Mystery in Red

CHAPTER VII - "Are you lost... Baby girl?"

04.Mar – Qualifying Day

The long week away from the Circuit in Bahrain has passed and the struggling came to an end. I couldn't wait to get back to the track and face my future bosses to prove them what valuable employee I am. Since the third day of the pre – seasonal tests I was staying at my hotel room and learning strategy lessons as a student before an important exam. I had turned off my phone and asked the hotel staff not to disturb me. All day long I have been sitting locked at my room, studying. Only at late nights I was going out for a short walk in the gardens of the hotel, then again turning back to my "hermitage".

I had problems with the sleep, because I was constantly thinking how to keep my place at Ferrari. Mekies literally kicked me out from the track, telling me where my actual place is – at the hotel. So, I did what he ordered to me – I read all the study materials Vasseur's assistant gave me, I learnt the entire FIA rulebook and watched some old races from years ago, just to get know the situations during them better. I was so motivated to prove that my place is not at the hotel but the track, that I even started making scenarios for the future races. All day and night my mind was busy with thoughts about Formula 1.

Then at the time I was supposed to sleep, I was starting to think about Charles and Carlos. I was wondering if they had noticed my absence. Every time I closed my eyes, I was imagining the sad look of Leclerc, the last day I saw him at the paddock. I did not even have the chance to speak to him again after his session, or even with Carlos. At this day when the tests came to an end, the team principals called the drivers for an emergency meeting and did not allow them to reach me. After seeing this way of treatment, I decided to not stay there any longer and went back to the hotel.

Now I was preparing for my first qualification day as an almost a team member. I was staying in front of the mirror at my hotel room and putting the finishing touches on my look. I already had my hair in a braid, and a light make up on my face, enough to cover the dark circles under my eyes. Then I put Charles' red jacket on me. The red uniform was not so bad, maybe I could get used to it if I wear it longer.

I turned off the TV at my room, where I was watching a live from the Third free practice before the qualification. I was so disappointed with our team's performance and if someone wanted to hear my opinion, I was going to say everything I had on mind. After I put my shoes on and some perfume, I took my purse and went out of the hotel.

I had a plenty of time to get to the circuit, so I was slowly walking down the already well-known streets, thinking about my return. I was worried but at the same time excited. All I wanted was to have a good work half-day and the principals to be satisfied from me... If they even needed me at all.

When I got tired, I stopped walking and took the first taxi, passing by me.

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I reached the circuit on time, then without any obstacles passed through the gate and walked with a proud head held high through the paddock. Fortunately, the first part of my returning went well. That was a good sign... Maybe...

While I was searching for the Ferrari motorhome, I heard someone calling me with the strange nickname "the little Ferrari girl". Then I turned and saw the guy who was talking with Charles on my last day at the paddock. I was curious why is he running after me, so I waited him to came closer.

- Are you lost... Baby girl?! – he asked me in a seductive voice and grinned.

- How did you just call me?! – I replied and frowned.

- Oh, sorry, I just wanted to break the ice between us! – the young man said embarrassed.

- Well, you built a glacier instead – I snorted and crossed arms in front of my chests.