Full Throttle

by LaShawn Vasser

  Cyrus stepped away from the group. “Watch it, Asher.” His tone changed. It had hardened and was laced with unchecked bits of anger that caught everyone’s attention. “Don’t forget who you’re talking to and about.”

  Asher took two steps back and away from Cyrus. He placed his hands palms up in the air as if surrendering. “My bad. Calm down. Can’t take a joke?”

  “Not when it comes to my daughter.”

  “You’re a little too serious this morning, old man.”

  This old man will whoop your ass and stomp you to hell. Cyrus needed to keep his cool. The team was watching, but if Asher stepped out of line and disrespected Colby one more time, he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. Cyrus put his hands in the pockets of his coveralls to make sure he didn’t reflexively choke the shit out of Asher. “You fellas were supposed to be here a few hours ago.”

  “Is that right?” Asher asked with a cocky grin.

  “Yeah. That’s right!” Cyrus yelled.

  The garage suddenly quieted down.

  “I was busy.” Ever so nonchalant, Asher shrugged. “But the way I figure it, you are lucky I’m here at all.”

  Colby squeezed the wrench she held in her hands and shook her head in disgust. He was such a little dick.

  Liam had stepped out of the office to take a private call and saw the entire exchange unfold. Before he knew it, he’d walked down the stairs and toward the group. “Is there a problem here?”

  Liam towered over Asher. Colby didn’t realize he was so tall.

  It was the first time she’d seen him in a pair of jeans and damn. They fit just right. The contrast between Asher and Liam was stark. Liam stood a good three to four inches over him. She thought Asher had a nice frame, but Liam was lean and muscular, not overly so, as she studied his arms. His white button-up was rolled just underneath his elbows.

  Wow. Her mouth went dry. Colby immediately closed it and glanced around to see if anyone had seen it drop.

  Everyone in the garage turned at the sound of his voice. It was cool, calm, and river deep. “We’ve never met. I’m Liam Lockwood.” Liam looked past Asher over toward Colby. She felt his pointed gaze all the way down to the bottom of her feet.

  Asher stood to his full height. “You’re right. We haven’t met. I’m Asher McKay.” He said it as if just the sound of his name meant something.

  “Ahh. The Asher McKay?” Liam asked.

  Asher’s smile widened as if his point was made. Then he extended his hand.

  “Right. Brian’s been waiting for you.” Liam gripped his hand hard to the point that Asher winced. Liam pulled him close. He leaned in so that only Asher could hear his words. “Let me be perfectly clear. I don’t care who you are.” He smiled as if saying something wonderful. “We won’t tolerate your bullshit.”

  Pissed, Asher stepped back, but he knew better than to say a word.

  Liam released his hand. Again, his smile didn’t give anything away. “Let’s head up to Brian’s office. I know he really wants an opportunity to speak with you.”

  Brian had been wondering what was taking Liam so long when he came out of his office. As he stood on the top of the landing, Brian had a bird’s eye view and could see everyone standing around. He could tell by his brother’s stance, and the look on his face, a look most people mistook for nonchalance, that there was a problem.

  Something was up. Brian jogged down the stairs and walked over toward the small group. “Is there a problem?”

  “Nah. No problem. We were just about to head up to your office,” Liam answered.

  “We?” Brian asked.

  Liam played it cool. “Have you met your star driver? Asher McKay, this is your new boss, Brian Lockwood.”

  Brian took his cues from Liam and went with it. “Ah! Asher.” He extended his hand. “We missed you at the party last night. I hope your emergency was nothing too serious,” Brian said it as if he didn’t believe for one second that there was an actual emergency.

  Colby stood back and watched all the man bonding. It made her sick. She rolled her eyes. What could she have possibly been thinking? The good old boys’ club was alive and in full effect. It was embedded in the DNA of white privilege. They couldn’t seem to help themselves.

  Asher shook Brian’s hand. “Uh. Yeah. Everything is cool.” Asher didn’t quite know what to make of Brian or Liam.

