Original subtitles

Gemini holding on as the 6-to-5 favorite of the fans...

and they gather up to watch the start.

Good crowd on hand today.

Retribution also solidly supported at the windows as well as Headed Home.

They're all in line, just about set for the break.

They're off!.!

For the lead, that is Gemini flashing his brilliant early speed...

and he takes the early advantage from Retribution.

Now those two hook up as they head on to the turn.

Gemini and Retribution-- they're stride for stride.

A length-and-a-half further back Start Over, then Got Away in third...

with Danish Son now racing fourth, five lengths away from the lead.

Headed Home is next in fifth.

And a distant trailer at this point, is Heaven Sent, racing in sixth.

Gemini continues strong. He's got a length-and-a-half lead now.

Retribution's dropped back in second. Danish Son just felt the whip in third.

Start Over's four lengths away, fourth, and Heaven Sent and Headed Home.

And at 5/ 1 6 of a mile out from home...

it is Gemini just holding on, Danish Son and Retribution.

Heaven Sent is the rail-runner, charging through on the inside.

Gemini desperate to hold the advantage from Danish Son and Heaven Sent.

On to the backstretch they go.

Gemini is carving out a fast pace as expected, very, very quickly.

Retribution still his persistent challenger.

Whoa.! From way back in the crowd, here's Heaven Sent.

All of a sudden, Heaven Sent makes a huge move as the field turns for home.

Gemini desperate to hold on. Danish Son, and Heaven Sent is coming on.

Here comes Heaven Sent charging the rail.

What a surprise this one is.!

At 50 to 1, Heaven Sent has come on through...

and as they race on down to the line of finish...

in a thriller, Heaven Sent is up to win it.!

Thank you for calling Carter Kentucky Limited. How can I help you?

I have a collect call to a Mr. Carter from a Mr. Vincent T. Webb.

- Do you wish to accept the charges? - I'll check. Please hold.

Come on, come on, come on.

Good morning.

Vinnie, how you doin'? It's been a long time.

This isn't the best time for me to talk.

- I've got a major crisis going on here. - What is it?

I've been arrested.

Would you gentlemen excuse me a moment?

- What did you say? - I've been arrested.

They're gonna press charges. They're gonna ask questions.

Now, I'm real scared, Carter.

- You didn't assault anyone, did you? - No, no, no.

It's harassment.

- Who did you harass? - No one.!

- Who charged you with harassment? -A woman.

For Christ's sake, Vinnie.

She's gonna press charges. You gotta stop her.

- You gotta get out here, Carter. - Out there?

I can't. Are you crazy? I've got a major sale happening here.

They're gonna ask questions! They're gonna make me talk!

You're not gonna talk. Calm down.

Let me call some people.

I'll put you in touch with somebody who's gonna straighten all this out.

- There's no time for that, Carter. - Vinnie--

-Get out here now! This is an emergency! -Vinnie, wait.

Fuck.

Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me now...

I'm going to leave you...

in the capable hands of our farm manager Louis.

Over to you, Louis.

Becky?

I'm gonna be out of town for a while. Today's meetings will have to be moved.

Make sure that Louis looks after these guys.

Get him to call me on the cell phone if there's a problem.

- What time does Mr. Ahmed arrive? - 1 1 :00 a.m. tomorrow.

We're viewing Simpatico at 2:00.

The paperwork should be ready to sign by late afternoon.

I'll be back in time.

There's that Halloween dinner. You think we should invite him?

Yeah, yeah, sure. If he's still in town, that'll be good publicity.

And what shall I tell these gentlemen?

Tell them it was unavoidable, that I've gone to see a sick relative.

Here you go.

Have a good day.

Oh, my word! Are you a scary monster from another universe?

- Yes? - Mine.

This is yours?

You have a happy Halloween. Okay?

How's he doing, Charlie?

He's fine. Taking him down to the paddock.

- I'm going out of town. - No problem.

Should I worry?

The test came back clean. We'll be fine, Mr. Carter.

Good.

- Take it easy. - Sure.

Mr. Carter, is everything okay?

Everything's great.

Everything's fine, Kelly. Is she in bed?

In her room.

Kelly, tell Mrs. Carter I had to go to California.

- California? - On business. It can't be helped.

Tell her she's not to worry, that I've gone to see an old buddy.

Listen, apologize for any offense.

- Tell him Simpatico is in great shape. - You need to hurry, sir.

The tests are clean, and the rest will have to wait till we're face to face.

Busy day ahead, Vinnie?

Uh-huh.

- Same again? - No. Can't stay.

Do me a favor, Dan. Keep this safe a couple hours.

I'll be back around 5:00 or 6:00 to pick it up.

You got important criminal evidence in there?

It's confidential, ladies. Confidential.

Do you believe that?

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking.

We're now flying at our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Would you like a drink, sir?

No.

Carrying a weapon again, Vinnie?

Only on dates.

Jesus, look at this place.

You got somebody looking after you? You know, doing the dishes, the laundry?

I can have that arranged for you. Local talent.

I'm fine.

You should keep the door locked. It's not safe around here anymore.

You shouldn't oughta let the laundry pile up on you.

It starts to go sour and gives you a bad impression of yourself.

I don't need the laundry for that.

Jesus.

What?

You seein' a ghost?

You can get this transferred to video.

I can help you with that.

- I prefer celluloid. - Okay.

