‘What a legend!’ Harper cuts in. ‘It’s an honour to be compared to Tyler Heath. I was a big fan as a little kid. He was one of the reasons I got into karting in the first place.Hewasn’t afraid to take risks and try new things.’
Harper’s dig hits home, and I feel my control slipping.
‘There’s calculated riskonthe track, and then there’s whatever you call what you dooffthe track,’ I say coldly. ‘Maybe they’re calling you the new Tyler Heath for all the wrong reasons.’ The thought was never supposed to leave my brain, but it’s too late now. There’s no way in hell we’ll be able to get that clip edited out.
‘And what exactly do you mean by that?’ Harper demands. ‘I proved it last year and I’m already starting to prove it in this category, too. Stats don’t lie.’
His ass is in his hands, but he has no clue what he’s talking about. I had a better rookie year than the so-called great Tyler Heath, and it’ll take a better man than Harper James to beat that. Harper doesn’t measure up.
‘I’m just saying.’ I shrug in a half answer.
‘Sounds like you’re saying I’m not good enough to be here, Walker. I earned my spot the same way you did, and the way I drive is all that matters,’ Harper protests, and the interviewer leans into the developing row, as if our microphones aren’t already picking up this catastrophic mess. Harper turns to face me, but I lean back a little. It’s time he learnt to have a bit of humility.
‘No, you’re here because Elijah Gutaga broke his leg. You’d still be languishing in the lower category otherwise.’
I let the words hang in the air.
‘Okay, let’s call a time-out there,’ says Anna stepping in. She’s using a tone that says she won’t take no for answer, and I’m left wondering why she allowed the interview to go on for as long as it did. It’s been a disaster from start to finish. I’m sure the magazine is thrilled as this footage will be aired over and over again, drumming up endless column inches and screen time about drama and rivalry within the Hendersohm team.
Anna steers me out of the room by my shoulders, her hands like claws.
I assume I’m being led into a side room to cool off or whatever, but instead I’m handed over to a driver who’s told to take me back to the hotel.
‘I’m sorry,’ I say, immediately contrite. ‘What about the rest of the interview?’ I ask, as the driver opens the car door.
‘We’ll reschedule,’ Anna replies. I already know we won’t.
I duck into the back seat of the car and lean back against the cool leather headrest, eyes closed. I’ve been asked many leading questions during my career as a driver. When I was just getting started, journalists loved to make comparisons between Tyler Heath and me. They loved to go on about how lucky I was to have a dad who had inspired me and helped make my dream a reality.
I’ve always bitten my tongue, held on to my control, and used deep breaths to get through it without revealing what I really think of Tyler Heath and the crap he used to pull. It’s been years – almost two decades since I started being interviewed – and I’ve never had a problem.
Yet, a couple of words from Harper James and I’m close to losing it. On camera, just to top it off.
Shit.
ChapterFour
Harper
So, Kian Walker is nothing like his dad. He’s an uptight, judgmental prick.
I once watched a video of Tyler Heath chugging a beer out of a racing helmet – a sweaty, used racing helmet. It was disgusting, but I loved it. Pure entertainment. I don’t think Kian even knows how to have fun.
And yet he’s got an endless list of exciting brands still dying to work with him, paying him millions of dollars. Plus, he gets invited on all the cool podcasts and sports shows. It’s such an incredible waste for them to have him drone on for hours about the benefits of yoga and going to bed at granny o’clock. Boring bastard!
I haven’t seen him since Anna whisked him out of the interview. Heaven forbid his precious reputation gets tarnished by facing a few home truths from the new guy on the team.
Fuming, I went back to my own room afterwards and paced out the angry energy whilst trying to figure out what the hell his problem is.
A message came through yesterday evening, calling us both to a meeting in the hotel conference room first thing, but I can’t seem to get myself moving this morning. I remember the warning Anna Kash gave me when they called me to tell me they wanted me to step into Elijah Gutaga’s seat this season. Clean up your act. No bad press. Focus on the job.
I’ve probably screwed that up already.
When I open the door to my suite a minute before I’m due downstairs, I come face to face with Kian, who’s pacing the hallway right outside. Speak of the devil.
I’m still half-dressed due to waking up a mere five minutes ago when the alarm I snoozed for the fifth time became unbearable. I’m clutching my sweatshirt and sliding on my Crocs, the keycard between my lips as I look up and see him. This door must be jinxed.
‘Are you taking the piss?’ he asks through gritted teeth.