  “Glad to hear it. I had hoped to talk with you before my purchase but happy to still have the opportunity.” Brian then addressed everyone in the room. “We’re going to let you all get back to work.”

  The show was officially over. Liam, Brian, and Asher started walking upstairs toward the meeting room. As they walked inside, they passed Markos. “Hey, can you ask the other drivers to come up in about twenty minutes?” Brian asked.

  Markos nodded. “Will do.”

  Brian kept up the act as he continued to address Asher with a wide-tooth, sugary grin. “Please. Have a seat. I know things are kind of a mess, but I hope to have the new furniture delivered by the end of the week.”

  Asher sat down at the long conference table. “While you’re cleaning, you need to get rid of that comedy of a crew out there.”

  Brian raised a brow and asked, as if genuinely interested, “Really? I’ve only heard good things about them.”

  Asher snorted. “I bet you haven’t heard that they win races.”

  “Didn’t Daughtry qualify top five in a couple of races?” Brian didn’t wait for Asher to respond. “It doesn’t matter. I plan to change all of that.” Brian took a seat opposite Asher. He didn’t like Asher one bit, but he didn’t need to like him. He just needed him to win. “Let me cut to the chase. You’re contracted with Daughtry, and now, Lockwood for one more race. What can we do to change that?”

  Asher sat up in his chair and stared the brothers down. “Are you serious about winning?”

  “I’m investing millions of my fortune to make it happen. So, yeah. I’d say I’m pretty damn serious.”

  “Lots of people have money. It’s going to take a lot more than that.”

  “Ok. School me. Like what?” Brian asked.

  Asher wanted to confirm the new owners were serious. “You really want to win?”

  “I just said that I do.”

  Asher stared hard into Brian’s eyes. “Then get rid of that nigger who calls himself a crew chief and his employees.”

  His words were jarring. It hit Brian right in the chest, and an image of Lila came into view. Brian clenched his fist and was about to hand Asher his ass, but Liam responded first.

  “The word on the street is that Cyrus Jones is one of the best.”

  “You know damn well that those people are good at running and jumping. But driving? It requires too much thinking. They are not capable of that at a high level. Nobody is going to take you seriously until you get rid of them. Not only will they not take you seriously, they are going to put up roadblocks at every turn.”

  Liam leaned back in his chair. “Is that so?”

  “The bottom line is I ain’t driving for no more niggers or nigger lovers. You want me to stay with Lockwood racing? Get rid of the tar baby crew.”

  Asher sat back and linked his hands behind his head. He spoke as if he held all the cards.

  Brian stood. “Let me tell you what you can do—” He was ready to tell Asher to take his racist ass right to hell when the door opened. Markos peeked inside. “You requested to see the other drivers?”

  “What?” Brian was seething with rage. He’d completely forgotten as Jordan and Chris walked into the room.

  Liam sat back, calmly watching Asher. “Brian, didn’t you say you wanted to make some changes in the driver lineup anyway?”

  Asher’s grin slipped. Liam could see the what the hell are you talking about look appear on his face.

  Brian wasn’t following.

  “All of your drivers are not here. Maybe you should make the announcement once everyone arrives.”

  Baffled g
lances were shared around the room, but it was Jordan who voiced what they were all thinking. “Everyone is here.”

  Brian lifted a corner of his lips into a devilish grin. “Oh, you mean our newest driver?”

  Liam nodded. “Yes. No reason to have to repeat yourself.”

  Asher dropped his hands. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  Brian ignored him. “You’re right.” He smirked as he walked away from the conference table and out onto the landing.

  Impatiently, Brian called out, “Colby James, where are you? I requested a meeting with all Lockwood drivers.”

  Asher shot up out of his chair. His face reddened. “Colby James is not a Daughtry driver!”

  Liam was taking great pleasure in Asher’s apoplectic reaction. “No. She’s not a Daughtry driver. According to my brother, she is most definitely a Lockwood driver.”

  Colby hadn’t moved a muscle. She was sure she had not heard Brian correctly. “What?”

  Brian held back a grin. “You! I asked to see all of my drivers. That includes you.”