Well, I got about three hours before my return flight.

You came out here, buddy.

You said you'd never come. I thought I was never gonna see you again.

I was happy to come.

I'm perfectly willing to help you out in any way I can. You know that.

You didn't just come 'cause you were scared or guilty?

Vinnie, I came because you said it was an emergency.

- It is. - You've been arrested.

That's right.

So, who had you arrested?

A woman, for harassment. But it'll never stick.

Well, why did she do that?

I don't know. I--

I guess she felt I deceived her.

Vinnie, not the detective routine.

She was absolutely convinced. She went right along with it.

I showed her the badge, the gun, the false I D, the handcuffs.

She got very excited about it.

I can't believe you're still doing this.

You can't take those kinds of risks. I've told you that.

You're in no position to tell me what to do.

I'm the one that's holding the cards, Carter.

What do you want me to do?

Talk to this girl? Straighten something out?

Cecilia.

What?

Cecilia. That's her name.

Cecilia. Right. What exactly do you want me to do?

What I was thinkin' was...

that maybe if I could take you over there...

and if...

you could talk to her...

get her to change her mind about me...

drop the charges...

I was thinking that maybe...

What?

I'd hand over all the stuff, let you have it.

All-- All the stuff?

Yeah, documents, photos, the cuttings.

- All the negatives? - Negatives, letters, everything.

I keep 'em safe right there in the house.

You're just gonna hand them over to me?

Sure. Why not?

Why would you do that?

I don't need that shit anymore.

What's funny?

I must've offered you 200 grand for those negatives over the years.

Now all I gotta do is tell your sweetheart what a nice guy you are...

what a prince you are deep down.

You don't have to lie.

-Just make up a story, huh? - No, don't make up a story.

- Tell the truth? - Yes, tell the truth.

Just focus on my good points.

- Yeah? - It's Becky.

just to let you know, we have press interviews tomorrow.

Great.

And Mr. Ahmed will be delighted to attend the Halloween dinner.

- I'll see you first thing tomorrow. - Okay. Have a safe flight.

All right.

Busy man.

Yeah. I'm selling Simpatico, Vinnie. It's kind of a big deal.

Means nothing to me. I don't follow the horses anymore.

You serious?

I lost interest.

Well, this isn't your typical horse.

Triple Crown winner...

5.4 million in purses...

1 75,000 a pop to cover a mare.

Currently syndicated at 30 million.

Uh-huh.

Well, anyway, I'm selling him tomorrow.

Yeah, well, you know, if you need the money.

How far away is this place? I don't have time to screw around.

- Gotta get back to the homestead? - Yeah.

The little wife. The little lady.

- That's right. - Does she trust you traveling around?

What's that supposed to mean?

She doesn't worry about you getting it on with some secretary or somethin'?

- No. - That's nice.

I guess it works both ways.

While the cat's away--

Get out of the fucking car.

I can't keep this up, Vinnie. This is a dead end.

Kind of like a marriage?

- Worse. - Yeah?

I get this sickening feeling this is never gonna end.

- Then it's a lot like a marriage. - We go around and around.

It's been going on for quite a spell, hasn't it, old pal?

What do you want from me? Huh?

I send you money, clothes.

I try to take care of you. I really do.

Come clean, Carter. It's simple. Just confess the whole scam to the FBI.

- What good is that gonna do? - This is your last chance, Carter.

What do you mean, "last chance"? Are you threatening me?

- Huh? Blackmail? - Let me off the hook!

Let yourself off the hook.

I'm not your jailer.

He changed his name, you know.

Who?

Simms?

He disappears for a while, he shows up and he's got this new identity.

Shows up where?

Out east somewhere.

Florida. I met him at a sale.

He was working with this bloodstock agency selling seasons and shares...

dabbling in pedigrees.

He's doing all right.

Florida?

He looked...

kinda different.

- He changed his name? - Yeah.

Ames, I think. Ryan Ames or something.

He's a bloodstock agent?

Yeah. What's so surprising about that?

Get in the car.

I can't believe Simms is back in the mainstream selling seasons and shares.

Doesn't anybody recognize him?

He changed his name, Vinnie.

Ames. Ryan Ames.

Some people...

they have the capacity to take their knocks and keep going.

You know, survival, evolution.

No reply.

- She's not there. - She's probably still at the Payless.

She'll be back soon.

Well, she'd better be.

What's so special about this girl anyway?

Why? You jealous?

Cynthia, huh?

- Cecilia. - Oh, right.

- Cecilia. - She has a movement to her.

A kind of life.

First time I saw her, I had a thought. I'd never had this thought before.

If I could have this woman, I'd never ask for anything again in my whole life.

"Please, dear God in Heaven, deliver this woman to me."

A miraculous thing occurred.

She walked straight over to me, sat down next to me and smiled...

just like she was answering my little prayer.

It's been a long time since I felt that way.

I gotta get going, Vinnie. I really do.

- You and your wife, you're happy. - I'm not here to discuss my marriage.

You settled down in your own paradise. I guess Lyle Carter's a real survivor.

- It's not. - It's not what?

- It's not paradise. - You wanna talk about it?

No. I got no business here. I gotta get back.

No time for your personal problems.

Shit, that's her.

Okay.

Good luck.

You wait here, I'll talk to her, then you're gonna give me all the shit.

Right. It's all in the shoe box, all stacked away very neatly.

