Fast & Hard (The Fast 1)

Hell with it, I’m on a mission and I’m going to tell Lenox, too. I don’t know what time it is in London, but he won’t care.

Mallory: I got rid of him. You were right, total pussy.

Lennox: I’m glad you admit I’m always right.

Mallory: Definitely not what I said…

Lennox: Whatever. The only pussy I want to hear about now is yours.

Mallory: lolololololol

Lennox: See you soon, payback is a bitch.

Mallory: China’s days away yet. You’ll have to keep suffering, big boy.

Lennox: China? Have you not checked your email?

Mallory: Not much, I’m scheduled to be off. ??

Lennox: I don’t ‘lol’ but I am laughing now.

I pause in the middle of the sidewalk trying to decipher the cryptic message from Lennox but get elbowed and bumped for impeding the flow of human traffic. I pop my phone into my pocket but it rings before I can put it away. “Mom” flashes on the screen. Wow, that took all of ten minutes.

“Yes, mother?” I answer the phone and step to the side of a building to avoid being trampled.

“What have

you done?” She yells in my ear loud enough to hear her clearly over the taxi horns and cars idling past.

“I’m assuming David ran straight to you to tattle?”

“Your father is beside himself, Mallory!”

“Too bad for Dad it’s none of his business who I’m sleeping with.”

“Mallory! Don’t be so crass!” She whispers as if anyone else can hear me. Wouldn’t want to tarnish Mom’s image anymore, embarrassment to the family that I am.

“Gotta go, Mom.”

“Wait, Mallory, we can fix this!” She begs.

“Bye, Mom.”

I disconnect and throw my phone into my pocket. Merging back into the crowd, I power walk my way back to my old apartment. I need to check my work email and see what game Lennox is up to now, and then Aria and I are going out on the town. I’m a new woman and I’m done taking orders unless they’re the sexy variety from my bossy boss. The thought makes me smile and carries me the rest of the way home.

Ms. Mitchell,

I apologize for the urgency during your time off but a sponsor opportunity has arisen and the timing is exceptional given your location at present. Friday evening there is a charity gala in New York City sponsored by UG Petroleum. Mr. Gibbes’ presence has been requested and you will need to accompany him. Mr. Gibbes was uncharacteristically cooperative and is leaving London imminently. Whatever you are doing, Celeritas acknowledges your success to date and your confirmation of attendance will not go unrecognized by the Board.

Dress is black tie. Please see the attached details and coordinate your arrival with Mr. Gibbes.

Best,

Sandra Alix

Director of Marketing and Communications

Celeritas Racing