Page 202 of Trading Paint

Catching up to me, he slowed his jog to a fast walk. “Hey dude, is Sway really coming?”

“Yeah, she’ll be here later this afternoon.”

“Are you going totalkto her?”

This was not a conversation I wanted to have right now or ever for that matter.

Glaring his direction, he grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

My fist rose to punch his shoulder but he ducked away and bounced on the balls of his feet.

“Good luck little brother!”

Before I reached the hospitality tent, Alley caught me again with Kyle trailing behind her.

“What now?”

“NASCAR wants to see you, Kyle, and Jimi in the hauler...”

“I have the...” I motioned toward the tent as my voice faded.

She pushed me back the other direction. “That’s going to have to wait...I’ll talk to them, you go see Gordon.”

So there I sat, in the principal’s office again. Alley sent me a text when I was sitting there waiting for Gordon.

Whatever you do, don’t answer their questions. It’s exactly what they expect you to do. Be selective.

I typed my response while Gordon entered the hauler. He didn’t look at us, just carried a manila folder inside his office and slammed the door behind him. The water pitcher on the desk outside his office shook from the force.

It’s too late for me, they know everything. Get out! Save yourself!

Fucking idiot.She sent back.

I was surprised I was joking around but I had to or else at that point, I was going to kill someone. Turning to Kyle who was sitting next to me, I asked, “Is there something I should know?”

“What are you talking about?” His eyes scanned mine.

“With the fuel...did you guys add something?”

Kyle looked offended. “Do you honestly think I’d allow something like that?”

“No, but I’m just checking.” I flopped back in the chair wondering how I could get us out of this mess. “I don’t want to go in there defending us and then find out it’s something we did.”

“Our team would never jeopardize something like this.” Kyle snapped. “They could impound this car...you know that right?”

“Why do you think I’m asking?”

Gordon came out of his office after that, looking thwarted. “Riley, can you come in?”

Standing, I tilted my head toward Kyle. “You better be right.”

Gordon was silent for a moment before he paced around his office, the room appearing even smaller by his constant movement.

“The officials said they found something in your fuel. They’ve drained the tank and you will be allowed to race that car with the fuel we tested clean.” He paused, his eyes focusing on a stack of papers on his cherry wood desk.

“I’m not sure what’s in there Jameson...but if it’s illegal, you better believe this will beexpensive.”

Oh Jesus...was he serious? This was just my fucking luck. Where’s Fortuna?

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