Trust me.

A deal's a deal.

So, you and Vinnie go back a long way, huh?

- That's right. - Milk and honey?

No, thanks. Just black, or whatever you call it.

Tea. I call it tea.

I'm used to drinking black coffee, I guess.

I got into it in London. Years ago now.

I see. You're not English, though.

Oh, no.

Independence, Missouri, home of Harry Truman.

- Plain-talkin' Harry. - Right.

I got no nostalgia about the place. Americana bores the shit out of me.

I still think of England as home, actually.

Yeah, all that history, hounds.

- I'm sorry? - Oh, hunting to hounds.

Oh, right.

- You know, Vinnie-- - You and Vinnie are from around here?

As a matter of fact, we are. Just three miles away. Cucamonga.

Yeah. Pretty boring.

Home of grapes.

- Continuity. - Sorry?

Continuity.

I miss that.

Everything seems so busted up to me.

I've lived a dozen different lives.

But a long-lasting friendship, that must be a very nice thing to have.

Well, yes and no.

Long-lasting friendship, eh, Rex?

You sweetheart, friend of mine.

Vinnie was very keen that I discuss some things with you.

He told me...

that you had been--

Well, you had become rather miffed at some incident or other...

that you had filed certain charges against him.

Charges?

Criminal charges.

You mean, gone to the police?

That's right.

Yeah, that's-- that's what he told me. He said you had him arrested.

Why would I do that? We're having an affair.

We still are, as far as I'm concerned...

unless he's changed his mind.

Is that what this is all about? Listen, if it's over, it's over.

He doesn't have to send a middleman.

No, it's not over--

Get outta here, mister, and tell your old pal he can take a hike from me.

- Get out. Go on. -Just wait a second.

Vinnie is still crazy about you. He talks like you're sent from heaven.

Heaven?

-He said you were an answer to a prayer. -What prayer?

Get out of here. This is too weird.

You didn't have him arrested?

No.

He said you had him arrested.

It's his environment, you know.

A man like Vinnie has no business being in such a seedy occupation.

- What occupation? - A private investigator.

No, he's not a private investigator. He's not a detective. Nothing like that.

That's a routine, a fucking delusion.

He showed me his badge and his gun. We even went on surveillance together.

He just follows people around.

He pokes his nose into their private life, but nobody actually employs him.

He gave me pictures from a case he worked on years ago.

There are no cases!

A horse racing scam or something.

- He didn't make it up. - He talked to you about that?

- He talks to me about everything. - He gave you pictures?

He wanted someone to confide in.

What the fuck?

Oh, for Christ's sake, Vinnie.

Shit.

- What did he tell you? - Is he out there?

What pictures did he give you?

-He wanted to impress me, and I let him. -What photographs?

They were very, very filthy pictures. That's all I can say.

- Was a woman involved? - A woman?

- What are you doing? - What did you do with them?

I might have given them back to Vinnie.

I can't stress how important it is to locate those photographs.

Vinnie could go to jail for a long time.

Vinnie could go to jail?

He certainly could. You got a car?

You'll need to hurry, sir. Enjoy your flight.

Looking forward to getting home, huh?

What?

You looking forward to getting home?

Oh. Yeah.

See the wife again.

I can't stand being away.

Well, I certainly know that feeling.

I'm Pete, by the way.

I'm Lyle. Lyle Carter.

What line of work you in, Lyle?

Racing business.

Good. Perfect.

It's unbelievable.! He's coming out of nowhere.!

He's winning it by a nose.!

What do you think?

It's your money, Vinnie.

- How about you? - I think you're crazy.

I'll take it!

Easy come, easy go.

No, Kelly, I've missed the last flight.

First thing, I guess. What time is it there?

Just after 1 0:00.

Do you want to speak to Mrs. Carter? She's just here.

No, just tell her in the morning that I've been held up.

Tell her it's nothing to worry about, that it's gonna be okay.

All right. We'll see you tomorrow.

That's right.

- Where have you got to get home to? - Kentucky.

Oh, my favorite state.

Home of the Derby.

Exactly.

The bluegrass state.

Right.

"My Old Kentucky Home."

Have you ever been?

Where?

To the Kentucky Derby.

Many times.

No, really?

You say it so casually, like you've almost become bored with it.

I'd die to go to the Derby.

Becky, if you're there, pick up. It's Carter.

- Mr. Carter? - Working late, huh, Becky?

-Just getting things set for tomorrow. - Good.

Things have gotten complicated here. Can you find out about the next flight?

- There it is. - The next flight? You're still there?

Becky, I'll call you right back.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this...

but Vinnie seemed to like it.

Jesus, Vinnie, not this place.

Wait here.

Hey, how you doin', Lyle?

They know everything.

What do you mean?

I just had a visit from the commissioner.

Simms?

Working late, Mr. Carter?

Mind if I take a closer look?

They're not as dumb as we thought.

There's some sordid little schemes out there.

Running a ringer.

Switching duplicate horses, a fast one for a slow...

betting the high odds.

What?

Strictly speaking, there is no evidence...

but he did check the tattoo.

This is the Racing Commission. We do not want to go to jail.

I can't believe this.

He could just close one eye, and nobody'd be the wiser.

Christ.

It's over. It's fuckin' over.

What do you think?

I don't know.

I just wanted one more big score, that's all.

I need that money to get started.

