Page 135 of Overtake
“That was a lecture, not a speech. And I shouldn’t ever have to repeat it.” He scans the gathered journalists and even some of the team principals. “Do better.”
It’s strange, having someone fight these battles beside me. Strange but nice.
Dad catches my eye and nods. He approves of my ally. Even Marcus looks proud of his driver taking this stand.
Finally, a female journalist clears her throat. “Petra, anything to add?”
“Only that it’s nice to hear someone else say what I’ve been thinking for years.” Then I find my voice. “Listen. The technical breach affected multiple teams. Yet certain media outlets chose to focus on supposed romantic motivations rather than investigating the actual security issues.”
Nico repeats, “Because it’s easier to question the woman’s integrity, than examine your own biases.”
“Nico’s right. Stop lobbing softball questions at me like you think I can’t explain tire management or aerodynamics or brake cooling. I’ve only been doing this since I was six years old. I wasonlythe youngest European and World Karting Champion. But, yeah, apparently I don’t know what I’m talking about because I lack one thing. A penis.”
That cracks Nico’s severity and he laughs. So do a bunch of other people. His hand finds mine under the table.
I could get used to this. Not just having backup, but having someone who understands exactly what wall I keep slamming my head against and why it’s there.
Someone who makes me stronger rather than trying to protect me.
Another reporter takes a stab at this. “Petra, can you explain about how the relationship between drivers impacts your on-track decisions?”
“That’s irrelevant to the espionage investigation,” Richard interrupts. “The technical breach has been identified and contained. The responsible parties are facing consequences.”
“But the question of team loyalty?—”
“Has been answered,” Dad cuts in. “By both drivers’ professional conduct and racing records.”
Marcus nods. “Indeed. Let’s discuss how this breach was actually discovered and the cooperation between teams that led to its resolution.”
The conversation shifts to discussing timelines, security measures, and new protocols for fans and media. But Nico’s hand stays linked with mine.
“Any questions about tomorrow’s race?” Victoria steps up, working to redirect focus. “There are a few qualified people up here who can answer your questions.”
Carlos leans close. “Hablaste bien, mijo.” He tells his son he spoke well. “Both of you.”
Nico shrugs. “Someone had to say it.” This is the normal, chill Nico Belmonte now.
“Many someones should have said it long ago.” Carlos smiles at us. “Perhaps things will change now.”
“They better,” Nico mutters.
After the conference, Nico and I return to his hotel room and order room service.
After a few bites of an excellent white fish, I look up at him. “Thank you.”
He’s ordered a chicken dish that’s made with tomatoes and oregano. It smells amazing. “For the press conference?”
I nod.
“Don’t.” Nico sits back, shaking his head. “I should’ve stepped up a long time ago, Petra. All of us should’ve.”
I frown. “That’s not your job.”
He looks at me, dead-on, zero hesitation. So Nico Belmonte of him. “If not mine, then whose?”
“What did I tell you about letting me fight my own battles?”
He grins. “I don’t remember.”
