“I guess that means we’re done playing around?” Jordan asked.
“Sounds like it.” Colby smiled.
Team Lockwood executed Cyrus’ instructions flawlessly, moving them into the twenty-first, twenty-fourth, and twenty-seventh position with Colby in the lead.
“Houff is coming on fast. He’s on your ass, Colby!” Cyrus exclaimed.
“I can’t catch him,” Chris replied.
“I got him.” Jordan maneuvered his car over into Houff’s lane, pushing Houff away from Colby. It made his car spin out of control. Houff’s and Jordan’s cars crashed into each other and spun off into the grassy center of the track, effectively ending Jordan’s ability to drive for the day.
“Jordan’s out.”
It was now up to Chris. He had one job—protect Colby at all costs since Asher was doing his own thing. “I always knew I’d have to take you to the dance.”
“My hero,” Colby said sarcastically.
“Got a pileup ahead. A big one,” Cyrus said.
Seconds later, Colby and Chris maneuvered around it.
The pace car came out onto the track, and drivers slowed.
“When the race resumes, Team Lockwood will be in the eleventh position,” Cyrus said, trying to contain his excitement.
“Where’s Asher and Lorene?” Colby would be excited after she’d handled her business.
“Stay focused, Ms. James. Your goal is to finish top ten,” Cyrus responded.
“I’ve been nothing but focused. What position?” Colby asked again.
“Asher’s out from the crash. Lorene is in fourth,” Ben answered.
Time to go on the attack. “The track has opened up for me, but what do you see, Mr. James?”
Cyrus quickly analyzed his data. “Matt DiBenedetto is your number ten. Car’s been topping out at 220.”
Finally, the track was cleared of accidents. The pace car turned off its lights, and the drivers began to line up in twos. The pace car exited, and the green flag dropped, signaling the resumption of the race. Colby had one goal—finish stage two in the top ten.
In this placement, she was racing against the best of the best—Bubba Wallace, Kurt Busch, and more, but at the moment, the only car that mattered was Lorene Greene. Before she could get to him, she had to make Matt a nonfactor and do it in the next two laps.
“Shit!” Chris shouted.
Smoke was coming out from underneath the hood. “Engine’s gone. Bring her in.” Ben responded as he looked at the dashboard, monitoring all of their cars. He muttered to Gonzo, “Damn.”
Colby was on her own.
She accelerated. The speedometer clocked in at 205 and was steadily climbing—210, 215. Colby was on Matt’s ass. He saw her and began to maneuver his car so that she couldn’t pass him.
He zigged-zagged.
Every time Colby went left or right, so did Matt. Nothing she did worked. “Shit! I can’t get around him!”
“There is a bend coming up. Edge him as you come around it. Your car is faster than his. That should give you the space to go ahead,” Cyrus instructed.
If the bastard weren’t going to get out of her way, Colby would push him out. Colby remained close then did exactly as Cyrus said. She edged Matt’s rear bumper as they entered the bend. Just as Cyrus predicted, their cars separated as they came out of the small curve, giving her the tiniest bit of space she needed to go around. And just like that, Colby moved into the tenth position.
She had made it all the way from the back of the pack to the front. Colby was flying. She was truly living out her dream! She finished the final two laps feeling confident but knowing the last stage was going to be hell.
There would be no Chris or Jordan to keep other drivers off of her. Colby was alone with just her skill as a driver, and it was going to be on full display.
Chapter 31
Stage three.
It was the final leg of the Atlanta Cup, and Colby was in the mix. For many folks, she had already made history, and that was enough, but not for her.
Colby felt the impact of being target number one almost immediately after completing the first lap. Other drivers figured she would be the easiest to move out of the way.
Her car was sideswiped hard, pushing her into another car. The other car then swerved hard, sandwiching her between them. Colby managed to keep control and not panic.
They thought she was caught.
