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  After clearing my throat nervously, I return the handshake firmly. “Yes, sir. Pleased to meet you.”

  Hooters girl is looking just as nervous as me in the corner of the room. Twiddling strands of her bleached blonde hair between her fingers, she waits to be introduced. “Er, hi…” She bravely interjects the moment. Remind me to thank her later.

  “Penny, come here, I want you to meet my beautiful daughter.” Mr Lawrence holds out his hand as he beckons to the girl. “Harper, this is Penny, my girlfriend. Penny, meet Harper. Didn’t I tell you she was beautiful?”

  Penny almost throws herself onto the bed beside Harper as she rushes to hug her. Once the introductions are safely out of the way, I feel it’s time I made my excuses and left. I know Harper doesn’t spend any time with her father, not now he lives overseas, and I want to respect her need to be around her family.

  “Harper, I have to get going. Jacob will be back soon. Should I stop by tomorrow again?” I wouldn’t normally ask her permission to visit. I’d just show up, usually, but it feels right, as her father is boring holes into my skull right now.

  “Please.” She smiles as she speaks, her eyes full and round as they sparkle. Her hand grips mine tightly as I stand to leave, pulling me towards her for a quick kiss. I manage to divert her slightly and kiss her forehead. It feels more appropriate in front of her family.

  “Flynn, may I speak to you outside?” Oh shit, this is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. I wanted to slip away quietly and leave them to it. Guess that ain’t happening now.

  “Sure.” I shrug before squeezing my girl’s hand in reassurance, then follow her dad out into the corridor. He’s either going to warn me to stay away from his daughter or beat the shit outta me. He doesn’t look the violent type though, or so I’m praying.

  “Now, young man, no need to look so worried. I just wanted to say thank you for all the support you have shown my daughter. Her doctor is insistent that you have been instrumental in Harper’s recent recovery. I do hope that your visits will continue. The intention of my visit today wasn’t to scare you off. In fact, I’m hoping for quite the opposite.” The silence stretches between us and I realise that I’m supposed to speak now, as he stands before me with his eyebrows raised in question.

  “Sir, I like visiting Harper, and if you’re happy, then sure, I’d love to carry on seeing her.”

  “Flynn, I also want you to know that I’ve had a security check run on you. I know everything there is to know about you.” I’m sure the gulping sound I just heard couldn’t possibly be from me. “Don’t look so surprised. You don’t think I’d let someone get so close to my daughter without having them checked out, do you? That’s my little girl in there, and maybe one day you’ll understand the enormity of that. I’m trusting that once you get that tag removed, your criminal activity will be staying safely in the past?”

  I’d normally be pissed at anyone who questioned my past, let alone run a security check on me, but because it’s Harper’s dad and I have this inane need for him to like me, I decide to be mature and truthful about it. “Yes, sir, it’s very much in my past. I nearly lost my brother. I won’t let that happen again.”

  “I was hoping that would be your answer. I don’t tolerate nonsense. Good man. Now, I’ll be around for the next month, tying up a few business deals and personal matters. I expect we’ll be seeing much more of each other.”

  I take that as an order rather than a question. Not that I have any intention of staying away from Harper; it wouldn’t matter if I did. I can’t stay away. Seeing her well again is important to me. Who am I trying to kid? It’s Harper who’s important to me. She’s fast becoming my number one priority.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Flynn

  Michael, Harper’s dad, has been back for four days, and there’s no sign of him leaving anytime soon. I can’t quite weigh up if he likes me or not. I think he’s reserving judgement until I screw up, which I have no intention of doing. I’m not going to give him or anyone else the satisfaction of saying, ‘I told you so.’ Each day that I visit Harper, he watches me like a hawk before making some excuse for him and his Hooters-style girlfriend to head out and leave us alone for a while. I’m trying to make the best of the situation, but I selfishly wish he weren’t around. Then I’d have Harper all to myself again.

