Athos nodded. “I think Dad feels it. I know I do. Like we could have done—should be doing more to get you through this. I’m guessing Naomi and Niles have felt it too. That they played a part in every poor performance on the track the past few years.”
Was Anker trying to tell me the same thing?
Anker and Athos having the same insight? That’s a scary thought.
Athos pulled Clarke in for a hug. “See you after the race.”
When Athos released him, Clarke saw his brother’s eyes light up and he watched Athos wave. Clarke turned around and saw Ceci waving back.
The scarf. She’s wearing the scarf.
Their eyes met. There was a stillness that overcame him. He thought maybe she felt it too.
It’s those eyes, those gray eyes.
Only her eyes can do that. Make me feel like I’m looking into the horizon.
He flinched when Athos slapped him on the back. “See you after the race,” his brother said, before walking off.
Clarke heard a whimper and looked down to see Holly. Having a sudden thought, he grabbed her and held her up so Ceci could see. She beamed and suddenly Boudica appeared.
Someone came up behind Ceci then, and she turned around. He watched her walk away until he couldn’t see her anymore. She was gone.
“I suppose you’ll be wanting some words of wisdom.”
He turned around to find Aunt Delilah.
She placed her hands on his cheeks and for the first time there was nothing sly or calculated in her gaze.
“Just remember, dear:I wear the mask. It does not wear me.”
Chapter Forty-three
Clarke and Ceci
ROUND 24: RACE 24: SUZUKA, JAPAN
Clarke
Clarke didn’t remember ever driving a race this chaotic. The sky couldn’t seem to decide whether or not it was finished with the rain. Brief showers were intermittent, and even when it wasn’t raining the atmosphere was soaked in a gray, damp mist. While the track had dried in patches, it couldn’t fully dry. They had to start the race with wet tires, but navigating the track when one hit a dry patch was tricky. Clarke couldn’t remember seeing this many spins, crashes, and cars veering off the track.
While he’d started the race in second position, after serving a drive-through penalty for speeding under the safety car, he was in tenth place coming into lap thirteen. Tilney had started in pole position, and as far as Clarke knew, he was still out front.
Radio Engineer: Looks like the rain is finally over, Clarke. You’re coming up to lap thirteen. Let’s pit here. We’re going to switch to dry tires.
Clarke: It’s not too soon?
Radio Engineer: I don’t think so. It looks like the track is dry enough.
Clarke: Copy.
Ceci
Tilney was still out in front. That was good. Of course, it was good. It just didn’t feel good.
Corey, the race engineer, eyed Ceci. “Did you see that?”
“Clarke?”
