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She parked her car and walked over to the paddock. The whine of engines greeted her like a long-lost friend as the cars screamed around the track. The smell of gas and food made her smile. She’d spent so many mornings scarfing down breakfast as she stood discussing a race with her engineer or mechanic. They were good times. For the most part.
She made her way to paddock sixteen. The trucks parked out front were new and looked state-of-the-art. She recalled the rumors she’d overheard last night that Hughes Racing was out of money. No wonder, if these were anything to go by. Trailers like these only came after some serious outlay of cash.
“Get me a coffee while you’re at it, please” a voice called. She looked up to see Rory calling to a young woman. He looked tired but good. He was happier since he’d quit racing, at least that’s what he’d said. They’d run into each other in L.A. She’d been home for a visit, and he’d just gotten out of rehab. He’d said if she ever decided to go back to racing, she should call him.
“Greer!” he said as he pulled her in for a hug. “What are you doing here? You aren’t here about racing, are you?” A look of concern went across his face. “This is not the best time. Dalton isn’t in a great mood.”
She shrugged slightly. “I heard.”
“Right, the hallway.” He ran a hand through his hair. The gesture reminded her of Dalton in tense situations, and they’d had a few. His older brother did the same thing when he was stressed.
“How are you?” she asked.
He met her gaze. “I’m hanging in there. I went to a meeting this morning. This is…a lot, but I’m doing the work and determined to make it stick.”
She smiled. “I’m glad you’re doing okay.” She’d kept up with Rory in passing and knew about his addiction and recovery. Mostly, it was a line to knowing how Dalton was.
“Listen, if you’re really here to talk to Dalton, I would advise against it. He’s super stressed.”
“Moore’s death was shocking. I’m sure he’s upset.”
“Yeah,” Rory agreed, “but there’s more to it. I can’t get into it, but between that and the new will, which you heard about last night, well, Dalton is hanging on by a thread, you know? Wait, how did you hear about Moore? Were you at the track yesterday? I know how gossip is in the paddock.”
She put a hand on Rory’s arm. “It’s okay, Rory. I’m here on business. He has to see me.”
“Business? What kind of business?” Rory stared at her.
“It might be better to explain it to both of you at once.” She was taking the wimpy way out. If Rory was in the room maybe Dalton would actually listen and not yell at her.
Rory gave her a look but then nodded. “Come on then, follow me. He’s in the trailer.” As he went up the stairs on the side of the truck, she followed more slowly. Her body’s response to seeing the man was like being on a roller coaster. Sickening and thrilling at the same time.
She stepped inside the trailer. It was empty except for her former lover. He was sitting at the table, staring at a laptop screen.
“Hey, Dalton. Someone here to see you,” Rory said and then stepped out of the way.
Dalton looked up and frowned at Greer. “No.” He shook his head. “No way.” He glanced at Rory. “I don’t know what the hell this is about, but I don’t need it now.”
Rory shrugged. “I know, but just hear her out. She says she’s here on business.” Just then Rory’s radio squawked with a request for him to go to the garage. He nodded at Greer and then stepped past her. “Good luck,” he whispered on his way out the door.
Dalton glared after his brother and then shifted his gaze to her. His eyes were the color of storm clouds. “What do you want, Greer? I have enough shit on my plate without having to deal with…” he waved his hand in a circle.
Her voice caught in her throat, and she emitted a squeak. Great. Well done, Greer. She cleared her throat and tried again. “I’m sorry about what happened yesterday. That was a tough break.”
“What the fuck do you want, Greer?” he demanded again.
“I represent Global.”
He arched a brow. “Who?”
“Your insurance company.”
His brows lowered. “We don’t have insurance, and if we did, we wouldn’t use the company you work for.”
The meaning was clear. It stung, but she couldn’t hold his justifiable anger against him. She’d hurt him, and he wasn’t about to be nice to her because of it. But this was business. “You do have insurance. Your father took out a policy several years ago and paid it in full for a term of five years. You’re in year three.” She opened her shoulder bag and pulled out a copy of the paperwork. “We received this paperwork with your driver’s names for this season.” She offered it to him.
He blinked and stared down at the paperwork in his hand. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Connor originally took out the policy the year Dan Pariso was driving with you guys. It was the last year you were racing. Pariso was a danger to himself and others on the track. Your father thought the policy was a good idea just in case.” She hadn’t known any of this until she’d read through the file her boss had handed her.
