Chapters 44-52 Summary

Henry is hired at an auto parts warehouse, claiming he thinks of it as a second home. One day at lunchtime, he meets Manny, an intense, intelligent-looking Chicano coworker studying the racing news and predicting My Boy Bobby will win in the eighth, paying 9:2. They cut out of work at 4:55 and race to Hollywood Park. Manny, a former track star, beats Henry to the car. Henry is sure that if Manny bets like he drives, he is a winner. Manny reaches the betting window five lengths ahead of Henry. Both place $5 bets and Bobby wins, paying $10.40. The next day, other guys insist they take bets out for them. They doubt they will win two days in a row, but do. Men in other warehouses where Henry picks up parts want in on the action and rarely win. Henry buys good clothes...