Cyrus didn’t have to say anything. Not unlike other kids practicing their Kobe Bryant jump shot, Colby had done the same with racing. From her days of playing pole position as a child, and later in real life, she had practiced this maneuver for a moment just like this. Colby dropped the gear into fourth, then third. She slowed her car considerably, putting a sizeable distance between the drivers who thought they would be the ones to take her out. They weren’t able to slow their momentum fast enough. They ended up colliding into each other as she drove around them, moving Lucky #12 into seventh place.
Colby put every driver on notice that she was not there to play. They could come for her if they wanted to, but she had a few more tricks up her sleeve. Colby would be ready for each and every one of them.
For the next several laps, the race remained relatively steady, but as they entered the final ten laps, Colby realized whatever she was going to do . . . now was the time to do it. Lorene was two cars ahead, and she had to catch him. Even if she didn’t win the race, Colby had to beat him.
She had been driving closer to the apron–the paved portion of the racetrack that separates the
racing surface from the infield. Colby had the fastest car on the track, but moving closer toward the outside wall would give her the extra burst of speed she needed to get past Lorene. Colby was able to get by the other drivers and was right behind him.
She was drafting Lorene’s car. “I’m going to slingshot around him.”
Suddenly, Colby steered around the air draft left behind by the speed of Lorene’s car, breaking the vacuum, giving her another extra burst of speed.
Like a bullet, her car continued to pass everyone until she took the lead. However, Lorene wasn’t about to lose, not to Colby James.
Not only did he have experience, but he also had a few tricks up his sleeve too. And in a matter of seconds, it became a two-person race.
Lorene Green versus Colby James.
Cyrus was concerned Colby wouldn’t have enough fuel to finish the race. She was burning through it. “Colby your fuel’s low.”
“I see it.” Colby would run out of gas on the course before she didn’t pull out all the stops to win this damn thing. She also had a bit of unfinished business.
Two laps left.
Lorene and Colby were side by side, each edging the other, neither able to establish the lead. Suddenly, Colby experienced something that had never happened to her before. Everything started to move in slow motion. She wasn’t sure if the G-forces from the speed of the race were messing with her mind, but the course opened up.
She slowed her car, and it fell slightly behind Lorene. They were coming up the straightaway toward the checkered flag. This was it. She may never get this chance again. Colby could avenge her brother’s death by ramming into Lorene’s back bumper and sending him into the wall or win this damn thing but she couldn’t do both.
Rodney’s face flashed in front of her.
Team Lockwood held their breath as they watched the action unfold. “She’s slowing down.” Don’t do it. Cyrus was afraid she was going to take Lorene out.
He held his breath. Cyrus had no idea what Colby was going to do. He’d known this was a genuine possibility that she was going to weaponize her car. He knew it the moment he saw the look in her eyes at the restaurant.
It’s now or never. Colby thought.
She released a scream that came deep from within her soul.
*****
Liam’s heart was in his throat. He had no idea what Colby was going to do.
It all happened so fast
.
Colby swerved and dropped the pedal as low as it would go. In a split second, her car overtook Lorene Greene’s for the lead and the win. Most importantly, Colby passed on the opportunity for revenge.
Colby chose a future with him.
“Yes!” Markos, whose job it was to remain invisible, yelled out while pumping his fist three times in the air as he joined in celebration.
“She did it,” Brian said as he gripped Liam in a bro handshake.
Exhausted, like he’d been the one behind the wheel, Liam exhaled. “She did it.” He beamed with pride.
Markos allowed everyone to bask in the glory of Colby’s win for a few extra moments before he leaned over and spoke into Liam’s ear. “Mr. Lockwood, it’s time.”
Liam gave him a slight nod.
“Now?” Brian asked.
“Now.”
“I’ll be right back.” Brian turned to tell a bewildered Lila.
“Where are y’all going? We have to go meet Colby in the winner’s circle.”
“Brian.” Liam’s jaw was set. “I’ve got this. You and Lila go meet Colby. I’ll be along in a few minutes. I have some business to handle."
