Bang the Blower (Country Roads 3)

“Two people knew about that feature,” Sam reminded him. “You and Hank.”

“Hank didn’t snip the wires on that car,” Frank said confidently. “And I’d cut my own arm off before I’d harm this little girl. And that’s not what I said in the first place. I said only one man could’ve done this. You and I both know that, Sam. If Hank were here, he’d tell you to get the hell off his property. That is, if he didn’t kill you first.”

“Frank!” Julie yelled.

“Little girl,” Frank began firmly, “there wasn’t a thing wrong with that car yesterday. Me and the boys went over it with a fine-tooth comb. We often check things out whenever Sam isn’t around.”

“And why would you do something like that?” Sam asked.

“Reckon after today, you can put two and two together,” Frank replied. “I don’t trust you.”

The men stood nose to nose. Duke couldn’t remember a time when Frank looked more furious.

“You got a right to your opinion, old man,” Sam said, obviously trying to get a reaction.

“Why you…” Frank went after him, and Duke stepped between them while some of the crew held them off one another.

“That’s enough!” Duke yelled, forcing the men to part ways. “This is madness. The two of you work on the same team.”

“Not anymore I don’t,” Sam said bitterly. Turning on Duke, he added, “You have a few choices to make. You know what I’m talking about. I’ll be back tomorrow when I cool off. You let me know what you decide.”

Frank narrowed his gaze. His eyes were full of questions, but he didn’t ask them. He was more concerned about Julie, and the sincerity was evident in the way he studied her.

Didn’t Duke know better than to doubt Frank? Hadn’t Frank proven throughout the years how much he loved Julie?

Debating on whether or not to address the bill of sale on the crazy mare, Duke finally decided against discussing it. He was afraid he’d choose a side without meaning to do so and effectively, choose the wrong one. Instead, he faced Julie and forced a smile. “Honey, I know you were scared.”

“Is that the best you can do?” she asked, her voice raised an octave higher. “I was terrified. Let your coveted life pass in front of your face and you’ll see why I don’t trust myself in any car right now.”

“The car didn’t let you down,” Frank told her. “Whoever got their hands on that wiring did the damage, Julie.” A beat later he added, “And as far as trusting yourself? You’re the best driver I’ve seen in a long time. If you drove out of that mess there, you can drive yourself out of anything. I always said you were sharp and gutsy, little girl. You confirmed that belief out there today.”

“I don’t care. I never want to see another race car again. I’m done. Do you hear me, Frank? I’m finished!”

“After coming out of this without a scratch? Julie, no one handles a car like that. You should’ve been in the wall or flipping metal. You’re where you need to be. Racing stock cars and taking names. No one will beat you. You were one of the finest in drag racing. Come on over to stock cars. Let’s make women out of those boys who think they’ve got a right and claim to the winner’s circle.”

“Is that all you can say to me, Duke Hinman? I almost died out there!”

“When?” Frank asked. “I didn’t see nothin’ but good driving out there. I agree with Duke and myself—course that’s a given—even when you were in trouble, I had confidence you’d pull out of it and hold it together.”

“You did not,” Julie said, her voice finally back at a normal pitch. “I heard you tell someone I was going into shock.”

“What’s an old man know anyhow?” Frank asked, giving her a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead.

When Frank released her, Duke quickly snatched her hand. “Come on, Julie. I want to talk to you privately.”

“I guess we’ll see you later, Frank,” Duke said, keeping his distance. He then addressed the others. “Get the car back in the shop. Fix those brakes and make sure we have several mechanics present whenever you’re working. And I want two men watching every vehicle here, and I want that done around the clock. Am I understood?”

Positive responses resounded.

“I’m not driving again,” Julie stated firmly.

“We’ll see about that,” Duke said, dragging her along behind him. He ignored her protests until they reached the house.

As soon as they were inside and the door slammed behind them, she said, “You hurt Frank’s feelings, and seeing him upset doesn’t sit well with me.”

“I don’t give a damn,” he bit out, pacing the foyer.

“What is wrong with you?”