A moment? What moment? That he might kiss you? Dressed up as you were? Wearing that wig? That moustache?
Now she could see how absurd that was.
Besides, there was Mickey.
Was it him who pulled me away from Rocco at Carnival?
The person was wearing a black mask like the Mascher and had whispered something to her, but it was too noisy for her to make out the words. She was grateful some drunken men had stumbled into them and broken his hold on her so she could get away.
She drew a deep breath and exhaled so forcefully, her breath echoed and bounced off the shell of her helmet.
Was it possible Mickey would try to get at her by targeting someone else?
He would only do that if he thought she really cared about the person.
Nico sighed.
Where was the woman who’d been in command at Drink and Dive? She’d left her behind because she wanted to leave that entire life behind. But now she might have to rally her back.
That woman cared for no one. She was distant, cool, untouchable. There was no way anyone could or would think that woman cared for Rocco Vittori. Not Mickey. Not even Dario and Celeste.
She drew another deep breath.
Focus. Focus.
Any minute now she’d be pulling out onto the grid. This would be her first F1 race in the rain. And in Monaco of all places! The circuit was difficult enough as is. Still, she’d put in her best qualifying performance yet.
Rocco had to be disappointed starting from the second row and in fourth position. It was difficult to see how he could win this one. He might still have a chance at coming in third and mounting the podium. But the odds were against it. Still, if they could work together as a team it might happen.
She could do that. And she felt confident he could too.
Rocco was driving through the tunnel. Anker and Mendelsohn had made contact with each other again. They were pressing each other too hard, and neither one would make way for the other. They were acting like they were the only two in the race. Rocco knew what was driving them—the desire to come in first. They were just in front of Clarke,who was right ahead of him. No position change since the start of the race.
Rocco: Those two are driving like a couple of maniacs!
Race Engineer: Just focus on your own driving, Rocco. How’s the grip?
Rocco: Holding steady. Has the rain let up at all?
Race Engineer: A little. You’re right on pace with Clarke. Stay close, but not too close.
Rocco: Copy.
He was nearing the end of the tunnel, approaching the fastest stretch of the track just before he’d need to break for the chicane—that serpentine curve in the road meant to reduce speed and slow down drivers. This was his best and possibly only shot at passing.
Just up ahead Rocco could see Mendelsohn attempt to overtake Anker and Anker squeeze him out, but Mendelsohn was too close and the two Blue Jet Lightning cars hit—this time with enough impact to throw the pair out wide and allow both Clarke and Rocco to shoot ahead.
Race Engineer: Well done, Rocco! You’re on pace with Clarke.
Rocco: Copy. Where’s Nico?
Race Engineer: Excellent, Nico. You’re at P5.
Nico: Copy. Is that … Anker? And Mendelsohn?
Race Engineer: It is. They went for too much just before the chicane.
Nico felt her heart racing as a huge grin engulfed her face.
