Page 104 of Kiss & Collide
“We’ve started manufacture,” Rabia explained. “But it won’t hit the track in physical form until next March, in Bahrain. But we’re very optimistic.”
Carter slid an artist’s rendering of next year’s car, complete with livery, closer and sighed. “Always was a sucker for muscle cars when I was young.”
Violet and Rabia exchanged a brief hopeful look. Formula One was a business, but it was powered by a sheer, irrational passion for cars.
“But the budget you’ve shown me … forgive me, but this sport seems like a money pit. What you want me to do … keep ownership of the team … what’s in it for Hammond Holdings? Where does the profitability come from?”
Violet jumped in with her promotional spread. “The team is basically a dedicated promotional space for Hammond Holdings. Between live races, broadcasting, and online and social media coverage, any brand sponsoring Pinnacle Motorsports or one ofits drivers has unprecedented ad reach. Formula One is one of the most popular sports in the world. I’ve looked at the companies in Hammond Holdings. Their presence is strong in America, but you haven’t made much headway with overseas consumers. This is how you can do that.”
Carter nodded, conceding the point. “I can see the international reach, and it’s appealing. But for the kind of visibility you’re pitching, Ms. Harper, a team needs results. Nobody talks about the guys in last place. Can you promise that kind of attention?”
“Nothing’s a guarantee,” Rabia said. “But with this new design and our current team, on and off the track, I feel more confident than I have in my ten years at Pinnacle. We’re doing something special here.”
“I appreciate the confidence you both bring to the table. But what I’d like to see is a measurable result. Something that gets the media talking about Pinnacle’s potential, beyond just Chase Navarro.”
“And if we do that?” Violet asked, lacing her fingers together so tightly they hurt.
Carter smiled. “Well, let’s see how the race goes, shall we? We’ll talk after.” He pushed back from the table and stood.
Violet stood up, too. “We appreciate you taking the time to listen to us.”
He headed toward the door, but paused and turned back. “Good luck today. I do mean that. I’m a businessman, and I respond to results. But regardless of what I ultimately decide, you’ve both impressed me.”
Once Carter was gone, Violet turned to face Rabia. “That wasn’t a no?” she said, as brightly as she could manage. Some of Chase’s ridiculous optimism must have infected her.
“It wasn’t a yes, either,” Rabia groused. “He wants a result.Today. How do we pull that off?”
“We tell Dieter and Chase to drive for their lives. And beyond that …”
“Yeah?”
“We pray for a miracle.”
42
The start of the race neared, and the VIP suite had gotten more crowded. The atmosphere was notably more festive.
Violet cast a worried glance outside, where the vast stretch of Florida sky was growing darker. It was raining again, and the wind had picked up. Not hard enough to delay, but hard enough to turn it into an ice rink down there. And it may be getting worse.
No one was out on the balcony. Wide-screen TVs mounted all around the room displayed a constantly changing stream from the cameras positioned all around the track, but nobody was paying them much attention yet. Waiters moved seamlessly through the well-dressed crowd, refilling champagne flutes and offering gourmet appetizers, while everyone laughed and chatted.
Carter and another man were sitting on a sofa inside. As Violet passed, he noticed her and wheeled around.
“Ms. Harper, what are you doing back there? Come sit.”
It wasn’t like she could tell him no, so she perched on the edge of the sofa next to him.
“This is Harrison, Violet.”
Violet didn’t know who the hell Harrison was, but his bespoke suit and Patek Philippe watch screamed money.
“I’ve been telling him,” Harrison told her, “once Formula One gets in your blood, there’s no getting it out.”
God bless you, Harrison, keep it up.
“I need you to explain this to me,” Carter said jovially. At least he was enjoying himself. She feared the VIP experience in the lounge might be the most exciting part of the day.
“The rain changes things,” she warned him. “The drivers will be exercising a lot of caution.”