  When I arrived today, Penny has given Harper a mini makeover. Yeah…perhaps not her finest hour, to say the least. My girl has been scrubbed, tweaked and polished to within an inch of her life. The look she gives me when I walk in is one of horror mixed with exhaustion. It takes a lot of self-control for me to not laugh out loud, but I can’t hold it in when Harper bursts out giggling the minute her father and his showgirl leave us alone.

  “What the Hell…” I stare at her, not knowing whether to hand her a face cloth or hairbrush first. “You know, you could have told her to stop. Your voice works fine. I’ve heard it plenty of times.” I have her chin gripped gently while I wipe away the bright red lips that are calling to me like a beacon.

  “I really wish you would try a little bit more for me.” She’s snuggling into my side now that I’ve taken up my usual position on the bed next to her. I remember the first time I sat with her like this. It felt awkward and a little wrong, but now it feels like the most natural place in the world for me to be. “Don’t you want to get better?”

  Harper nods slowly. “It’s hard.”

  “I know, beautiful, but I’ll be with you all the way. I’ll help you, whatever you need, I’ll be there by your side. If you want me to be?” I hadn’t given thought to the idea that she may not want me around when she’s well much thought. I’d pushed it to the back of my mind because what I really wanted was to be a part of her future. If she doesn’t want that too, I’m not sure how I’ll deal with it. As Harper tucks herself tighter into the side of my body, I want to wrap myself around her and protect her from whatever it is that’s stopping her from trying.

  The door swings open and in breeze Michael and Penny, back too soon for my liking. “Don’t jump up on my account, Flynn.” He grins at the pair of us almost entwined on Harper’s bed as they take a seat beside us. “I was thinking about heading down to the track this afternoon, Flynn. I wondered if you might like to tag along, see where Harper used to spend all of spare time before…” His words trail off. Her accident is obviously still difficult for her family to talk about. “I thought it might help you to understand my daughter a little better, give you an insight into her world. I have a little business to talk over with Phil, Harper’s mentor, but I can show you around. We could probably organise a spin on the track with one of the drivers if you like?”

  I can feel how tense Harper has become by my side. “If you don’t want me to leave yet, I won’t.”

  “Harper, darling, I was merely trying to repay some of the kindness that Flynn has shown you. I’m not trying to keep him away from you. Believe it or not, I actually quite like your friend. What do you say, baby girl? Can we steal him away from you a little while, show him around the track? I promise I’ll return him in one piece.”

  She smiles sweetly at her father before patting me on the thigh and giving me a gentle nudge off the bed, indicating I should go have fun. “Its okay, go.”

  Her father and Penny say their goodbyes and make to leave the room. “We’ll just be outside.” He winks at me as he closes the door behind them.

  After scooting off the bed, I bend to kiss her forehead as usual. “I have group therapy tomorrow, but I’ll pop in afterwards, see how you’re doing.” As if I could stay away now. Watching her smile broadly up at me is encouragement enough. “It’s a date, then. I may even bring food, now you don’t have that tube in anymore.” I think her smile just got bigger, if that’s at all possible. “I’m guessing you like the sound of a date?”

  “Yes, I do!” She’s giggling as she blushes.

  “Well, I’ll make you a deal. Once you’re better—walking around and stuff, I mean—I wi
ll take you out on a proper date. Wherever you want to go, just name it. But I want to see you walking and talking first. Do we have a deal?” My eyebrows are raised quizzically, waiting for her response. I know I’m not supposed to push her to do things, but where’s the harm in a little encouragement along the way? It’s not like I don’t want to take her out anyway. “Remember, I’m not asking you to do it alone. I’m right here, beautiful.”

  “Okay, deal.”

  I hold my hand out for her to shake, grinning at her like an idiot as I do. “It doesn’t count unless we shake on it.” She raises her hand and firmly shakes mine. If I’m not mistaken, that’s sheer determination I can see in her eyes. I’m taken off guard as she sharply pulls on my hand, causing me to tumble forward, off balance. Rescuing myself just before I collapse on top of her, my hands are braced either side of her body, leaving inches between us. I can feel her breath as she slowly breathes out.

