My veneer disappears the second I’m back in the privacy of our Team Hub. I seize Micah by the back of the neck and shove him in the comms office. His reflexes are quick but not that quick, and before he knows what’s happening, my forearm’s pinning his chest to the wall. I’m bigger in every way. I don’thave to sweat hard to detain him while he struggles. I’ve wanted this all season and boy does it feel worth the wait.
‘What thefuckwas that?’ I demand.
He rolls his eyes. ‘Don’t be a sore loser.’ I drive my elbow higher, forcing a cough out of him. ‘I’m a racer, Jack. I’m not here to be the Robin to your Batman.’ His voice is strained but not quite a wheeze.
‘We’re part of the same team!’
Finally anger breaks through his neutral façade. ‘It’s not a team sport! To Lorenzo, yes, but to us?’
‘Of course it is! Who makes you look good, Rambo? Hm? You’d be nothing without the team.’
‘If the roles were reversed, you’d be happy defending me? Really?’
‘I’d do what I was told without question.’
‘You’re so full of shit.’
I push harder and he inhales sharply. I’m not being tough. He’d know if I was. Guess they don’t rough and tumble at private school breaktimes.
‘You’refull of shit,’ I counter. ‘Do you know the damage you’ve done? To me? ToMinnie? You know you nearly got her fired? She has nothing to do with this. She’s an innocent bystander.’
Am I imagining things or did shame just pass over his face? ‘I didn’t do anything to Minnie.’
‘Bollocks.’
‘I asked her to interview me. Did I ruffle her a bit on the hot lap? Yeah. Did I want to get back at you for Silverstone last year? Obviously I did. But I never tried to get anyone fired. I actually valued that interview, if you must know.’
‘Yourdadhas been threatening to take Channel 3 tocourt. That sounds pretty?—’
‘Nothing to do with me. I didn’t even know until recently.’ He looks like he’s telling the truth but I’ve known this lad too long to fall prey to his calculating ways.
‘You took that picture in Holland. I don’t have proof but I will.’
He blinks slowly like he’s tired of this conversation. ‘I’m not the only one in the paddock fed up of your winning streak, Jack. Everyone knows it was RaceX – like it would help them with that suspension system. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Accuse me of whatever you want but I’m not as dirty as you think I am. You’re doing a good enough job screwing your relationship up yourself.’
Scheming twat say what? ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’
‘Course you don’t,’ he says through an out-breath. ‘I might be a hard racer and I’m not above messing with my opponents’ heads, but at least I don’t lie to myself. Not like you do.’
I don’t?—
His uppercut comes out of nowhere. Pain spears straight through me. The world blurs. I double over, spluttering and clutching my middle. I think I’m going to be sick.
‘Dickhead,’ I squeeze out.
‘Yeah, yeah, tell that to my trophy,’ Micah mutters, shutting the door behind him as I tumble to the floor.
Chapter 43
MINNIE
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Today marks the third anniversary of Luca’s death. It’s bound to be heavy for Jack, he said about six words this morning before we went to the track, so tonight I’ve resolved to give him space. He’s made it very clear he doesn’t see me as remotely close to being his girlfriend so having me around would probably feel a bit intrusive. I get it, I like my own company too when things get tough.
I’ve just walked into my hotel room after an eventful practice day – well, for everyone but me, despite it being three races and seven weeks since picturegate in Monza – when I get:
Jack: where are you