“Liam.” Brian touched his brother’s arm as he turned to leave. “This is on me. I should be the one to go.”
“This goes beyond what’s happening in this room. The Luccesses started this, but the Lockwoods are going to finish it.” There was an unspoken conversation happening between them. Against his better judgment, Brian relented. “Make sure you’re back to celebrate with your girl.”
Liam smiled. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Steadfast, and on a mission, Liam walked out of the room. He was flanked by several men Lila hadn’t noticed were even around. Something was up. She wasn’t stupid. “Where is he going?”
“He already told you. To handle some business,” Brian said casually as he lifted a shoulder.
Her eyes narrowed. “Right now? After Colby just won this thing? Nuh-uh. I don’t believe you. If whatever he is up to effects Colby, then you need to start explaining right now.”
Brian took Lila by the hand and pulled her out into the hallway. “The Luccesses have been behind a lot of shit when it comes to my family. You and I were just a pawn in a game that started long before us. Liam is going to end it.”
“Oh, my god.” Lila put her hand up to her throat. “The Luccesses? They are dangerous. How? How does he plan to do that? He could get hurt.”
“He could,” Brian said calmly. “But my guess is he’ll be fine.”
Chapter 32
Liam Lockwood was all business when he and his team took the short stroll over to Anthony Luccesse’s VIP suite.
Anthony’s security stood just outside the doors.
“I have an appointment with Anthony,” Liam said.
One of Anthony’s goons mean-mugged him after recognizing him from the restaurant. He grumbled, “One minute.” The man left his post and went inside, presumably to inform his boss. Seconds later, he reappeared. “You can come. Alone.”
“No problem,” Liam agreed, but Markos didn’t like it one bit.
Liam entered the large suite. The first thing he noticed was that there were very few people around. Anthony was seated but slowly got up. His face showed evidence of Liam’s wrath. The man’s nose was swollen, his eyes were blackened, and he hadn’t been able to get his front tooth replaced. Inwardly, Liam smiled. “I think it’s time for you to stop fuckin’ around with my family.”
“Your punk-ass brother sent you to do his dirty work? I should have known he wouldn’t have the balls to face me even with a win.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Brian entered the room, shocking both Anthony and Liam. “I don’t need anybody to handle my business. In a situation like this, what I need even less are bodyguards.”
Brian, Liam warned with his eyes. But Brian did not heed his brother’s words.
“You are not Liam, little Brian. I don’t need bodyguards to deal with you either.”
“Then call them off, and let’s do this. Man-to-man.”
Anthony grinned, exposing the gap between his teeth. Everything happened in slow motion. Anthony took a swing at Brian, but Brian moved just out of his reach and countered with a hard jab into Anthony’s stomach, driving his fist deep into Anthony’s gut.
Anthony doubled over, moving right into Brian’s uppercut, causing Anthony to drop to his knees and fall onto the floor.
Liam watched as his brother dealt with that monster, quite nicely too.
As he dished out three hard kicks to Anthony’s stomach, Brian spat out, “Don’t. Ever. Come. Near. My. Family!”
Anthony’s bodyguards moved in to stop the fight, but Liam couldn’t have that. He removed a gun from his inside his jacket. “Stand down.”
The men froze. Everyone was surprised Liam was packing heat, especially Brian.
Liam allowed the ass-kicking of the century to continue. He didn’t want Brian to kill the man, so eventually, he intervened, pulling Brian off of him.
“The bastard tried to ruin my life!” Brian was still enraged. He leaned over and spit on a badly beaten Anthony Luccesse, who writhed in pain.
The door to the suite opened, and the voice of a sultry woman floated to them as she walked inside with several other men. “Oh my. What a mess.”
Liam turned and grinned. “Perfect timing.”
She smiled in return. “If you’re finished, I would say so.”
“What are you standing around for?” Anthony yelled at his bodyguards. “Who the fuck is that?” Anthony looked up with a bloody face and swelling eyes. “Kill them!” he yelled.
