Page 46 of Danger

I move closer to wrap an arm around Lilah.

And as I hold Lilah close, I realize how much she loves him. She can pretend that it isn’t that serious, but I can see it in the way she’s holding her breath with fear. It’s almost the exact same way I felt when I watched the accident.

I know Danger’s been through a lot today, but I need to ask him if his accident had anything to do with the reporter. Why did he let this one man get to him?

Danger never gets nervous. That’s what Mike said. That Danger wasn’t himself today, yet he was fine when we left the hotel.

I remember thinking he was a bit too calm. And now this. Now he let some reporter get the best of him.

I stare back at Danger.

His head hung low, his elbows resting on his knees. And when his eyes meet mine I can see there’s something hiding underneath, but I can’t figure out what it is.

I let go of Lilah’s hand and sit next to my father. “Dad, I’ll take care of everything.”

He stares at me, blinking wildly. “How?” he says the word like he’s lost all hope.

“I’ll find someone to drive as a replacement for both Danger and Mandarin if they’re both not able to drive next week.”

My father reaches over and squeezes my hand with his. “Thank you, Monterey.”

“I’m on it. I’ll handle everything.”

I stand up, heading back to Lilah to wrap her into my arms for another hug. “He’ll be fine. Everything will be fine.”

“I have to call his mother,” Lilah says, pulling out her phone from her pocket and I spot Danger seated near the back of the waiting room. “Are you ok?”

“This is all my fault.”

“Danger, you can’t think that way. You have split second decisions to make when you’re out there on that track.”

“I let that motherfucker get to me.” He won’t face me, keeping his head hung low.

“The reporter?” I ask him.

“Yeah.”

“Danger, what happened?”

Danger shakes his head, still not meeting my eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I wish you would. You can tell me anything.” I tug at his chin, bringing his face so I can see his eyes.

They’re dark, and there’s no happiness there. “No, it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine. And this isnotyour fault.”

He gets up and walks away, pressing the elevator button with his thumb. I watch as he steps through the lift doors and then he’s gone.

I stand, heading back to give my support to Lilah. “Did you get a hold of his mother?”

Tears flood Lilah’s eyes. “Yes. What was going on with Danger? He just didn’t seem like himself today.”

I shrug. “I’m not sure.” I stare at the closed elevator doors Danger just stepped through. “Lilah, call me and let me know how Mandarin is. I need to check on Danger.”

Lilah hugs me. “He shouldn’t be alone tonight.” And she doesn’t say it in a snarky, sexual type of way. She’s right, Dangershouldn’tbe alone right now.

I need to figure out what is going on with him. He wasn’t himself today, and I want to find out why.

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