Page 49 of Endurance

“Wow… I didn’t know. Tyler and I used to talk all the time, but I haven’t spoken to many people since my accident. I feel bad that I didn’t know. I should call him.”

“You had a lot going on. I’m sure he didn’t want to worry you.”

“Still, Tyler is a good guy. I met Amy a few times—a real sweetheart. For both of their sakes, I hope he wins this.” I stared absently at the track and rubbed my chin thoughtfully. “What about doing a fundraiser? If we pulled in enough drivers, I’m sure we could raise the money he needs.”

“Ryles is looking into it, but I’m not sure if she made any headway. Maybe you could ask Kallie to get with her on it.”

“That’s not a bad idea. I—”

The rumbling sound of a car engine cut me off. Whatever was wrong with the rear bearings must have been fixed because Tyler’s car pulled out onto the track once more. Colton and I moved up to the bottom row of the spectator stand to watch the open-wheel single-seater take position.

Within minutes, the car was moving around the track at a blistering speed. I thought Tyler took the cornering speed a little too slow, not utilizing the aerodynamic downforce the car naturally generated to push the car down onto the track. I was about to comment on it but paused when I saw he hadn’t gotten back up to speed on the straightaway. Then I spotted the smoke.

Instinctively, I gripped the railing in front of me until my knuckles turned white. Everything happened so fast. The only thing I could do was watch helplessly as Tyler’s car—its back end on fire—spun out of control and crashed into the center barrier.

Everything around me glitched into slow motion. Colton hopped the rail and took off running. The fire marshals scrambled. I heard screams from the observers and yelling from the pit crew, but it was all a distant echo. I couldn’t move or look away from the wreckage. Completely frozen to the spot, it was as if Tyler’s crash were my own, and in that moment I was unable to prevent myself from being thrown back in time to that day.

I slip my arms into the sleeves of my flame-resistant racing suit and zip up the front. Walking over to the waiting open-wheeled race car, I use all the energy I have to push down my anger over the information I found out about my father. My sole focus must be on the practice race I’m about to run.

I climb into the car and allow a crew member to adjust the Hans device until I am safely secure in the head and neck restraint. Gripping the steering wheel, I wait for Becket to signal me out onto the track to join the pack of ten cars. Once he does, I move into position at the back of the group. The purpose of today’s practice is to teach the rookies how to take the lead from behind. Nothing else matters except the cars on the track.

When the flag drops, so does my foot on the accelerator. Moving the steering wheel from left to right, I weave between cars and make my way to the front. I keep my eye on who I’d pass, knowing I’ve yet to reach Tripp Lucas, an arrogant S.O.B. who is still a few cars ahead. Little does he know, he’s about to get schooled.

The engine revs as the wind whips around the car. I feel the tires roaring beneath me as I nose just ahead of Tripp. I shift, and the car lurches. A rush of adrenaline surges, making me feel alive in ways only racing could. The only thing that could make it better is if this wasn’t just for practice but the real deal.

As I creep past Tripp, he taps the gas and pushes slightly ahead of me. I do the same, the noses of our cars playing a virtual tug of war. When he gets the advantage, I don’t bother to chance a glance in his direction. I know the cocky bastard is probably smirking. He doesn’t know I’m just toying with him. Making him think he is winning is all part of the psychological game. I haven’t even begun to push my car to its limits yet. The rookie has a lot to learn.

As we whip through the first lap, I catch a glimpse of my mother standing next to Colton and Beckett in the pit lane. The image of them is fleeting, their forms nothing but a blur as I speed past—and it’s a good thing, too. The last thing I want is to see her. My teeth clench as I tamp down my anger once more and focus on the turn ahead.

I bank left around the bend and prepare for the straightaway. Easing my foot off the clutch, I shift into final gear and press the gas pedal to the floor. I can see Tripp’s car losing speed in my peripheral, and I grin. I have him now. When I think it’s safe to look, I cast my gaze in his direction. Sheer panic is written all over his face, knowing he is about to be lost in my dust. Instinctively, my grin widens.

However, my smile is short-lived. It takes me less than half a second to realize Tripp’s panic had nothing to do with losing the race and everything to do with the smoke billowing from the engine of a slowing car up ahead.

“Son of a bitch! Where’s the goddamn caution flag?”

I have a split second to decide. If I swerve left, I will hit Tripp’s car. If I brake too hard, I will risk being hit by the two cars right on my tail. My only hope is to ease off the gas, slowing just enough for Tripp to pass me so I can get around the smoking car. I remove my foot from the gas, hoping Tripp will take the cue. Thankfully, he does—but he isn’t fast enough.

The slowing car comes closer and closer. A shiver of fear races down my spine. Officially out of time, I have no choice but to bank left. I hear a crunch and immediately know the front bumper of my car connected with Tripp’s rear. My car spins out, skidding along the track backward. I am all but blind as I brace for impact.

Whether a few minutes or a few hours had passed, I couldn’t be sure. All at once, everything seemed to fast forward into real time. I saw Tyler’s body being carried away on a stretcher. Colton appeared at my side, his breathing heavy.

“He’s alive. I’m not sure of the extent of his injuries. They’re taking him by helicopter to Bayfront Hospital. It’ll take me a while to get there by car. I’m going to leave now. Do you want to—” Colton stopped short and grabbed my arm. “Sloan. Hey, man. Are you alright? You’re as white as a sheet.”

Slowly, I turned my head to look at him.

“Yeah, it’s just that… the crash. It reminded me…”

Colton released my arm, stepped back, and shook his head.

“Shit. I can’t imagine what seeing that must have been like for you. Don’t worry. Tyler was conscious and talking. I don’t think his injuries are life-threatening. It was nothing like your accident. Do you want to ride with me to the hospital?”

“It’s all good. You go on. I’m going to hang back. Maybe look into what went wrong with the car.”

Colton seemed wary as he studied my face, but I ignored him and turned my focus back to the track where the fire crew was still dousing the flames.

“I don’t like the idea of leaving you here alone. Are you sure?”

He sounded torn.

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