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BREAKFAST AT WIMBLEDON by Jack M. Bickham

BREAKFAST AT WIMBLEDON

by Jack M. Bickham

Pub Date: Dec. 1st, 1991
ISBN: 0-312-51195-6
Publisher: Tor

Tennis pro, Vietnam combat vet, and CIA stringer Brad Smith (Overhead, p. 483, etc.) packs his whites and knee-brace and flies to London for the big match against John McEnroe and the IRA. John McEnroe, of course, has nothing to do with the Irish terrorists, but in order for former Wimbledon champion Smith to follow CIA orders to keep an eye on tennis-oriented terrorism, the aging, gimpy pro has to sign up for the tournament. It's no fun at first. Smith leaves behind his newly successful Montana tennis resort and his CIA-hating girlfriend and has to pair up with a steroid-pumped madman for the doubles. And, too, his rebuilt knee is killing him. Things begin to look up when he is teamed with a very capable, very pretty agent from the CIA's London office. And then the Wimbledon social season starts, and there are swell parties. But the Irish threat is no fake. An IRA splinter group is indeed planning to make a loud and damaging statement at the height of the tournament. And Sylvester, the Soviet agent who has dogged Smith's steps for years, plans to end his comeback before it gets started. Bombs, bullets, and poison gas fly—as do Mr. McEnroe's killer serves. Martina, Chris, Jimmy, Arthur, ESPN, and TRH the Duke and Duchess of York pop in and out, keeping things reasonably lively. Smith's game continues to improve.