Page 41 of Black Flag

It was sickening tohear this. Just because I was considered a professional athlete, a fellowdriver could try to kill me if he wanted to, as long as I was on the track. Tome that was bullshit.

“You filed arestraining order against him, right?”

“Yes, there is oneagainst Darrin, Mariah Fowler and Chelsea Adams.” His eyes narrowed before anamused look materialized. “We had nothing on Dana so they denied that one.”

Hell, it was worth atry.DanaSloan, in her eyes, was my biggest fan. We did not share the same enthusiasmfor each other. Now Chelsea, well yeah, I dated her in high school but sincethen, I wouldn’t say I even wanted to be in the same room with her. Now thatshe was assisting Darrin too, Ireallydidn’t care for her.

“Now for my nexttopic,” the amusement in his voice was gone. “Mariah indicated Darrin wouldn’tstop until he’s taken everything you have, and that includes Sway.”

My heart instantlystarted pounding. “What do you mean?” I ground out between clenched teeth.

“She’s his nexttarget.”

“Do something.” I wason my feet in an instant pacing around the narrow hallway. “Call the police, dosomething!”

Gentry, Kyle’s brotherand one of the tire changers for the crew walked inside the hauler with Aiden.They both immediately turned around.

“Jameson,” Phillipwarned in a grave voice. “I can’t stop him from doing anything and neither canthe police. I’ve filed a restraining order on Sway’s behalf but that doesn’tstop him from breaking it. A restraining order means nothing to man likeDarrin. Restraining orders can be enforced across state lines in accordancewith the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution via the NationalCrime Information Center database. Violating a restraining order is a seriouscriminal offence that merits arrest and possible prison time. If he breaks it,he’s screwed.”

I tried desperately tocontrol my breathing but it was a futile attempt. “Where is he now?”

“He’s in Charlotte,”

“How were Mariah andChelsea involved?” I had to draw my attention to something else.

“Mariah said she fedDarrin lies, telling him you two had sex. Chelsea took notice in your careerwhen you started wining in the Busch Series. When Tate was in Elma at thebeginning of the year, he met Chelsea. She then used him to get to you. Whenyou showed no interest in her, Mariah noticed you turned her down as well andbefriended her. That’s how the plan developed from what I gathered.”

“So why Sway?” I askedabruptly. “How does this have anything to do with her?”

“Becausehe couldn’t succeed in ending your career.From what Mariah says, if he couldn’tsucceed in ruining your life, Sway will do just fine for him.” Phillip placedhis hand on my shoulder attempting to comfort me. “Be careful and don’tunderestimate him. The man is off his rocker. I’ve also hired a body guard tofollow her and Charlie around when she’s not with you. He will be in contactwith you. His name is Van Lambert. He’s an ex Navy Seal.” He clicked his tonguewith a grin. “Top notch,”

“Is he there now?” Ifelt slightly relieved Phillip had taken so many precautions in protectingSway.

He checked his phone.“Yes...as we speak Sway andCharlie are at home.”

“What’s his cell phonenumber?”

“Look at your phone.”

I realized I hadn’tchecked my phone in a while. Scrolling through the numerous text messages fromAlley and Emma regarding various appearances and interviews, I noticed two froman unknown number.

This is Van Lambert.I’ll send you updates to this number. Everything looks good.

The next text was hisphone number as a way to contact him. I felt relieved yes, but I also feltanxious that Sway wouldn’t want someone following her around. After thankingPhillip, I called Sway to warn her before I got ready for driver introductions.

“Hello?” A sleepy Swayanswered after a few rings.

I chuckled softly slippingon my racing suit. Holding the phone against my shoulder, I zipped the frontafter tucking my t-shirt in.

“Hey beautiful,” Iwhispered in a low voice. “sorryto wake you.”

“Mmmm,”you could almost hear the smile in her soft voice. “it’sa good morning when I get woke up by you.”

“It’s a good morningwhen I get to hear that sweet voice of yours as well.”

“Mmmm...”

I groaned at her softnoises. She knew exactly what to do to send me over the edge. I could hearrustling on the line, imagining her naked body.

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