THURS., 2/3—LEXINGTON, KY.

Palmer! Where the hell are you? I need some contact ASAP! I’ve been out to check the mare and we’ve decided to go ahead and induce her now, since she’s really failing bad. The foal will be two weeks premature but at this point there’s no other option. I’m on a direct beeper now to the clinic, calling you from a booth off Iron-works Pike on the Transmedia card, under the name “Filson.” Can’t remember the code right now. Here’s the lowdown and I need an answer quick; the second this mare goes into labor they’re going to buzz me and I’ll have to drop this phone and beat it back to the clinic. What I need from you is the okay to put the mare down as soon as she foals. They can’t do it without the registered owner’s permission. Send me some kind of verification of this right away. Most urgent! I’m going back there now to assist the foaling and I’ve made it clear to all the personnel that I want the mare to nuzzle the colt and mother up to it as much as she’s able to before we destroy her. I’ve always felt that’s important for the baby down the road. They seem to remember that in deep stretch when the whip comes down. I’ve arranged for a good nurse mare to be brought in off a reputable farm. None of these floaters. She should be on her way over to the clinic now. I’ll go check her out and make sure her bag’s clean and full and see what kind of temperament she’s got on her. This clinic is top-notch, Palmer, and your mare is getting all the attention she deserves. It’s just kind of a heartbreaker to see her go down like this. She’s such a lovely thing and pure hickory through and through. Please respond the second you get this message. The clock is running out.

THURS., 2/3—LATER