Page 116 - Just Deserts

The Sirocco Lites 26K Run for the Money

underpriced parcels of land in the commercial district. And La Manza
was going to pay him to sell the idea to the local burghers!
“Very nice,” said Holden. “I’m sure the tobacco company has the
resources and the experience to do a tasteful job of promoting
themselves along with the race. I understand they are increasing the
prize money from one hundred dollars to ten thousand.”
“Right.” Kevin Caltrop grinned. “And a brand new prize for the
wheelchair entrants: five thousand. That’s a good part of how they
sweetened the pot for my people. But take a look at the next picture:
this is really far out, man.”
Holden looked. It showed four or five wheelchair racers in furious
locomotion out on a curved stretch of highway. The riders were
clean-cut all-American paraplegics wearing spandex singlets in
glistening gold and green. And their vehicles had been transformed,
as well: from the back each now resembled a pack of Sirocco Lites on
wheels.
“Amazing!” crowed Holden, despite himself. “Can they really
construct those wheelchairs to look like that?”
“Yep.” Kevin Caltrop was smug. “Brand new racing wheels for
the whole club, latest technology. Any increase in drag from the
slightly boxy shape will be compensated for by the state-of-the-art
ball bearings and space-age materials in the frame and wheels.”
Ben Holden leaned back in his chair, food untouched. “It looks to
me,” he said, “like Mr. Ace La Manza is going to be a very popular
figure around city hall after I introduce him and his plan next week.”
The young man opposite him finished the last French fry on his
plate and belched loudly. “Yep. I figure he’ll get quite a warm
reception.”

* * * * *

POLYGON PLUMMETS AFTER ANGRY VETS PROTEST

Isla View Scandal Reaches Corporate Executive Suite

by Sheila Mentz, Times staff writer
115