I thought maybe I'd move to Florida...

find some colts, go legit.

I'm with you, Lyle.

I'm not quitting, not now.

It's not like we're the only ones on the make.

All we gotta do is encourage Commissioner Simms...

to look the other way.

It's a dangerous game, Mr. Carter.

High stakes, broken hearts.

Good night.

It's a fucking goose chase, Vinnie.

Son of a bitch. He's got my briefcase, my jacket, my wallet.

You in there, Vinnie?

Let's see what we got here.

"Ames Ace."

"Midway, Kentucky."

Florida, my ass, you lyin' son of a bitch.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our final descent into Lexington, Kentucky.

The captain has illuminated the "fasten seat belt"sign.

Please be sure that your seat back is in the upright position...

in preparation for landing.

Midway. You got it tucked away right here.

Right under your nose.

He said the photographs were in a shoe box.

- You have no idea where he put them? - I've never even been here before.

So all of the trysting must have been done at your place.

"Trysting"?

You know, screwing around, heavy petting.

We never did that.

You never kissed? Never hugged, even?

He comes over to my place...

and we have tea and talk.

Tea and talk. That sounds great.

Fuckin' freak.

You must be quite ruthless in business too, I suppose.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm a regular cutthroat.

You think he's okay?

Yeah. He's probably down at the mall.

Or he's wrecked the car and he's hiking to Glendora.

He takes these...

long walks these days.

Long, aimless walks.

You make him sound so desperate.

There's nothing like a broken heart to drive a man insane.

Didn't have that far to go anyway.

He's not crazy. He's just lonesome.

He's a fucking lunatic.

What's the problem, Louis?

I thought I'd just let you know the breeding's going ahead.

We're in the barn...

giving our guests a show.

Fuck. Don't those guys ever sleep?

- Christ. - They seem to be pretty impressed.

When can Becky get me back there?

That's a problem. The next flight won't get you here till tomorrow evening.

Ahmed gets in around 1 :00, so that won't be soon enough.

- Are you fucking kidding me? - There's no other flights.

Listen to me.

Tell Becky that's no good. I don't care what it takes.

Tell her she's gotta get me out of this shithole now!Just do it, Louis!

Fuck.

- You need to get back there, huh? - Look at all this shit!

What are you doing?

What kind of crazed psychopath lives like this anyway?

He's like a fucking animal hoarding up all this shit.

Look at this!

That young man over there says it's been a pleasure doing business with you.

Excuse me, ladies...

gentlemen.

Don't insult me with your petty cash, kiddo.

We don't appreciate amateurs fooling around at the track.

You had some fun and made some cash, but I never wanna see either of you again.

Understand?

This looks pretty bad.

It might become infected.

- It's not gonna become infected. - Please, Mr. Carter, try to relax.

- Breathe through your nose. - Don't tell me how to breathe.

I know how to breathe.

Maybe you should lie down.

I'm not lying down. I'm not playing into your hand. That's it, isn't it?

You get me into the sack, then he comes in and knifes me in the back. Right?

Please, let me--

Don't touch me!

Vinnie's probably out there now...

watching all this, fucking spying on me.

You enjoying this, Vinnie?

Don't get paranoid on me, Mr. Carter.

Panic is a terrible thing.

- I'm not panicked. - I've known panic myself.

It's in the air. It's like a disease.

I am not panicked!

It can take over your whole body. You know, your mind.

The sense of...

impending doom.

Look, Vinnie took the photographs. I had nothing to do with it.

See, that's what everyone forgets. He set the whole thing up.

Him and this-- this chippie he hired.

He organized the room, the whole thing.

I told him it was gonna backfire on him.

I told him when he first thought the whole thing up.

- Look, I don't-- - Vinnie, Vinnie.

I feel kind of awkward about all this.

It's getting late. I'm gonna-- I'm gonna go home.

I'm sure Vinnie'll be back soon.

How did he find you exactly?

Did he just walk into the Payless and there you were...

bagging his groceries?

Coincidence, I guess.

And he never even kissed you?

Never tried?

I don't understand that.

He kissed me once.

He did?

Yes.

Just once.

Simpatico.

What did I do, leave the hallway unlocked?

A man could be murdered this time of night.

I'm sorry.

The door was open.

I'm looking for a Mr. Ames. Ryan Ames.

I'm Vincent Webb.

Vincent T. Webb from California.

Vincent T. Webb.

Yes.

- I'm sorry to interrupt. - Oh, it's all right.

Just the usual obsessive perusal of race charts, sire lists, auction reports.

Can't study enough on the blood horse these days.

No, I suppose not.

Most of the boys have all this modern software nonsense.

Me, I still prefer to stumble around...

with old-fashioned dirty paper.

I like to fondle it.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

So, what line of work do you follow, Mr. Webb?

Oh.

Well, actually, I'm a private investigator.

A sleuth.

A gumshoe, as we used to call 'em.

That's right.

So, what do you need from me?

The lowdown on somebody's sleazy past?

Yeah.

I'm actually on the search for a man...

that used to hold a very high position out west.

Oh, I see. A kingpin, huh?

A man who fell from grace.

Well, that includes just about everybody on my Christmas card list, Mr. Webb.

- Have a seat. - Vinnie.

You can call me Vinnie.

So, you're on a manhunt.

- Is that right? - More or less.

