Page 100 of Wrecking Boundaries

Most importantly, I never even raised a fist, which fucking sucks because I would have enjoyed it.

I wipe my face, surprised to see a drop of blood on my left glove.

Bert will have questions for me, so I’ll need answers ready, but that can wait until later.

“Jake?” Sarah stands beside Julian Murphy; her arm hooked through one of his.

I frown before remembering what upset her earlier. I owe him a favor if Julian’s presence makes it easier for her to visit.

“What did he do to earn that set-up?” Julian asks. “You know he’ll have fines to pay over this and suspended crew members, too.”

The bitch comment will also cause problems with his sponsors. “I’m aware of all that,” I tell him. “He’s going to have a difficult several weeks.”

He didn’t finish the race either. That, combined with several mediocre finishes, means he’s virtually guaranteed to be shut out of the playoffs.

NASCAR officials are still busy talking to Joey. He indicates the three of us, and the two officials look over. Their attention immediately goes back to Joey.

Julian takes note of the exchange and says, “I don’t think you’ll be blamed.”

That was the idea.

“Is this why you wanted to stay away?” I ask Sarah, who nods.

“He’s your teammate,” she says, pulling her arm from Julian. “You had enough problems, and I didn’t want to see him.”

“Now we have one less. After this, his time in Cup is done. He doesn’t bring sponsors or enough talent to make the risk worthwhile. You aren’t going to see him around much longer.”

Julian’s attention turns from Joey and the officials back to us as understanding hits.

“There’s a cut on your cheek,” Sarah says. “It’s bleeding.”

“It’s not a big deal.” Some blood is worth it.

“Keep this quiet?” I ask Julian.

“Never considered otherwise,” he says. “I’ll see you back at headquarters, assuming you’re coming back,” he says to Sarah and pats her head.

It’s oddly endearing.

“I am. I think. Maybe,” is all she says in response. Once we’re alone, she says, “I can’t believe you did all that. You wrecked him on purpose.”

I take her hand, leading us both back to the trailer. “Did you expect me to do otherwise?”

“I didn’t think you would do that.”

She figured I’d grow belligerent and throw punches, all while yelling about honor and chivalry. Why stop there when you can do so much worse?

“I’ll always take care of you, and now we’re done talking about him,” I say.

35-Sarah

Rivers Motorsports Headquarters, North Carolina

Jake sits beside me and hands over a cup of herbal tea. Neither of us wants a big breakfast; tea will better soothe my nerves than coffee this morning.

“It’s peaceful back here,” I say, and tap my foot on the ground so the porch swing moves again.

The spring morning brings a gentle breeze. Several birds sing in one of Jake’s backyard trees.

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