Run into Trouble

We’re in luck. I’ve found out that Casey is calling a meeting of the officers on his board for tomorrow to plot strategy. He’s also asked Admiral Drake to come. He badly wants the admiral on his side.”
    “Where’s the meeting being held?” Drake asked.
    “Giganticorp headquarters in San Jose. Which is convenient because at the end of tomorrow’s run, you’ll still be south of San Francisco, within spitting distance of San Jose. I can furnish you a car and anything else you need.”
    “So all I have to do is somehow set up a meeting with my father when he’s tied up with Casey, and then get him to tell me all of Casey’s secrets.”
    Slick beamed. “You’ve got it in one.”

    CHAPTER 34
    Today’s run goes from the intersection of Route 84 and Route 1 to Thornton State Beach. Take Route 1through Half Moon Bay and continue to follow it until it becomes a freeway south of Pacifica. Follow surface streets to Route 35 (Skyline Boulevard). Follow Route 35 to Thornton State Beach. There are several interesting climbs, including one right at the beginning of the run, another after Montara, and a nice steep one at the end of the run. This is the next to last day of the race, so if you’re going to make a move, it’s now or never. Enjoy.
    ***
    The hills accomplished what the wind and blowing sand yesterday hadn’t been able to do: separate the runners. Drake and Melody had taken the lead on the hill at the start of the run and hadn’t relinquished it. It gave them a chance to talk without anyone overhearing. Drake was trying to figure out how to contact his father.
    “Even if I could reach him by phone, the chances of us having an intelligent conversation are nil.”
    “Then we’ll have to go to where he is.”
    “You don’t have to go. This is my job.”
    “I know how hard it is for you. The least I can do is give you moral support.”
    “If we just show up at Giganticorp, what then? I’m sure Casey has a full schedule planned for the troops, including dinner. We can’t just cut my dad out of the herd.”
    “Maybe that’s what we’ll have to do. Now let’s see if we can gain some time on the leaders.”
    ***
    Slick picked up Drake and Melody near their motel in Daly City and drove them a few blocks to a rental car company. Their drive on to San Jose was complicated by the pre-rush hour traffic heading south out of San Francisco on Interstate 280. Drake grumbled as he had to slow down for a number of large trucks.
    “Now I know why I chose to live in Idyllwild. There aren’t any freeways there.”
    “We need to put a plan together on what to say to your father.”
    “If we even get to talk to him.”
    “We will. If necessary, we’ll enlist Casey’s help. He needs to stay on our good side.”
    “Does he? Not if he’s already won Dad over.”
    Their discussion continued until they arrived at what was called the Giganticorp campus. It looked like a college campus. They drove in the main entrance between two square, brick posts with a sculpture of the Big G logo in dark metal standing on top of each one. Multi-storied buildings sat in isolated splendor in front of them, separated by large expanses of manicured lawn, dotted with carefully tended trees. The buildings were modern and not ivy covered, but they gave the effect of wealth and stability.
    Signs with arrows pointed toward various buildings. Drake and Melody followed the direction of the arrows as they drove along the blacktop roads. A number of sprinklers came on as they passed one section of lawn, showering the grass and creating miniature rainbows with the help of the afternoon sun. They arrived at the administration building and parked in the ample lot.
    They climbed the marble steps and went through the glass doors into a reception area that featured a round counter directly in front of them. Two men and a woman walked briskly past them wearing suits. The woman’s suit consisted of a blue skirt and jacket combination and a white blouse with a red sash instead of a tie.
    Drake and Melody wore their Running California jackets. Drake wasn’t wearing a tie, and Melody wore slacks. Drake felt under-dressed. A pretty young lady sat inside the circle of the counter. As they approached, she stood and greeted them with a bright smile. She asked how she could help them.
    Drake said, “I’m Oliver Drake, and this is Melody Jefferson. We’re part of Running California.”
    “Oh, yes.” The woman’s smile grew even brighter.