I happened to come across some material...

in the course of an entirely different investigation.

This material was so shocking, in a way...

that I got sidetracked.

I see.

And what sort of material would that be?

It was...

of a...

pornographic nature.

Pornographic.

Now we're talking modern language.

It's all pornographic these days, isn't it, Mr. Webb?

Music, news, politics.

No, this stuff I came across was so specifically amoral...

that, unfortunately, it became incriminating to the party in question.

So, he had to pay the piper, then, huh...

this party?

Yes. Yes, he really did.

But I was able to trace the photographs right back to their source.

There were dates on the negatives, see.

- Photographs? - Right.

-That's the material I was referring to. -I see.

I've got them right here.

In a shoe box.

I've got them all, the negatives.

- The originals. - That's right.

- Dirty pictures. - Oh, they are. No question about it.

- Really, they're-- - Really what?

Well, what I'm trying to say is that...

this man was framed, and I happen to know the party responsible.

I have letters, correspondence.

Absolute proof.

Shall we get ourselves some coffee, Mr. Webb?

I'd be willing to call somebody for you.

Is there anybody you'd like for me to talk to?

Still a smell about this place, you know.

Alfalfa.

Dirt.

We used to...

spend nights out there, me and Vinnie--

lightin' a fire, tellin' stories.

I noticed that when we were walking up from the car--

a distant, vague smell of cut alfalfa.

Do you notice that?

No.

I'm not sure I know what alfalfa smells like.

It's amazing, alfalfa.

It smells just like the earth.

Me and Vinnie, we used to watch this horse named Swaps...

trot down the fence with his neck bowed, his tail cocked high.

You're trembling.

- You remember Swaps? - No.

He was one tough racehorse in his day.

Good-bye, Mr. Carter.

Hope you sort things out with Vinnie.

Beautiful.

Just beautiful.

Come here, boy!

That's a good boy.

Vinnie, you're a lunatic!

- Wanna race? - What?

Do you wanna race?

Yeah, you bet.

Come on! Come on, man!

Is that the best you can do?

Come on! You're not gettin' me!

Come on!

I love you, Vinnie!

How many lives do you think a man can live, Mr. Webb?

How many lives within this one?

I'm not sure I understand you, sir.

Well, for instance...

if you could put the past to death and start over right now--

You look like you might be a candidate for that.

- It's not possible. - No?

Vengeance appeals to you more?

- Vengeance? - Yeah. Blood.

No. I'm just trying to help out an innocent man, that's all.

Oh, so it's innocence that's attracts you, justice.

I'm a detective. That's my job. I get paid to get to the bottom of things.

And who's paying you now?

Well, that's the thing, isn't it?

I'm on my own because I thought I could help a condemned man reinstate himself.

Vindication.

Yes, yes. Exactly.

And he, most likely, would be very grateful for that...

this poor man, this fallen soul.

Most likely he'd pay you a great deal of money.

- I'm not interested in money. - No?

Did you know this sinner?

Is he a personal friend of yours?

No. No, he's not.

The man I'm looking for...

went under the name of Simms.

Darryl P. Simms.

Does that ring any kind of bell with you, Mr. Ames?

Simms. Darryl P.

Nope, can't say that it does.

Commissioner of Racing in Southern California?

California.

If I could find this man, if you could help me track him down...

I'm sure he'd be very interested in what I have to offer.

- What makes you so sure? - He can't help but be interested.

He's been living in the shadow of blackmail for over 20 years.

There's a very powerful figure here in Kentucky, in the racing industry...

that's been getting away with murder at Mr. Simms' expense.

I'm not in the muckraking business, Mr. Webb.

I'm in the horse business.

I don't give two shits about these festering souls...

and all their dirty laundry.

I'm obsessed with my work.

Can you understand that?

Yes, but I have inside information.

I'm so completely absorbed in my work...

that the outside world has disappeared.

It's vanished, Mr. Webb.

I'm no longer seduced by its moaning and fanfare.

I'm busy with the sport of kings.

I could turn this whole thing around for Simms!

He'd be completely exonerated...

and Carter would end up crawling like a lizard on his knees.

Carter? Lyle Carter?

Yes, that's right.

You're kinda plowin' in high cotton, aren't you, boy?

You must have heard of this man Simms somewhere along the line...

over the years.

As a matter of fact, I did hear of him.

Out west somewhere.

I suppose it could've been California.

Vilified in the press...

as I remember.

Slandered...

and railroaded out of town.

Yes. Yes, that's him. It was all over the news.

Lost his family too, I believe.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Why should you be sorry?

Loss can be a powerful elixir.

Well, I mean, in general it's a sad thing.

That's just somethin' to say, Mr. Webb.

That's just somethin' lame to say.

What became of him?

Simms? Disappeared, I think.

And he never showed up under some pseudonym or alias of some kind?

Not to my knowledge.

Of course, you're free to snoop around town.

My hunch, though...

if you do happen to find him...

is he's willing to let sleeping dogs lay.

Why do you suppose that? He's got everything to gain.

I'm a gambler, Mr. Webb. We play hunches.

But if I was him, if I was this man...

and I had this kind of opportunity...

to come out of hiding...

to move freely, it just seems to me that--

You're not.

What?

You're not this man.

Becky?

Becky, is that you?

We got a little problem here, Carter.

Who is this?

Ames,your man in the bluegrass.

What are you doing calling me? We had a deal.

