I shake my head and blink my eyes a few times.
“I did remember something. I think.”
He’s still practically holding me up, waiting for me to continue.
“Valkyrie…” I test the word.
“It’s what I’ve called you, Lennon, since the first time you beat me in a race. I underestimated you and you won.” I know he’s getting excited, but the answer he gives to my next question might burst his bubble.
I shake my head again. “Was London there? Did she hear the conversation?”
As expected, his shoulders drop. “Yeah, she was there for many of the times I’ve called you Valkyrie.”
My eyes well with tears because of the pain I see in his. “I’m sorry, Dash.”
“No reason to be sorry. We’ll keep trying,” he says with a sad smile.
I sniff, but trying to mask my emotions from this man is pointless. I feel like I can be vulnerable with him. Like I can tell him anything. I feel like I can trust him but I don’t know why.
“Let’s go wherever you were going to take me,” I say changing the subject.
Once we’re in the car he came in, I stare out the window at the scenery passing by. He doesn’t talk, but I can feel the tension coming off him in waves.
When the car slows, I glance to where he seems to be turning. It looks like a garage. I notice the sign on the front is black and neon green. It reads: Tyler Motorsports.
“Dash?” I whisper.
When he puts his car in park and cuts the engine, he squeezes my hand. “I just thought you’d like to see Lennon’s race car. See if it triggers anything.”
“Is anyone here right now?” I ask.
“A few members of your—” He stops himself and swallows before continuing. “Of Lennon’s pit crew are inside.”
“What will they think about me being here?”
“That you belong here. Lennon or not. You’re a Tyler,” he replies quickly.
I nod and go to open my door, but Dash stops me.
He gets out and rounds the car before helping me out. “I want you to stay close to me in case you’re overwhelmed.”
I nod and we start toward the front doors of Tyler Motorsports.
It’s quiet when we enter what looks like a lobby. There are pictures hanging everywhere. All kinds of vehicles ranging from motorcycles to a variety of different cars.
One very large picture catches my eye. It’s hanging over a door I assume goes out to where the cars must be kept. It’s the centerpiece of this room. It’s of me…and my sister. But I don’t know which one is me and which one is her. We are identical. Our shiny brown hair is so dark it’s almost black. Our eyes squint as we smile. Our smiles are contagious. Our arms are wrapped around each other in front of a race car. We’re happy.
How the hell did we get here? I try to stifle the sob in my throat, but it escapes anyway. Dash is there as quick as lightning. His arms wrap securely around my body as he comforts me.
“I know, babe. I know,” he whispers as he caresses my back.
Once my tears stop falling, I try to compose myself before going any further.
We leave the lobby, and I take in the large garage that holds many vehicles meant for racing. But then I see it. The car I know I remember. It’s Lennon’s.
I start walking toward it as if pulled by a string. I let go of my cane and drag my finger over the shiny hood. Once I reach the driver’s side, I lean in and study the interior. What looks likea charm bracelet adorns the gear shifter. I lean in and touch it. there’s a metal piece with words on it.
I’m about to pull it off so I can see what it says when a voice interrupts my mission.