  The entire room went silent. The wrench she’d been holding slipped from her fingertips onto the floor. She was shocked out of her mind. She pointed to herself. “Me?”

  Brian kept a cool face. “I think you’re the only Colby James here.”

  Asher stomped out of the conference room, yelling, “This is some bullshit! Are you kidding me? There is no way you can put Colby James on this driving team!”

  Ben looked up at the men standing on the landing. “Why not?”

  “It’s obvious why,” Asher said.

  “It’s not obvious to me. It is my team, right?” Brian feigned ignorance.

  “She’s a nig—”

  Liam slapped his hand down hard on the table. The sound reverberated from the conference room throughout the garage. “Say it one more time, and I’ll snatch your tongue out of your mouth and shove it down your fuckin’ throat.”

  Asher finally seemed to realize he wasn’t talking to allies. He threw up his hands in frustration and decided to take another tact. “She’s a woman for God’s sake!”

  Colby’s eyes blazed as she moved from the back of the room toward the front. “You’re right! I am black and a woman, but I am also a bomb ass driver! One of the best you’ve ever met.”

  Asher ignored her. “I am not. I repeat. I am not driving on a team with her. I don’t care how many races I have left on my contract.”

  “If you breach your contract, we’ll keep you in court for the rest of your life. You won’t be able to drive a bus across the street,” Liam warned.

  “What? Afraid that someone you consider inferior is a better driver!?” Colby shouted.

  “You? Please. Not in a million years. I could beat you blindfolded driving a go-cart!” Asher spat out.

  “Put it to the test,” Brian challenged. “You and Colby on the track. In fact, let’s broaden it to include Jordan and Chris. I’ll even throw in a sweet incentive. Finish first and win the coveted spot of lead driver for Lockwood.”

  Pissed, Asher placed his hands on his hips. “You’ve got to be kidding?”

  Jordan was excited about the chance to take on the Golden Boy of NASCAR. “I have no problem with that, but there are four drivers and only three cars. The math doesn’t work.”

  “My ankle is busted. I sprained it the other day.” Chris hadn’t been limping. He turned to Colby with a small wink. “Damn. It really hurts too.”

  “Colby, you’ve got Chris’s car,” Cyrus said.

  Asher shook his head. “This outfit is really the fuckin’ Sesame Street of teams. Do any of you actually think you can hold a candle to me?”

  “Is that what you really think?” Jordan frowned. “No offense, but I’m a damn good driver, and so is Chris. You wouldn’t have earned as many points in those two races without our help. I, for one, would like a chance to prove that we can do more than just block for you.”

  Asher continued to shake his head no. “Nope. Not doing it.”

  “Let me sweeten the pot even more. You win, I let you out of your contract immediately. You lose, we’ve got you for half the season?”

  Chris cajoled him. “It’s just us, bro. No cameras. Just a chance to prove who’s the better driver. If you really think you’re the best, this will be like taking candy from a baby.” Chris said it with a straight face, knowing Asher would take the bait. “It’ll give you a chance to set everybody straight and finally be done with Daughtry for good.” Chris knew Colby was talented and could beat Asher because he’d been on the track with her. “Put this puppy to bed and be done with it.”

  “I shouldn’t have to prove why NASCAR wants to make me the face of the league or why ESPN wants to interview me and not you clowns.” Asher sighed. “I don’t want to embarrass you, Jordan, but fine. Let’s do it.” He stressed Jordan’s name and wholly ignored Colby. “I want out!” He stormed off to the locker room to get changed.

  “Asher McKay is a piece a shit and needs to be brought down to pavement level. It’s going to take a woman to do it,” Colby said.

  “Yo . . . we haven’t had an opportunity to upgrade all of the engines. He’ll get the one we built for his car. You and Jordan will be at a disadvantage,” Gonzo cautioned.

  “I don’t need it. I know how to drive and adjust to the car.” There wasn’t a word invented to describe how disrespected Colby felt. “Just gas me up.” Her instincts were to storm off just like Asher, but she didn’t get the luxury of being angry. Instead, she calmly walked off in the opposite direction. The mere fact that she had to dress in the bathroom instead of the locker-room added even more fuel to her fire.