Seems your boy has jumped clean across the lines.

State lines, to be exact.

What boy? I told you--

Your boy, Vincent T. Webb.

He's peddling some very classified material here.

I thought you might be interested.

What material? What are you talking about?

He's here. I'm out in California. I just saw him today.

- He has a very convincing double then. - He came to you?

In the flesh.

What's he want?

Three guesses.

Simms, don't try to pull anything on me.

Thought maybe you'd like to know what's on the open market.

I might be able to sell you a share.

- Shouldn't you be back in Kentucky? - They can manage fine without me.

I've had an idea.

- Please. This isn't a good time. - We have to talk.

- Have you heard from Vinnie? - No.

You don't look too good. You should get some rest.

- I'm fine. - Oh, your hand.

I'm fine. Listen, Vinnie is in Kentucky.

I don't really want to get involved. Vinnie and me, we're just friends.

You have to go out there and get me these photographs back...

for Vinnie's sake.

- This might blow up in his face. - Why me?

This is a very private matter, Cecilia.

I'm a very public figure. I can't do business that way.

Just listen to my proposition.

What about my job? My cat? Forget it! This is crazy. I'm not going.

The Derby.

I'll get you box seats at the Derby.

Free access to the clubhouse, the paddock.

Mint juleps. The inner circle.

The Kentucky Derby?

It's like no other horse race in the world.

Impressions are stamped on you for life.

The twin spires...

the hands of Eddie Arcaro...

the rippling muscles of Seattle Slew.

These are-- These are things that never leave you, Cecilia...

things beyond seduction, beyond lust.

That's what I used to dream of.

But the dream...

that's nothing.

Wait till you see it in the flesh and blood.

I'm not gonna do anything illegal.

No, none of us are.

I'd never ask you to break the law. I'm not a criminal.

- The Kentucky Derby. - That's the one.

Churchill Downs.

I got nothing to wear.

I've got everything under control. How's Simpatico?

Things are getting awkward.

Well, Ahmed's viewing him now.

Tell him I'm on my way.

Put Becky on.

Becky, listen. This is important.

I need you to wire someone some money. Her name is Cecilia--

Pontz. With a "Z."

Cecilia Pontz. With a "Z."

Mr. Ahmed, I am so sorry...

but there's been another change of plan.

All set.

Maybe you should come too.

No, I gotta stay here.

Well, what about the sale?

That's not an issue.

Just never mind that. Don't worry about that.

You don't seem too well, Mr. Carter. You'd feel better back there.

Why? Why would I?

Why would I feel better back there?

Oh.

I see.

All right.

Well, take care.

This is the final boarding call for flight 202, service to Lexington.

See you when you get back.

Same again?

Would you like a drink?

Here's the keys. Time to go.

- You wanna do it? - Don't start this.

- We've talked this through. - Why are we here anyway?

- Keep your voice down. - Screw you!

If you can't handle it, give me the fucking camera.

- Ma'am. - Thanks.

No rest for the wicked, Charlie?

That's right.

How's my darling?

Good as ever.

You're gonna miss him, Mrs. Carter.

- My husband call? - No, but I'm sure he's on his way back.

Here comes Heaven Sent charging the rail.

What a surprise this one is.

At 50 to 1, Heaven Sent has come on through.

And as they race on down to the final finish...

in a thriller, Heaven Sent is up to win it.

And the crowd is on their feet. Most are stunned, at 50 to 1.

Mr. Ames?

Mr. Ames?

They said at your office I would find you out here.

Am I interrupting?

Everything's an interruption when you're working on bloodlines.

It's an endless chain. Never get to the bottom of it.

I see.

I don't know exactly how to put this, but--

You're stunning.

Excuse me?

You're absolutely stunning.

- Well, thank you. That's very kind. - Have you been standing there long?

I'm very sorry. I tend to get involved.

I didn't mean to be rude.

No, that's quite all right. They're very beautiful animals.

You're in the horse business, I take it.

No, I'm not.

I'm an associate of Mr. Carter's.

- I thought he talked to you about me. - Associate?

Yes. Miss Pontz.

Cecilia Pontz.

Didn't Mr. Carter tell you I was coming?

This isn't Sunday, is it?

Sunday? No.

I don't think so. Why?

Your outfit smacks of Sunday. Church.

It's spanking clean. Very Protestant.

- It's my new Derby dress. - Derby?

Yeah, my Kentucky Derby dress. I just bought it.

This is October, isn't it? Halloween.

And the Derby's in May. First Saturday in May, to be exact.

- I know. - You're early.

Or late, as the case may be.

I know. I was just trying it out.

Trying it out on me, Miss Pontz?

- You want me to take your bag? - No, thank you.

Got some private things in there.

- Underpants? - Excuse me?

You're absolutely gorgeous.

I can't get over it.

If you knew, if you had the slightest clue...

as to the pounding that's going on in my cardiovascular system...

you'd be able to manipulate me to your heart's content.

That must've been...

Carter's intention, right?

No. Oh, God, no.

I simply came as a messenger.

Mr. Carter wants to give you an alternative...

to the deal you struck with Mr. Webb.

A better deal.

He's offering a large amount of money, and I've got it all right here.

Cash.

Oh, my God!

Can I help you, sir?

Oh, I hope so.

I'm here to see the lady of the house.

- How did you get in exactly? - Through the back door.

