Page 138 of The Champion
“Van’s going to look into it but he definitely doesn’twork for A-Tech. I called them and they’d never heard of him.”
“Jesus,” I panicked. “I let Axel answer the door thinkingit was you!”
He nodded. “We do need to be more careful. Axel isgetting a following now and whether we like it or not, he’s a target. Ifsomeone doesn’t like me as a driver, well they might take it out on him.”
I knew that already. We experienced that when Axel racedin the Western District Qualifier in March. When Axel outran his kid on thetrack, the kid’s dad took his frustrations by screaming at Axel about Jamesonand his temper. It was something all of our kids would be facing having JamesonRiley as their father.
My mood for sex was ruined with the thought that mylittle spaz children were in danger.
Jameson sighed, the guarded expression returned andkissed my forehead before pulling back to look at me. “He was looking for you.”
“Why though.”
“We don’t know yet but Van caught onto it when he onlysaid goodbye toyou.”
“Yeah...I nevertold him my name.”
“That’s not why.” Jameson blinked slowly. “Just like ourkids, you’re a target as well. You’re very attractive and in the public eye.They see you and they see...opportunity.”
He didn’t need to say anymore, I knew what he wasinsinuating. This wasn’t the first time I’d been cornered by men even afterDarrin. There had been a handful of various men over the years who had come onto me or saw that I was Jameson’s wife and tried their luck. I don’t know whatit was but when men found out I was married to Jameson, they tested their luck.Maybe it was some kind of bragging rights if I paid interest to them, I don’tknow but it was all part of this lifestyle we had. Paying no mind, I ignoredthem and the fact that it was even happening for the simple reason that itdidn’t bother me. I knew from the very beginning when I committed myself toJameson and his career choice this was a possibility. To have him, I’d endureanything.
Yellow Line – Jameson
“What’s the air pressure in the right rear?” I askedTommy handing him the gauge.
“Jameson, can my son get your autograph?”
Keep your cool.I told myself. I had to say this alot this morning. All I wanted to do was help get my son’s car ready to go, butthe fans here had another idea when they saw me in the pits this morning. Isigned autographs, took pictures, talked to reporters...I had done everything this morning but what I came for whichwas to see family and to see my son race.
The right rear of Axel’s car kept losing psi as it sat onthe grid so Tommy changed it out while I signed yet another autograph.
“Daddy?” Axel called out as the horn sounded for the kidsto report to their cars. “Can you push me off?” Tommy usually pushed him off onthe starts and re-starts if needed but when I was around, I made sure I was theone to do this for him. Another fan approached us and I shook my head. “I’msorry, not right now. My son is about to start his main event. Catch me after themain and I’ll sign anything you want.”
The woman who had approached us simply smiled and walkedaway.
“Of course I will buddy.” I knelt beside Axel’s car as headjusted all his straps and pulled his helmet on. “Now remember, stay focused.One car at a time,”
They inverted the field again, since Axel had transferredup through the mains, he was starting fourth. “I will be talking to you throughthe radio in your ear. I’m just going to tell you when a caution comes out andwhen it’s green again, okay?”
He nodded; the fear in his eyes evident. “Do you getnervous?” he asked.
I had to think for a moment because no, I didn’t reallyget nervous anymore. There are times when I would say I’m anxious to race, butnervous, no. But I knew the feeling and I remembered from when I was his ageand even older during the time I traveled around. Sure I was nervous back then.
“When I was your age...yes,”I finally told him when I saw Lily skipping over. “But you know what my dadtold me?”
“What?” I saw what Sway was referring to when she told meAxel hung on my every word. Here he was, holding on to any piece of advice Icould offer him in this moment.
“Take one lap at a time, one car at a time.”
Axel smiled up at me and then looked at Lily. His brightgreen eyes sparkled as she sported a t-shirt that said: Axel Riley’s fan club.She then spun around to show him that back that had his number and underneathit said number one fan.
“Are you good buddy?” I finally asked after chuckling atLily’s enthusiasm.
“Yeah, I’m good daddy.” He smiled at me and then Lilyagain.
I made my way to the infield standing to the otherfathers, all of them giving me the look that said “We know who you are,” andalso telling me, “That’s why your kid places so well. Money and his daddy.”
That had absolutely nothing to do with it. Yeah, if Axeldestroyed a car, he had another one the next night or week, but that hadnothing to do with his talent in the sport. I don’t care how good yourequipment is or how many sponsors you have funding you. In the end, this sportcomes down to talent and patience. Some may not believe that but I do.
