“Isaac Vasquez, Anna’s fiancé.” Saying the word brought out his protective side, and he slid his arm around Anna’s waist. She shot him a grateful smile.
After collecting all the pertinent contact information from Isaac and Anna, the police and paramedics left, promising to take care of everything else. One of the officers accompanied the manager to collect the security footage.
Catarina left after she hugged Anna. “I’ll see you later.”
Isaac returned Anna’s phone, and when she saw the time, she gasped. “You need to go back to the track. You’re missing FP1.”
“I’ll head back to the track later for FP2. I want to stay with you for a while.” He watched the seagulls swooping over the nearby shoreline. The track was closer to the ocean than any of the others that they raced. Because he’d missed FP1, he hadn’t set a time for the session and risked a poor starting position. It would be the first time this season he hadn’t automatically qualified in the top ten.
Taking a breath, he ran through the familiar course in his mind. It settled his jittery nerves, which would help Anna stay calm. Besides having a hill, it ran anti-clockwise, like COTA, Aragon, the Sachsenring, and Valencia. It would be difficult to beat Vince here, with or without this problem with Spencer that remained foremost in his mind.
“I’m going to the track.” Anna’s announcement surprised him, slowing his walk toward the elevator. Her voice was hoarse. Maybe they should get her some tea.
“We can wait awhile.” He searched for signs of continued distress, but she’d calmed down. While her injuries would discolor her face, he was thankful that they were no worse.
“I won’t ruin your championship hopes. We can’t let Spencer affect the outcome.”
“I don’t care about the race,” Isaac said. Right now, it didn’t matter.
“You need track time if you’re going to fight for the win on Sunday.” She nudged him toward the elevator, her jaw set in a stubborn line.
He’d never loved her more than for this selfless resilience after the attack.
“I’ll have to go through Q1 either way.” He shrugged, then pushed the button to call the elevator. He wouldn’t change his decision to come back, even if he could.
“You’ll get into Q2. A top-six start. I have faith.” She smiled as the doors opened and tugged him inside. “Let’s go.”
“What’s the hurry?” He narrowed his eyes. Why was she rushing back to the track?
“If we’re lucky, Spencer will be arrested today, and they’ll disqualify him from the race on Sunday. I don’t want to miss that. If we go now, I can watch the cops arrive.” Her jaw flared. She wasn’t quite as fine as she insisted, but if she wanted to see Spencer arrested for closure, that’s what they would do.
It might help her sleep tonight, knowing Spencer was behind bars. Isaac nodded and took her hand as they headed for the exit. Besides, it would be satisfying to see Spencer in handcuffs.
CHAPTER 23
Anna
Anna got her wish. Just before FP2 that afternoon, a police car pulled into the service lane and parked behind the Yamaha boxes. Two officers stepped out of the vehicle and were joined by one of the senior racing officials, who must have been waiting for them. The governing body of the MotoGP races must have been notified of Spencer’s impending arrest.
While the three of them shook hands, Anna hustled down the stairs of Isaac’s trailer and hurried through the garage. She seldom interrupted Isaac when he was working, but as she trotted through, she said, “They’re here.”
Isaac followed her along the edge of pit lane where Catarina and Angel joined them from the other Honda garage. Vince trailed behind to watch the show as well.
They arrived just in time.
The two officers who had been at the hotel this morning were on site.
“Austin Spencer?” said one, looking at the Yamaha motorcycle racers going through their prep for the second practice session, which would start in less than ten minutes.
“Yes.” Spencer turned from where he was speaking with his crew chief. With his back toward pit lane, he didn’t notice the audience out front, or he might have been more concerned. “I’m Austin Spencer. How can I help you? Autographs for your kids?”
“I’m afraid not,” said the second officer. “We’re here to place you under arrest. You’ll need to come with us.”
“Arrest?” Spencer scoffed, stepping back to show a scowl on his typically smug face. Turning to face the police, he caught sight of Anna beyond the Yamaha garage.
Meeting his eyes, she crossed her arms across her chest and nodded.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, attempting to bluff his way out of trouble. “I have no idea what she told you, but it was a pack of lies.”
