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“I think everyone has butterflies when they first line up. Every racer knows that anytime we put on a helmet and get on the track, it could be the last time. It’s part of it.”

“What’s it like coming off the line?”

“Hell, I’m hoping to make it through the first few turns without some fool taking me out. After that it’s focusing on what’s in front of me. My team will let me know what’s happening on the track, I just stay focused on my job.”

“Your team is looking a little lean today.”

“Yes, that was a decision that Canyon Racing made.”

“Will it affect you on the track?”

“No, I’ve run with this type of crew for a long time before getting my pro license.”

“How do you feel about Canyon Racing deciding not to renew your sponsorship with the Double Down team next season?

Try not to put your foot in it today.“I respect the decision that Canyon Racing made. They would know one hundred percent if I’m the kind of racer they want. We all know… I’m not the ass-kissing kind.”And foot is in the mouth.

“There you have it, race fans: River Wile is not kissing ass.” Signaling for the camera to stop rolling, the reporter faced River, feeling shitty that she just found out about Canyon Racing’s decision to not renew. “River?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry, I thought they would have spoken to you about the contract business before announcing it.”

“I knew my sponsorship wouldn’t be renewed. Do not worry about it. I mean it.”

Glancing down, River saw a message come through from Riot.Two can play this game JoJo. Halestorm, “I get off”As she moved away from the bike, River chuckled and walked toward Mal.Asshole.

“River.”

“Mal,” she said drolly.

River rarely laughed. Something had tickled her. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. “Hey, you know we don’t change anything on race day. It’s bad luck.”

River sent her signature wink to Mal as she kept smiling, walking off to get ready for the race. “It’s time to get ready,” she hollered back at her.

Mal stared at River’s back as she walked away. A bad feeling crept into her mind as River glanced at her phone as she walked away. Turning around, she barked out orders for the bike to be checked one more time.

Riot: keep your head in the game today. Archer’s gunning for you hard.

River: Like that’s news, that fucker has been busting my ass for years. Don’t worry your pretty head over me. Worry about your current woman. The Lacs, “Outlaw in me”

***

On the start line the adrenaline rush was wrapping around her, followed by her heart accelerating. River could only compare it to a marathon runner. Sometimes it was butterflies in her stomach. Hell, she’d even fallen asleep for a minute or so. Her body always knew what was coming. Sitting on the grid, River looked left, then she looked right, thinkingI’m gonna rip your world apart, boys. It was just as mental as it is physical when you were on the line. She missed the days when Duncan would walk out shirtless, holding her umbrella. Those were the fun days, but they weren’t coming back.

Lights changed and it was a decent start. She wasn’t in a hurry to get out front just yet. After the first few turns, she was trailing behind a pack of three bikes as two tangled up, taking them off the track. There was no time to even think about it. The next straightaway was in front of her. This was her spot. She could claw her way up to gain a better place in the lineup. The curve was tight, and she went in deep on the inside, coming out ahead of Archer Morgan.

***

Commentator 1: Coming into this race, there is no love lost between Archer Morgan and River Wile. All the arguing, all the talk back and forth between the two teams all fall away now. Wile lost points and is starting back of the pack. Having that kind of deficit can make a difference here today. This is it and we are off.

Commentator 2: Look at this, River Wile is moving up fast. She’s already gained ten spots and she’s not showing any signs of staying behind. Coming into turn ten, she’s jumping spots. She needs to move up into eighth place to secure her place.

Commentator 1: Look at this, Wile had maneuvered her way all the way up. She’s coming up on Morgan and this is gonna be an aggressive run for Wile. Morgan has said he would do everything to keep her from winning. And it looks like he is keeping his word.

Commentator 2: The big question: will River Wile be able to overtake Archer Morgan?

Commentator 1:This is it. One is twenty-seven, one is twenty-two, neither one is backing off. This is what I call real racing.

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