Who is it, Kelly? Is someone there?

It's-- I don't--

Well, don't send him away.

For God's sake, I'm in the mood for company.

I can feel it comin' on.

Have you laid down with him, Miss Pontz?

What?

Your Mr. Carter. Have you done the down and dirty deed with him?

Spread those magnificent thighs?

Mr. Carter simply wanted me to ask if you'd consider selling the negatives.

- The material. - How about Vinnie?

Mr. Vinnie.

Have you laid down with him?

Do you want to sell the negatives or not, Mr. Ames?

Negatives.

Negatives. What are these mysterious negatives?

Would you--

Can I have a glass of water, please?

I just-- I'm suddenly short of breath.

I feel like I'm suffocating.

Of course.

I don't know what it is.

- My chest. - Hot flashes?

Would you be interested in selling the negatives or not, Mr. Simms?

Yes or no.

Please. I can't take much more of this.

I'm not cut out for this. I work at the Payless.

Did you call me Simms?

I know who you are. I've seen you.

I've seen who you are.

I shouldn't have come here at all.

I didn't want to be doing this.

I just wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby, that's all.

The Derby?

Mr. Webb, is it?

Yes.

From Cucamonga?

- That's right. - That's amazing.

Because that's where Carter's from, originally, of course, in the beginning.

- Yes, I know. - He says he knows you.

Just take the dogs out.

May I take your package?

No, thanks.

Well, if there's a side arm under there, we've seen all that around here before.

Kelly's seen that.

It's old hat.

I'm not gonna hurt you.

So you haven't come to do me in then?

Splatter my brains all over the carpet in a fit of jealous rage?

Is it trick or treat?

You're a long way from home, Vinnie.

Yeah, Rosie, I am.

This is crazy.

- A lot of people around here today. - Oh, yeah.

- We're selling the family silver. - Oh, yeah. Simpatico.

Carter mentioned something about that.

And where is he?

My place.

Well, what's he doing out there at your place when you're in here?

- He met this girl. - Oh! A girl!

A girl. You know it's always a girl.

Never a woman.

He met this girl in a bar out there.

What a surprise.

Funny, she kept reminding me of you.

And you've gone out of your way, as my friend...

to come out and help me understand the sordid details.

Or did you have something nastier in that freaked-out mind of yours?

I didn't come here to hurt you, Rosie.

I'd feel so much better if you'd stop saying that.

I wanted you to know I didn't come here for that.

Good.

That's good news, isn't it?

Simms.

I've found Simms.

It was sort of a coincidence.

He's here, you know. He's here in Midway, Kentucky.

- Who? - Simms.

Ames he's called now.

He seems to have reconciled himself with something.

He pulled himself together.

He had no malice, absolutely no malice.

What are you talking about?

He had no interest in what I had to offer.

And what was that?

These.

What have you got in there? Dead puppies?

Take it.

Open it.

Well, I just love surprises.

This isn't fair! This isn't me.

Get that shit away from me!

It's not me!

Don't get excited.

I was gonna give it all back to you.

Simms didn't want it anyway.

I never knew that man.

- Not on a longtime basis. - Not on any kind of basis.

- Take that shit and get out. - I was gonna give it all back to you.

Simms was just a coincidence. I was gonna hand it over to you.

- I was gonna trade you straight across. - Trade me for what?

I had this idea in my head. I had it all cooked up.

I kept my money. I kept the winnings. All of it.

Remember our big score? We split it three ways.

Well, I was gonna get another Buick like the one I had.

You remember me driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on your knee?

I was thinking, Rosie, maybe we could still run off together.

Jesus Christ, Vinnie!

You gotta give it up. It already happened.

There's no running away anymore.

This is it.

You're in your hell and I'm in mine.

- Let me go. - No, Rosie. Rosie.

- Let me go. - No, Rosie!

- It's over! - It's not done!

Don't touch me!

You so much as touch me, and I'll kill you.

This is my house.

And I am the wife of someone.

Someone of tremendous power and importance.

He'd do anything for me, anything at all.

You wanna know why? Do you even have a clue, Vinnie?

Because he owes me.

He's deeply in debt to me.

All from that one little brainstorm of mine...

way back then...

that one little night in Azusa.

I took the pictures.

You certainly did.

But I turned the trick, and don't you ever forget it.

- Get out. - We got the dirty bastard.

Get out of my house.!

Don't you ever call me, and don't you ever call my husband.!

It's over, Vinnie.!

As far as we're concerned, you don't exist.

-Boy's a fool letting you drive his car. -I know, Pa.

When will you be home? Rosie!

And, ladies and gentlemen, the result is official.

The runners for the next race will be approaching the paddock momentarily.

There is exacta, trifecta and quiniela wagering on the next race.

-Again, the runners now being examined. - That's fine.

There's approximately 1 2 minutes to post for the upcoming race.

In this event, Retribution is carrying two pounds--

Ladies and gentlemen, the horses are approaching the starting gate.

Please make your wagers quickly...

to avoid the possibility of being shut out.

It's interesting to note here that fans are solidly behind number one, Gemini...

as he is the hot six-to-five favorite.

- Five hundred on two to win, please. - Five hundred on two to win.

Number two, five hundred.

And a big, big long shot today is Heaven Sent...

currently at 50 to 1.

The starter has moved over into his stand...

and the horses will be going in momentarily.

