Page 19 of Break My Heart

“You and I both know that’s what happens when software engineers build for features instead of performance.”

“I suspect they also have inconsistencies creating ghost inputs at top speed.”

Leanne’s mouth curves slightly. “And you wonder why I assigned you to this?”

I pause, my reflection faint in the glass on the screen. When I was in college, I interned with NASA as a systems engineer specializing in real-time predictive modeling and adaptive control systems. I’ve been lead architect on multiple high-performance interface projects where microsecond responsiveness determines outcome and safety.

Apex Orion doesn’t just want to hire someone smart. They’re desperate for someone who understands that precision isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Then, I hit the organizational structure and recognize a familiar name.

Team Director and Direct Supervisor—Dario Morretti

I don’t speak while I’m confirming the other critical members of the Apex team. Maybe my luck will hold and this is a second driver’s issue. That’s when I spy Leo’s name under a list of people who need to provide input into the design. A sigh escapes my lips.

Leanne probes, “Christin? Is there a problem?”

“Nothing. It’s fine.”

Something in my tone must alert Leanne to more. “With what they’re offering to pay us, I need to be certain.”

I give her a thin smile. “Aren’t you the one who once told me every assignment always has challenges?”

Leanne leans back slightly, studying me. “Why aren’t you jumping all over this assignment?”

There it is. No beating around the bush. I set the tablet down. “Apex’s lead driver…” I start before letting the rest of the sentence drift away because finishing it becomes about Leo and not about the assignment.

I lift my gaze back to the room, steadier now. “Someone who knows they’ve made mistakes.”

Leanne’s brow lifts. “You’ve handled worse.”

Right now, I’m not certain about that, but I give her the answer she wants. “Yes.”

Leanne tilts her head. “Was it personal?”

“I’m sorry?”

She rolls her eyes, like my hesitance is obvious. “The driver from Apex. Is he the one who hurt you?”

She’s so damn smart to pick up on the nuances to land on the answer I don’t want to discuss. “Maybe I just don’t like F1.”

Leanne hoots. “Right. Like that’s the case.”

I crinkle my nose at her, forgetting for just a moment that she knows everything about my background. I tap the tablet absentmindedly. “I’d normally tell them to go stuff it, but this isn’t just about optimization. If left unresolved, it could affect driver safety.”

“So, you’ll accept?”

“When do I leave?”

Leanne watches me for another second before informing me, “Three weeks.”

“When do I get access?”

“Limited once I sign the contract. Full when you get to the training site in Vegas.”

I stand, holding onto the tablet. “Send me full system access and current firmware builds. I want a chance to spot the problems before I step on-site.”

“You’ll get it.”