Redline Revenge — A Message From Skyline Racing

I didn't even have the right to use it. Sebastian, maybe we should just drop it. Nora's a veteran on this team. If she's upset because of me, I'd feel awful.

Nora, don't fight with him. Rally racing is brutal. You're 30. He's just worried your body can't handle it.

Hearing that, I laughed. I couldn't help it. Let me adjust your gear. Sebastian was already turning to Lena.

He crouched down halfway, put her foot on his knee, and fixed her boots with his own hands. Sebastian, is this really okay? What's not okay about it?

It's just, Nora looks upset. You're the most important person on this team. That line hit me like a slap to the face. Today, nobody matters more than you.

Everyone crowded around her, laughing warmly, walking her through the race briefing, wind conditions, terrain, competitor profiles. I stood there.

Nobody spoke to me. Nobody even prepared a calm earpiece for me. All they left me was last year's decommissioned backup bike. Everyone was freezing me out on purpose, waiting for me to bow my head.

Without a support crew, there was no way I could finish a rally. Then my phone buzzed. A message from the principal of a rival team, Skyline Racing. Attached was an extremely detailed course report.

I heard everything you two said. Nora, my team will always have a seat for you. Still sulling? Sebastian had come over without me noticing.

I locked my phone and looked up at him.