  “Cinema,” she almost whispers. “I like movies.”

  “Dinner and a movie it is, then, but I want to see walking first.” I reward her with a wink. “I better go, your dad’s waiting.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Flynn

  It’s a forty-minute ride to the track where Harper used to race. The whole time we’ve been in the car, there hasn’t been a minute of silence. I’ve been grilled about my family situation, my offences and my sentence, mostly by Penny, but Michael joined in when he felt I needed rescuing from the incessant drilling.

  “We thought the selective mutism wouldn’t ever be resolved with Harper. We have a lot to thank you for, Flynn. If she never walks again, at least we know she can communicate with us now. It really has been a blessing.” Smiling at me through the rear-view mirror, he offers me further reassurance. “Do you know anything about her accident?”

  “Only bits the nurse told me. It must have been hard for you to deal with at the time.”

  “We thought she wouldn’t come out of the wreckage alive, so every day has been a bonus. We’re still at a loss as to why the accident happened. Tests showed no faults on the car. The conditions were good that day, the track wasn’t wet or greasy, so there is no explanation for her losing control and hitting the barrier. She’s one of the best drivers Phil’s ever seen. I know the whole crew have all blamed themselves for Harper’s accident at one time or another.”

  “Accidents happen. You can’t always explain them.” Penny offers her words of wisdom to the conversation. Patting her boyfriend’s thigh—well, I say thigh, but it’s a little higher than that, if I’m honest. Michael covers her hand discreetly with his and moves it further over, covering his crotch. Penny lets out a little giggle, and I think I’ve just thrown up a little in my mouth. He must be twenty years older than her at least.

  Thankfully, before they have chance to get any more intimate, Michael slows and pulls the car off the main road and down an unmade track. I can see the gates to the track just ahead.

  “I’ll introduce you to Phil, show you around, then we’ll see about getting you a spin on the track. Do you drive, Flynn?” Michael questions.

  “Not legally, nope, but I do know how.” I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but what teenager hasn’t driven a car illegally?

  “Well, I think we’ll get Phil to take you around the track. I did promise my daughter I’d return you to her undamaged.” He chuckles.

  Even from inside the car, the noise from the track is deafening. The vibrations run bone deep as the cars thunder around on the slick grey surface. I don’t need to see them to know they are there.

  “It’s not a race day, they’re just running a few test laps, ready for the next meet. You should hear it then. This is quiet, believe me!” Michael speaks over the noise. “C’mon, let’s go track side.”

  Leaving the car parked, Michael steers us around the grey tin building, moving in the direction of the noise. I swear my eardrums are vibrating with the sheer intensity as the excitement builds inside me. This is like a boyhood dream, to be close enough to smell the engine oil and grease. Watching on the television just doesn’t do the sport justice. Rounding the corner of the last building, we’re greeted by a short young man, probably only a couple years older than I am. He wipes the grime from his hand before offering it to Michael to shake.

  “Mr Lawrence! Long time, no see. How’s that beautiful daughter of yours?” The young mechanic shakes Michael’s hand vehemently.

  “Thanks to this young man, she’s doing much better. We’re seeing great improvements.” Turning his attention towards me, Michael gestures in my direction. “Stuart, this is Flynn, Harper’s friend.” Stuart smiles widely as he thrusts his hand in my direction before turning his attention to the blonde standing beside me. Frankly, I’m surprised it took him so long. Penny isn’t really dressed for an afternoon walking around a racetrack. We’ve already had to rescue her once when her heel got caught in one of the floor grates.

  “You must be Penny. I’ve heard a lot about you!” Stuart’s eyes run the full length of the girl before returning back to her face. Nice.

  Michael’s abrupt cough brings a flush of colour to the young guy’s cheeks. “You’ve just missed Phil. I told him you were on your way, but he said he had errands to run. The usual clan is here though.” Harper’s dad doesn’t look impressed that his main man has apparently done a runner on him. It makes me instantly suspicious. I’m pretty sure that if your boss and biggest sponsor says he’s on his way to talk to you, you’d stick around and talk to the guy. Maybe that’s just me though, and what do I know?