That's Heaven Sent. He's usually well behaved.

All of a sudden, Heaven Sent throwing a fit behind the starting gate.

And they'll have Heaven Sent locked in the starting gate.

Headed Home's gotten calmed down as well.

Last few to load, and then we'll have them underway.

Absolutely no contact. Carter will have a fit.

Screw Carter. I need to talk to you before the race.

Vinnie, can't it wait?

What is so important that it can't wait until after the race?

Marry me, Rosie.

They're off!.!

Is that a yes?

And the trailer at this point is Heaven Sent racing in sixth.

Onto the backstretch they go...

and Gemini is carving out a fast pace as expected.

His persistent challenger is up alongside.

From way back in the crowd, here's Heaven Sent.

All of a sudden, Heaven Sent makes a huge move...

-as the field turns for home. - Come on, Heaven Sent!

Gemini attempts to hold on. Danish Son and Heaven Sent.

- Come on, Heaven Sent! - What a surprise this one is.

At 50 to 1, Heaven Sent has come on through.

And as they race on down to the finish line, Heaven Sent is up to win it.

- The crowd is on their feet. - Yes!

Can you believe that?

A good horse race.

- Hey, Rosie, what are you doing? - Hello. Is this the Herald?

I'd like to speak to your racing correspondent, please.

I'd rather not leave a name. It's kind of a sensitive matter.

Can I tell him what it's about, miss?

Well, it has to do with corruption, I guess you'd call it.

Hey, Rosie, there's no need. Come on. It's over. We won.

Can I help you?

Yes. Hello.

I'd like to speak to you about Commissioner Darryl P. Simms.

It has to do with fixing of races.

Who is this?

It doesn't matter who I am. Just make a note of these dates.

22nd of July.

Third of August.

1 5th of August.

Now take a look at the records.

There's a string of races won by rank outsiders.

Why do you think Commissioner Simms didn't pick up on that?

Are you implying the commissioner is somehow involved in illegal activities?

How could you have done something like that?

Like what?

Like what you did in those pictures.

You don't seem like the kind of man.

Some of us get caught with our pants down. Some don't.

I was one of the lucky ones.

Lucky?

I got over it.

But you must've suffered.

It's all in the past.

It's their turn now.

They?

- They set you up then? - Bingo.

I can't believe it. I feel so foolish.

Well, at least you got a new dress out of the deal.

Who is this?

Lyle, it's Rose. Where are you?

Cucamonga.

Well, Vinnie's been here, and he's got the photos.

Oh, yeah?

Well...

the game's up, I guess.

What are you saying, Lyle?

You better get on home.

No. I think I wanna stay here.

What's going on?

I don't know what it is.

Or maybe it's--

Maybe it's the smell, the alfalfa.

I don't understand why you're still out there.

You're missing a sale here, and, well,you gotta--

What?

I think this is it, Rose.

I'm giving up the ghost.

What are you talking about? Everybody's here. Everybody's waiting for you.

Well, fuck 'em.

No more fucking lies.

He's sick.

Another charade.

- What? -Simpatico.

He's worthless.

In six months he's gonna be infertile.

Infertile?

How about that? A prized stallion infertile.

And by the time it shows, Ahmed can claim the insurance.

Nobody loses.

They'll have him destroyed, and you know that.

That's right. He's dog food.

Forget it. Rose, it doesn't matter.

The sale is done.

I can't just--

You used to love him once.

He had a good life.

It's over, Rose.

And I guess--

We tried.

I think they're boarding now.

Okay, well, have a good flight.

I will.

Thank you.

Miss Pontz?

I just wondered, as you got the new dress and everything...

if maybe you'd consider going to the Derby with me.

- The Derby? - Yeah.

In May?

Yeah.

But we're in October.

That's right.

There's all those months in between.

We could--

There's all that cash.

No. I couldn't. That wouldn't be right.

It's going straight back to Mr. Carter.

We could travel.

No, I gotta get back.

We could take a ship.

No. Thank you.

Bye.

The Derby offer still stands.

I'll meet you at Churchill Downs, the clubhouse...

first Saturday in May.

Get out of my bed, Carter.

Hey, you came home.

Now, see, we all come home sooner or later.

Get out of my bed.

You went to see Rosie, right?

Are you gonna get out of my bed, or am I gonna have to get ugly?

I don't know if I can.

My legs gave out.

She recognize you?

- Yeah, she did. - After all these years?

Just like the good ol' days, huh ?

Did she throw her arms around you?

Vinnie, what are you doing?

I need to talk to you.

I'm not going back, Vinnie.

I'm staying here.

I'm gonna change my name. I'm gonna disappear.

I'm gonna stay here with you.

I'll pay half the rent.

- You're paying all of it now. - I'll pay half.

We could-- Maybe I'll start up the claimers again, start brand-new.

Those days are over, Carter, long gone. Give it up.

Second thoughts about selling him, Mrs. Carter?

I just came to say good-bye, Charlie.

Simms...

wasn't interested.

And all that stuff?

It meant nothing.

It's like you said.

Evolution.

This is an old story.

There was something else.

We had a partnership going there for a while. A real partnership.

We were like a team.

We had a feeling between us, didn't we?

I don't know.

I don't remember.

Okay.

Bye, baby.

Clear sky.

Halloween.

Oh, yeah.

Welcome to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby...

the oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States.