that contained Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel, but had not advanced very far up the coast.
    Running the 17 Mile Drive instead of bypassing the area on Route 1 had given them maximum exposure. Sometimes people they passed recognized who they were from their Running California shirts and cheered them on. Having them seen by the populace couldn’t be bad for Casey.
    The message was to meet Slick at a coffee shop in Monterey at six. It was within walking distance of the motel. This left them plenty of time to clean up. Drake called Melody’s room to pass the information on to her.
    ***
    When Drake and Melody walked into the coffee shop precisely at six, Slick wasn’t already there. That was a surprise. They went to a booth in the corner and sat down. They sipped iced tea and waited while speculating what his news would be.
    At 6:15 Drake started to get restless. “I don’t want to sit here and starve while waiting for him not to show. Let’s order dinner.”
    Melody, who had already checked the menu, made a face. “I think this is the original greasy spoon.”
    “You can always order a salad or something.”
    Drake wasn’t as particular about the food he ate. They both settled for fish and chips since this was seafood country. After all, what can you do to fish and chips? Drench the coleslaw in too much mayonnaise and serve soggy chips. Melody remarked that at least they got the name correct, calling them chips instead of French fries.
    “I see you started without me.”
    They