  Stuart notices my eyes darting around the pit. I’m itching to get in there. Like a child on Christmas morning, my eyes are round like saucers. The walls are lined with tyres, tools and crap that I can’t even identify, but I know I want to go pick things up, feel the weight in my hands. I think Stuart realises just how intrigued I am by all the shiny things. “C’mon, Flynn, I’ll show you around while Mike gets to grips with the business.” He’s on the move before I know it, heading to the back of the garage. “You like racing? I can get one of the drivers to take you for a spin. Just give me a second to find someone.”

  I’m left standing in the middle of the garage, surrounded by my boyhood dream. The sleek red car is sitting to the right of the room, almost tucked away from view. I’m drawn to it like a magpie to anything shiny. My hand glides across the immaculate paintwork, drifting over the lettering as I make my way along the full length of the vehicle. The tyres are brand new and desperate for running in. The cockpit dials are all begging to have their needles hit the maximum marks.

  “That’s Harper’s, not the one she crashed. That’s brand spanking new, just waiting for her to come back to us. It’d be great to see her drive again, but…” Stuart rubs the back of his neck instead of finishing his sentence. It pisses me off that everyone has written my girl off without giving her a chance. They’ve seen just how much progress she’s made recently. Who says she won’t drive again? I know she could if she wanted to.

  “Greg won’t be long. He’ll run a few laps with you. Have you seen the photos?” He’s nodding towards the framed pictures that line the wall above the car. On closer inspection, I can see they’re of Harper. Some show her in the car, some are of her standing in the garage. God, she looks seriously hot in leathers. I’m drawn to the photo in the middle. Harper is surrounded by her teammates. I recognise Stuart to her right, and there is something familiar about the guy standing behind them, slightly to her left. He’s leaning in towards Harper with his head tipped forward. I can’t get a clear view of his face, but there’s something about him that sticks in my mind. I’m sure I know him from somewhere, but I just can’t place it.

  “You must be Flynn. Ready for a drive?” Greg’s standing in front of me when I spin on my heels, holding out a helmet in my direction.

  Pulling the helmet on and fastening the chin strap, I follow Greg out to the car where he shows me how to fit the harness before jumping in the driver’s seat. “I hope you
’re wearing your brown underwear. I don’t do sedate for anyone.”

  Seconds later, my head is forced back into the seat as the car surges towards the first bend in the track. All thoughts of how I know the guy in the photo with Harper are temporarily erased from my mind as the adrenalin courses through my veins.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Harper

  They’ve been gone for hours. I know Pops will be showing off to Flynn, after he’s grilled him about his intentions towards me. He’ll have someone do a few laps with him just to see what he’s made of. My father will judge just how strong of character Flynn is by how he reacts to the circuit, and how Flynn handles the circuit will be determined by who takes him ‘round it. If it’s Stuart or Greg, he’ll be just fine. In fact, I know he’ll love it. But if it’s him, then I can’t guarantee that Flynn will survive it, let alone garner any enjoyment from the experience. If he thinks that Flynn means anything to me, then he’ll destroy him on the track.

  Him. I can’t even bring myself to say his name anymore. My mind wanders back to the very beginning, the days when racing was my everything, my all. The days when I was happy to take all the advice he offered, all the encouragement and the praise. I can’t even remember when it turned…ugly. I looked up to and admired everything he stood for at the beginning. He was a very successful driver at the height of his career. People would pay good money for the experience of working with him. I got it for free, thanks to my father. He was and still is, to some extent, my father’s best friend. They’ve known each other since childhood, and my father trusts him with one of the most precious things in his life. Me. That’s one of the reasons why I can’t speak out about what’s happening to me. I can’t destroy everything my father’s ever worked towards. I can never do that to him.

  The door to my room glides open, and for a second I’m happy that Flynn’s back, but then my visitor speaks and my blood runs icy cold through my veins. It’s not Flynn.