Page 176 of Bend

“No.”

One word, calm enough to make my blood run cold.

Around me, the paddock keeps moving like nothing has happened. Engines fire in other bays, people shout over one another, somebody laughs somewhere behind us.

I barely hear any of it.

Andre leans toward the radio. “Then keep bleeding speed and use every inch of road you’ve got.”

“I know.”

Thorne comes through, and there’s nothing casual left in his voice now.

“Mate, talk to me. How bad?”

Wolfe doesn’t answer immediately.

When he does, his voice is steadier than Thorne’s.

“Bad.”

My chest closes.

“No.”

The word slips out before I can stop it.

Nobody answers me.

Talon says something under his breath that I don’t catch.

Draygon goes silent.

Andre’s hand closes around the edge of the table as though he’s holding himself there.

Wolfe takes another breath.

Then he says, “Andre.”

“I’m here.”

“You keep them riding.”

Andre’s whole face changes.

“No. You worry about your own fucking bike.”

“Andre.”

“I said focus on your road.”

“I am.”

There’s no fear in Wolfe’s answer.

That’s what scares me most.

He already knows.