[[ lexington, kentucky ]]

[itwasjustified]

[ "you brought me breakfast." ]

After a morning spent wandering the International Museum of the Horse, Raylan has soaked in more than he ever forgot about the history and role of the horse in modern civilization.

He can also rattle off the last dozen Derby winners in chronological and alphabetical orders now -- something he cheerfully subjects Reese to during the drive to Keeneland.

It's all gently rolling meadows, green grass, and picturesque white fences as they near the track; once Raylan pulls into the entrance and joins the long line of vehicles inching toward the designated parking lots, he fights the urge to (mis)use his badge to cut to the front.

Patience wins out, and fifteen minutes later, they're strolling through the main gate. The paddock is a smorgasbord of old money, new money, and laughing college students. Amid the riot of summery dresses, skinny jeans, seersucker, three-piece suits, and every fashion statement in between, Raylan directs Dani's attention to a pocket of grooms, owners, trainers and jockeys. A moment later, a bay trots out on a lead, sporting a cardinal-red blanket emblazoned with the number 11 in white stitching.

"Think that one looks like a champion?"

Comments

[notenlightened]

"I don't know," she murmurs, shifting in her seat.

"I'm curious about your tactics."

[itwasjustified]

Wry, "I'd ply you with dinner, but you're buyin'."

[notenlightened]

"Guess you'll just have to find another way to get me to talk."

[itwasjustified]

"You say that like you want to be persuaded over there."

[notenlightened]

"Like I said. I'm intrigued."

[itwasjustified]

"Is that what they're callin' it these days?"

[notenlightened]

"What would you call it?"

[itwasjustified]

"Interest."

[notenlightened]

She looks at him.

"Semantics."

[itwasjustified]

He's doing his best to hold in a laugh while he pulls into Indi's parking lot.

The tiny restaurant itself is hardly impressive; it looks like a typical fast-food dive, except there's a line spilling out the door.

(And for good reason -- the place serves the best fried chicken in the area.)

"It's all carry-out," he says, putting the car into park. "Are you good with eatin' at your place?"

Reese's hotel is just a few blocks away, and her room is much tidier than his extended-stay suite across town.

[notenlightened]

She nods, surveying the size of the line for a moment.

"Fine by me," Reese adds. "I'm hungry enough to eat wherever."

[itwasjustified]

"Shouldn't take too long -- they're quick here, and it's always worth the wait."

Raylan's stomach rumbles at the smell alone; he fully intends to order at least two buckets of wings -- regular and spicy.

Flashing a grin, he kills the engine and palms the keys.

"This'll make sure you never visit a KFC again."

[notenlightened]

The smell is pretty heavenly - Reese's head is already swimming with images of spicy, hot chicken wings.

"It's starting to look that way."

[itwasjustified]

"Fair warnin', though -- after you try 'em, you may have to visit again just to come back for more."

[notenlightened]

"It's being considered."

She draws in a breath.

"After I try them."

[itwasjustified]

"After," he nods, stepping into line just behind Reese. "Of course."