“Oh, darling.” The woman released a throaty laugh. “How amusing.” She moved with the finesse of a large cat as she went to stand over him in her fitted designer dress and big Kentucky derby-like hat. She kneeled and lowered her large black glasses. “I am the woman who now owns every asset you’ve ever possessed, both legitimate and,” she paused, “those that are not. As a matter-of-fact, I even fuckin’ own you. So, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Gina Lee-Xiou.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Anthony asked.
“Shall I do the honors?” Liam asked.
“Please,” Gina responded.
“Everything, and I mean everything, the Luccesses have ever touched is now in the hands of my friend, Gina Lee-Xiou.”
“Bullshit,” Anthony groaned. “I do business with people all over the world. They won’t stand for this.”
Gina took off a long black glove and walked over to the bar area. “Would anyone else like a glass of champagne, since we’re celebrating my good fortune? And all thanks to you, Liam.”
Brian was confused. He had no idea what was going on.
“Plan C,” Liam said to Brian. “Thank you, Gina, but I think we’ll pass on the champagne.”
She poured herself a glass. Her voice changed from smooth as butter to hard as ice. “Mr. Luccesse, you boast a gravitas that you do not possess. Your small-town operation is in no way a formidable opponent for me, and neither are your associates. Even your main supplier, Ezekiel Monmouth, could barely remember your name.”
Anthony stilled. How the hell did she know him? He started to take this situation more seriously.
“However, Ezekiel did provide a lot of useful information, like the name of your accountant. As a matter-of-fact, the account in the Caymans yielded more than I expected but less than it should have. Pity. Your mismanagement caused the loss of millions.” Gina took a sip of champagne. “Oooh. This is burned.” She placed the glass back down on the table and glanced over at Liam. Again, she spoke sweetly. “I can guarantee you that the champagne at my wedding next month won’t be.”
“I can’t wait to taste it and share in the celebration. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Brody is a lucky man.” Liam was taking great pleasure in watching the exchange between Gina and Anthony.
“He is.” Her lips curved up. �
��So is your Colby James.”
Liam wasn’t surprised that Gina knew about their relationship. The woman had eyes and ears everywhere.
“Speaking of, your beloved has just made us all so proud. I hope we see her at the wedding too. Now,” she clapped her hands together and began to shoo Liam away, “I can finish up here. You go and celebrate this incredible win.” Gina looked down at Anthony. “I can guarantee you will never have to deal with this nasty little issue again. And Colby and her family won’t have to deal with Asher or Lorene again, either. I made sure of it. I have a feeling you’ll find a certain leaked video that’s making its way around the press very interesting.”
Liam sauntered over and kissed Gina on the cheek. “Thank you. I owe you.”
“You owe me nothing but continued friendship. Now go. Go. Go. Go!”
As Liam and Brian turned to leave, Gina stopped them. “Wait.” She glared at one of Anthony’s bodyguards. “Give me your shirt.”
He didn’t mess around. Quickly, he removed his button-up. Gina tossed it over to Brian. “You might want to change. Your shirt has blood on it. I’ll dispose of it properly.”
Brian had no idea who the hell these people were other than he recognized the woman who had been at Liam’s poker game the night all this started, but if Liam trusted them this much, then so would he. Brian changed.
“Fantastic. Now, please, go and step over the mess outside the door. We’ll take care of that too.”
Liam and Brian left the suite, stepping over the bodyguards with bullet wounds in the center of their foreheads.
Liam’s team and Gina’s talked as if there weren’t two dead men lying on the floor. Brian mumbled under his breath, “We’re going to prison.”
“Nah, no cameras on this floor. Gina is not one to be played with. The woman knows how to dot her i’s and cross her t’s. I’d hate to ever get on her bad side.”
“From the looks of things, me too.” Brian turned to Liam as they left the area. “So, this Gina, who the hell is she exactly?”
Liam grinned. “A great poker player and friend.”
Chapter 33
Full Throttle Page 22
