Page 72 of Throttle

“I will bury you, boy.” Bud points a finger into my face as security now steps in to escort him out of the building.

I take a breath as he is removed from the office. Mac slaps my back, and I finally relax.

“Saint?” Hunter asks to gain my attention.

“Yes, sir?”

“I am sorry that I didn’t give this more credit. With Bud now gone, you will be promoted to crew chief,” Hunter comments, and I nod.

“Thank you, sir.”

“We’ll get PR going on a joint press release as soon as possible,” he remarks. “You’re dismissed.”

“Thank you, Hunter. Thank you for doing the right thing. Haisley deserves an honest crew, an honest chance.”

***

Later that night

“A toast to one hurdle down,” Mac offers as Haisley, Elle, and I raise our glasses.

“Here, here,” we say in unison.

“I still can’t believe that we caught him on video,” Haisley remarks.

“It’s not over though. I’m still convinced Drake is involved and pretty sure they paid off the officials to pin it on Neil and me,” I mention. “But for the moment, one victory.”

The four of us enjoy the rest of the dinner we ordered in. The press releases hit this afternoon, and it has been ridiculous. Haisley’s social media is blowing up; Elle issued a statement on behalf of Haisley on her Twitter, which has received various reactions, but mostly positive.

Hunter's team spun the firing as an instance of irreconcilable differences; sounds like we were in the middle of a divorce proceeding. We still had one hurdle to overcome: Drake. I’m positive that this man was involved somehow.

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