“SHUT UP!” He growls, kicking me in the stomach.
“Oh, god…” I’m gulping for air as pain cramps my midsection. Tears blur my vision. A roaring noise is in my ears, and I’m afraid I’ll pass out. “Please… no.”
“Wade!” Reggie’s voice cuts through the din. “Think about what you’re doing. This room is in my name. I will not be implicated in a blood bath!”
Wade pauses, looking down at me. The pressure of the knife grows stronger against my knuckle, and I cry louder. I can’t stop shaking. My nose is hot. Snot is on my battered lip, and his grip is a shackle around my wrist. I’m on the floor, trying to pull away.
At once he releases me, and I fall to the hard marble. A startled cry slips from my lips. My knuckle is bloody, and I shove both hands under my arms, pushing with my heels until my back is against the wall. My knees are bent for protection.
Wade leans down, pointing the sharp knife at my nose. “I will cut them off, one by one. Then I will move to your toes. I’ll take off your ears, followed by the tip of your nose. Your tongue…”
My stomach heaves, and I’m afraid I’ll vomit.
“Good god, we get the point,” Reggie says.
I press my eyes against the tops of my knees. I don’t want to see his horrible face anymore. Everyone I know and love is in danger, and I’ve never been so afraid. I have no idea what I’m going to do. I only know I have to do something.
“She’ll stay quiet,” Reggie says in an eerily calm voice. “She won’t jeopardize her sister.”
“Yes,” Wade’s eyes flicker with sinister intent. “Your sister.”
Rage and panic clash in my chest. “Don’t hurt her.” It’s all I can manage to say.
They pause only a moment, staring down at me, before they leave. The double-doors of the bathroom slam, and I hear the rope being tied around the handles. Despair fills my chest as the tears start to fall. I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to get to Ava.
Sabotage
Rowan
Race day dawns hot and bright. My spirits dim slightly as I look up at the cloudless sky.
“It would have been better if it were overcast,” Cal says, reading my mind.
We’re walking quickly to the track, and I’m going over the course, the system I’ve worked out for managing the curves, the braking, the slowing, and the flying into the straights full-throttle.
“The tunnel will be the hardest,” I agree, thinking of the plunge into darkness followed by the immediate blinding white light.
“You’re moving so fast at that point. Follow your instincts.”
As we pass the other racers, we nod, shake hands with some. All are tense and jumpy. In my chest is a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Anything can happen on the track.
Fayed’s team is the last group we encounter, and he steps forward grinning. “Good luck today, my friend!” He shakes my hand vigorously. “It was a lucky break getting pole position.”
Our times around the track were identical, but officials gave him the coveted spot owing to his years on the circuit.
“Apparently there’s an advantage to doing nothing but racing all the time,” Cal says, crossing his arms.
“Don’t be bitter, my friend Cal,” Fayed slaps my brother’s arm. “It will even out on the track.”
My brow is lowered, but I give him a nod. “Have a good race.”
A few more paces, and we’re at my car. Cal is at my side reassuring me. “I’ve personally gone over everything. The car is in peak performance. It’s all up to you now.”
Reaching in my pocket, I close my hand around the gold bracelet Ava gave me. I haven’t heard from her since Friday, and while we discussed this short separation, I long to hear her voice. She didn’t return my call last night.
“Have you talked to Zelda today?” His expression changes only briefly, but it’s enough to put me on edge. “What is it?”
“I don’t know.” He clears his throat. “We’ve been so slammed with meetings and race prep, I haven’t been able to call her. She’s not answering my texts.”