Page 115 of Overtake
Marcus nods, but says nothing.
Heinrich peers at the images. “During their overnight modifications at COTA. When they were dealing with that suspension issue.”
“Exactly.” Nico returns the tablet. “So why arewediscussing this?”
Marcus meets Nico’s gaze evenly. “Because information flows both ways.” At least he’s not pulling his punches.
“You think I’d compromise either team?” Some of Nico’s cool is slipping. “That Petra and I would risk everything we’ve worked our entire lives to achieve, Marcus? Fuckingreally?”
“No.” His response is immediate. “Absolutely not, Nico. But others will.” He lowers his voice. “Especially people like Graham and Junior, who’re looking for any advantage over other teams and drivers, and would relish an opportunity to smear you and her.”
It surprises Nico to hear Marcus bad-mouthing one of the team’s co-owners. But maybe it shouldn’t. Graham’s been stomping on Marcus’s authority this season, overstepping his role by a mile. The friction he’s causing in team management isn’t good for anyone.
“There’s more.” Victoria scrolls through her tablet. “Similar photos from other teams have surfaced. JMR and Telco, so far. But I’m sure there are others. Someone’s collecting technical information through fan access.”
Joder.That changes things.
Heinrich whistles a low note. “Has this been shared with Nitro?”
“Not yet.” Marcus answers him but watches Nico. “We wanted to discuss it with Nico first.”
“Do it.” Nico gestures at the tablet. “This affects all the teams.”
“I’ve requested a meeting,” Victoria says. “All affected teams, senior personnel only.”
Nico leans forward. “Petra and I should be there.”
Marcus shakes his head. “Not a good idea.” He lifts a hand, staying the protest Nico starts. “There will be questions and suggestions about the relationship between rival teams’ drivers.”
“Which is exactly why we need to be included, Marcus.”
Heinrich’s face twists like he tastes something rotten. “Some assholes will suggest you’re compromised, Nico.”
“That’s absolutebullshit.” Nico thumps the desk with his fist. “A lifetime of professional integrity doesn’t suddenly mean nothing because?—”
“You got a taste of some magic pussy?”
“Heinrich!” Victoria gapes at WolfBett’s chief engineer.
Caught mid-rage and off guard, Nico cracks up.
Marcus just closes his eyes and shakes his head. None of this is funny, but the man said just the right thing to let all of them vent some steam.
Heinrich raises his hands, trying—and failing—to look sheepish. “Sorry, sorry. I know I should talk to human resources about my language now, but I couldn’t help it.”
Marcus sighs. “If Graham comes to the meeting, he’ll provoke a fight, Nico. If I include you, promise you won’t be baited.”
Nico nods. “I can be an adult, if he can.”
Marcus nods. “Victoria, ask Carlos to be present, too.”
“Good suggestion.” She pulls out her phone.
Nico’s happy with that. Having his father in the meeting to protect his interests is a smart idea. “We need to find the real source of these pictures.” He returns to the photos. “They’re not random fan shots. Look at the angles, the timing. Someone knows exactly what they’re looking for and posed the fans where they needed them.”
Heinrich leans closer. “Probably using a phone camera to disguise their efforts, but the framing seems deliberate.”
Victoria points to one. “They’re specifically capturing technical information.”