  Cyrus, who had missed all the fireworks, walked back into the garage at the same time that Colby was leaving to get changed. She had a look on her face that he knew all too well. Cyrus didn’t get a chance to speak with her because she was focused. He posed his question to the group. “What’s going on?”

  “It looks like we’re about to race,” Ben informed him. “I’ll fill you in while we get the cars ready.”

  Cyrus nodded.

  Brian and Liam exchanged glances as they looked down onto the floor. Brian murmured so only Liam could hear him. “This should be interesting.”

  Liam was impressed with Colby. She was all fire, but it was a controlled rage unlike he’d ever seen. It was right there in her eyes and by the set of her shoulders as she walked away. He couldn’t help but wonder if that same energy translated to all areas of her life.

  Don’t go there, Liam chastised himself. It was bad enough he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Liam had to remind himself to see Colby simply as a driver, no different than the others.

  Liam complimented Brian. “Great move using Asher’s emotions against him. You know if he loses that he won’t hold up his end.”

  Brian nodded. “I know. Asher’s a complete dick. I was ready to fire him on the spot. Then I thought, what would Liam do?”

  Liam was humbled that Brian respected him enough to feel that way.

  As they walked back into Brian’s office, he asked, “Think Colby can win?”

  Liam wasn’t sure, but he hoped so. “We’ll find out in a little bit.”

  “I want her to bury his ass.”

  Liam did too.

  Chapter 13

  Three cars were at the lineup, each having had the opportunity to warm up the tires and were now waiting for the flag to drop.

  Cyrus came through the headphones. “Listen up! This is for all the marbles. You want to be Lockwood’s number one, prove it. Ten laps. Fastest time wins. Where you finish will determine your place.”

  Engines revved.

  Asher glanced over into Colby’s car. She was focused. All she saw was the track and a chance to prove herself.

  “Conditions are not ideal. Winds blowing from the SW at ten mph,” Ben said into their headsets.

  Colby squeezed the wheel of Chris’s car. She remembered her father saying the clutch would
stick at around sixty mph. Asher was going to beat her out of the gate, but he had no idea how to handle curves two and three. That’s where she would adjust and take him.

  The go flag was flying high as it blew in the wind.

  Colby inhaled, then slowly released the air from her lungs as she waited.

  Finally, as if in slow motion, the flag dropped.

  Asher shot out like a bullet, followed by Jordan and then Colby.

  He was ahead by at least three-tenths of a second. As expected, the clutch began to stick as soon as she hit sixty. Colby downshifted to fourth, which loosened the clutch, then quickly shifted into fifth as she gunned it. Her car gave her the speed she needed.

  Asher took curve two just as Colby expected. Jordan didn’t even round it as well as Asher. He lost speed in the process. Still, they were ahead.

  Asher took curve three better than Colby thought he would.

  She took curves two and three better than both Asher and Jordan.

  Liam watched intently from the booth with his arms folded across his chest.

  “Lap one is in the books,” Cyrus said. Colby came in third.

  The race appeared to be the same going into laps four and five, with Colby coming in third in all of them.

  “Looks like I might have to rip up Asher’s contract,” Brian whispered to Liam, sounding somewhat disappointed.

  Ben heard Brian and muted his headset before responding. “Asher has the better car, but Colby hasn’t made her move yet.”

  Cyrus was pretty damned proud of Colby’s skills. He’d never seen her in full-on competition mode before. He muted his mic too. “If she’s learned anything from her old man, she’ll be doing that soon. My guess is she’ll make it in the next lap right around curve two.”

  Cyrus unmuted his mic. “Lap six is in the books,” Cyrus said.

  Asher was still in the lead.

  Jordan sensed something was coming. He began to zigzag in a way to prevent Colby from pulling alongside his car. Just as they entered curve two, she outmaneuvered him and skillfully came up right next to his car, then sped around Jordan and overtook him. She was now in the number two position.