Mystery in Red

Chapter LVIII - All for one

The weekend at Silverstone was coming to an end. Charles and Carlos started back-to-back in today's race, which was a double-edged sword. I know they would both fight for the front position, but I also know what happened when our drivers decided to fight for the same position. I had decided to talk to Charles and Carlos about this before it was too late. I didn't want to be the bone of contention on this team.

 Carlos and I started our day with coffee and breakfast in our room. Sainz preferred to order room service so that he could calmly eat all the restaurant's possible offerings without being criticized. But that's why I was there - to remind him that a big breakfast is not the best decision before a race.

 - Do you think you can last 52 laps without throwing up in a cockpit? - I asked him as I watched him roll up his fifth pancake with jam.

 - The next portions are for you, Muñeca - he answered me and winked at me.

 - Very nice, Carlos, but we don't have much time -  I smiled and put my hand on his before he took the next pancake.

- Lissie , we wake up two hours earlier so that we can have time to do all the preparatory activities before the start of our working day - the Spaniard shook his head. - We have time for everything.

- Then call Charles - I said and seemed to throw a grenade into the middle of the room.

Sainz fell silent and looked at me seriously. He wiped his hands and leaned back in his chair without breaking eye contact with me.

 - And why should I call Charles? - he asked coldly in his Spanish accent.

 - To come here and talk with us - I answered seriously. - What happened yesterday at the Qualifying is unacceptable. I don't want it to happen again today, so I want to discuss it with both of you.

 - It was supposed to be "our" time - said my friend edifyingly.

 - After the end of the competition weekend, we will have a lot of our time - I smiled and got up from my seat. - I'm going to change, and you call Charles. To be here within 5 minutes... And without delay.

 I didn't give Sainz a chance to contradict me and headed to our bedroom to get ready for today.

 In uniform, with light makeup and hair done, I emerged from our room just in time to meet Charles in the small living room. The Monegasque greeted me with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye and sat down on the couch, making Carlos uncomfortable. The Spaniard had furrowed his brows and clenched his jaws as if trying to suppress the urge to tear Charles apart.

- Can you be more cheerful babe? - I whispered in his ear, breaking away from him. - Old Money etiquette does not allow such behavior.

 He let out a heavy sigh and sat down on the couch next to his teammate.

 - Why did you call me, Lissie? - Leclerc asked curiously.

 - I'll be direct - I answered seriously, placing my hands on my waist. - Because of your performance yesterday. This cannot go on like this. I demand from you team spirit, good attitude towards each other and above all respect.

 - I don't understand you, Lissa... - Charles interrupted me, but I raised my hand to stop him.

 - Let me continue - I said. - I want to clarify - Carlos you have no reason to be jealous, and Charles you have no reason to compete with your teammate to impress me. If you're going to compete on the track, let it be about who scores more points FOR THE TEAM. In my eyes, you have long taken your positions and neither of you will rise to the occasion by embarrassing your teammate. Am I clear?!