The Race: The Tale of Love and Betrayal

"Here is your order, four beers with a bowl of spicy hot chicken wings," said the waitress, placing the order on the table where two scruffy, lean men who looked like they hadn't bathed in days were seated. One of them, with dirty, unkempt hair, small sunken red eyes, swollen lips, and a flat nose, ogled the waitress with eyes filled with lust.

The waitress was a sight to behold, with long black wavy hair, light brown tanned skin, large breasts, bell-shaped hips, and full-sized buttocks. Her pink cherry lips, small sharp nose, and black eyes with long eyelashes added to her allure. She wore a black and white mini waitress uniform that accentuated her curves, along with black stockings and white flat-heeled shoes.

The man licked his lips and said, "Damn girl! You are so fine! If I hadn't lost my money to that scheming rascal, I would have gladly hired you for the night, and we would've had a lot of fun together." He smiled, revealing yellow, dirty teeth with three missing. The waitress glanced at him briefly but said nothing. After a moment, she replied, "Enjoy your meal," and walked away.

As she passed another table, three men started whistling at her. One of them rudely threw money at her and shouted, "Here's your tip for tonight, baby! Why don't you come over here and shake that booty for me, will ya! I'll gladly pay you a whole lot more! Weee wooo!!" The waitress picked up the money without a word and continued walking back to the counter, near where some men were singing terribly at a karaoke machine. She placed her food tray on the counter, but before she could relax, her name was loudly called out, "Hey Patty!!! Quit squawking around and come here and help me with these orders!!! Or you're getting a pay cut!!"

Yes, the waitress was Patricia, and the loud squawking jerk was her boss. It had been a year since Patricia started working night shifts at this illegal underground club, where the scum of the city came to engage in illegal activities like betting, selling drugs, and prostitution. This was one of the clubs her investigations had led her to, where her archenemy often did business. But after a year, nothing unusual had happened that could lead her to the tail of the lion. It was a miracle she remained untouched by the grim realities of this life. She was like a delicate flower among thorns, miraculously unscathed.

After completing a few more orders, Patricia finally ended her shift around 4 AM. Luckily, a subway train operated in the early hours, and she would board it to go home. The city streets of Roseville were always chilly in the morning, but that didn't stop early birds from starting their activities. Patricia silently padded through the streets until she reached a small bungalow house near the end of the street. She approached it quietly and unlocked the door.

As soon as she entered, the lights in the sitting area suddenly came on. Patricia found herself face-to-face with her younger sister, still in her pajamas but with a scowl on her face.

"Ali!! Oh my! You scared me! What are you doing up this early? Shouldn't you be in bed? Remember, you have to go to school later. You shouldn't be up this early," said Patricia, removing her overcoat and placing it on the coat rack.

Alisha sighed and asked, "For how long?" Patricia pretended not to understand. "What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about."

"Please, Patty, stop pretending. This...leaving the house late at night and coming back in the wee hours of the morning. What's going on, Patty? I called the Eat and Lick restaurant where you 'supposedly' work, and they told me they've never heard of you. I also called Julia's fast food restaurant, and they told me something shocking, that you quit your job there over a year ago! So what's going on, Patricia? Why are you being so secretive?" asked Alisha.

Patricia took a deep breath and replied, "The last time I checked, Ali, I thought I made it clear to both you and Zach to stop meddling in my business. I don't have to answer to you about what happens in my life, okay? The only thing you need to know is that I am working... hard to fend for this family. How I do it should not be your problem or concern! You and Zach should concentrate on your schoolwork! And may I remind you that your college entrance exams are just around the corner! So instead of meddling in my business, maybe you should concentrate more on that, mmm..." She started walking past Alisha to go to her room.

"You know what...I don't care!! You can go and work as a whore for the rest of your life if you want to!!! But I am not going to allow you to tarnish the good reputation and name of our family just for the sake of 'fending for this family,' Patricia!! And oh, by the way...just so you know...Zach and I are moving out as soon as we go to college!!" shouted Alisha, running into her room and slamming the door.

Patricia remained motionless for a while before unlocking her door and entering her room. It was a small bedroom with a single bed, a wardrobe, and a dressing table. On the wall near the back of the door hung a large painting of a black stallion. This painting was the only thing she could save after they lost their ranch. It was her father's favorite, which he always hung in his study. It was a priceless treasure, and Patricia couldn't let that bastard have it.

When Patricia and her family were kicked out of their home, her mother found a nice bungalow in the city. Initially, the place was run-down and needed many renovations, but their father had left enough money to fix everything and cover the children's educational expenses. The money was enough to send Patricia to law school, but everything started to crumble when their mother died. Finances depleted quickly. Patricia tried to find a job at local law firms, but in a world where women were segregated, it was a difficult hustle. To make ends meet, she became a lecturer at the local university, teaching languages and history during the day, and worked at fast food restaurants at night to keep the income flowing.

However, her mother's death brought not only financial problems but also strained her relationship with her siblings. She didn't want them to know that behind the everyday Patricia they saw, there was a lone wolf seeking revenge for what happened to their family. Since finishing law school, she had been secretly investigating the world's mysterious champion derby racer. Her search led her to become estranged from her siblings, especially Alisha. Their conversations often turned into arguments filled with cursing. Zach, on the other hand, was rarely open to anyone and was rarely seen around the house. He also sneaked out at night and returned in the early hours of the morning, unbeknownst to his sisters.

Patricia's investigations seemed hopeless at first, as her enemy was smart enough not to leave any traces. It wasn't until a year ago that she stumbled across two drunk men complaining about her archenemy. In their drunken state, they revealed he was involved in illegal betting and drug selling in one of the city's secret clubs. This information led her to work at the 'Happy Night Owl' club. But after a year, she still had no information about him and was ready to give up and look elsewhere.

She slowly moved towards the painting, tracing her delicate fingers over it as if reminiscing about something. Then she gently removed the painting, revealing pictures and newspapers about the 'World's Champion Derby Racer' and all the races he participated in. A glint of rage sparked in Patricia's eyes as she whispered, "Don't worry...I am not giving up on you just yet. I am still going to find you and make you pay."