Tracked by Jenny Martin

Author:Jenny Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2015-04-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

My first race day, and late-afternoon sun bakes the track. There’s little breeze, and the heat tastes like fuel and grit. Gil tells me not to worry about today’s exhibition. For the Castran Classic, it’ll be me running alongside five other rigs for a mere twenty laps. No one expects any clashes or bumps, just a nice clean show to give the circuit’s biggest VIPs a look at the competition. We don’t even have to leave Benroyal’s arena. King Charlie’s hosting it here.

Outside, while my crew adjusts my rig and the officials check their work, I flick through pit rosters and driver profiles and guest RSVPs on my flex. I double-check the guest list and suite numbers.

Abasi’s listed as a top-tier guest, along with just about every other significant Chamber or Assembly member. He’ll be to the left of Benroyal’s personal suite, sitting with James and Prime Minister Prejean. I’m surprised. Since Abasi’s shown no love for the circuit, or, for that matter, our prime minister, I can’t imagine why they’d want him so close. I look up into the stands, but it’s too far and there’s no way to see through the boxes’ mirrored glass.

“Hey.” I push the flex back into Bear’s hands. “I’ll be right back.”

He frowns. “Wait. We need to walk through strategy one more time. It’s almost go time, Phee. They’re going to let the feedcasters in here in less than fifteen minutes. We really should be—”

“I’m just . . .” I trail off. I hate lying to Bear, yet I find myself doing it more and more. “It’s nothing. Call it nerves. Gotta unzip and park it one last time before the race. I’ll be back in a minute, I promise.”

The boy I used to know would step aside. He’d shrug like my exit was nothing. Instead, Bear crosses his arms and stares me down. Because he knows. Better than anyone, Bear can spot my little tics and tells. I’m a map he memorized a long time ago. I turn away so he can’t look at me anymore.

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