Phantom Rider - The Aftermath | Book 1

#10 | Let's Go!

Bill's POV

Ever felt like a newcomer doing something you've done a million times before? That's me today, and it's pissing me off.

Race day. A month of prep, and here I am, jittery as hell. The fuss was huge. The streets are buzzing with rumours - everyone's talking about our return. The most flattering part? They expect us to take down the mystery driver. Everyone expected a show, and we were about to deliver.

"Do I look okay?" I asked Gustav, adjusting my shirt for the hundredth time.

"Bill, relax. You look like a million bucks," Gustav replied. He prided himself on being "the normal one," but even he was nervous of what he will wear.

We didn't talk about the race. The tension was insane. It's not just about driving - it never has been. You could be the best driver out there, but if the crowd doesn't think you're exciting, you're a nobody.

"And there's another reason I'm on edge," I thought, looking out the window. "I hope she'll be there. She has to be."

The location was perfect - a deserted industrial zone on the city's edge, away from prying eyes. The crowd was a constant mess, engines revving, bursts of laughter, people drinking, fighting, for God's sake - even fucking.

As we pulled up, I was struck by the sheer number of cars and people. "There were less last time," I was surprised.

I scanned the crowd through my black-tinted windows, looking for her. Mila. I hoped she'd be here, watching, maybe even cheering for me. But I couldn't see her in the sea of faces. Disappointment bit, but I quickly pushed it aside.

"Focus, asshole!" I told myself.

The race would start in an hour, enough time to make a grand appearance, get some drinks, and do a line of coke. We pulled our cars to the starting line and, as agreed, all three of us stepped out simultaneously. The crowd's roar was insane! I felt like a fucking star! We usually kept our circle tight. Even though people tried to approach us, we never engaged unless they were useful.

Gustav had his new girl with him. And, of course, she brought her friends, getting a free pass to our inner circle. I didn't mind. Beautiful women next to us always made us look more important.

So there we were: Georg, Gustav, me, and five girls looking like they stepped straight off the runway.

As we made our way through the crowd, their excitement was infectious. They shouted our names, trying to get our attention. The energy was electric, and I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was our home, and tonight, we were kings.

I caught myself scanning the crowd again. "Stop looking for her, you idiot!" I snarled internally. To get my thoughts away, I wrapped my arms around one of Gustav girls, the prettiest one - long blonde hair, tall, sexy. She was all over me, her eyes full of lust and admiration.

"You're riding with me today!" I barked at her.

She started screaming from excitement, so to make her shut up, I kissed her.

The kiss was part of the show, drawing even more attention to us. The crowd loved it, cheering louder. My mind stopped racing for a moment, focused on the here and now. This was my world, and tonight, I was going to own it.

The hour flew by in a blur of drinks, drugs, and adrenaline. The energy around us was insane, everyone hyped up for the race. The girls clung to us, soaking up the attention. But beneath the surface, my mind was still locked on the race and the Phantom Rider.

Of course, we easily won all the races up to the final three. I was expectedly the leader. My partner in crime - the girl whose name I didn't bother to ask - was overly excited. She held onto me all night, not letting me go, as if I were some precious trophy. The attention she gave made me horny, and I wanted to take her home. For the first time in a long time, I wanted someone who wasn't a paid whore.

"Final races coming up," Georg said, his eyes sharp and focused. "You ready for this, Bill?"

"More than ready," I replied, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

The crowd gathered around. The other racers lined up, engines roaring, ready to go. I felt empty inside, something was missing. There was no sight of the Phantom Driver, nor was there a sign of Mila.

I got into my car, the girl sliding in beside me, her excitement over the top. The countdown began.

I turned to her. "Now, shut up, and sit still. This will be dangerous. When I ride, do not touch me or talk to me - got it?"

"Sure," she giggled and kissed me before strapping in.

I concentrated on the road, knowing the drivers next to me were becoming more dangerous. I knew Georg and Gustav would never do anything reckless, but the others - they were desperate.

Halfway to the finish line, the driver fighting me for first place started pulling his car to my side, almost making me drive into the barrier. I punched the gas and made a sharp turn to get away from him. At that very moment, she started to scream. That scream broke my concentration, and I messed up, losing to the driver right at the finish, ending up second.

"Bitch! I told you not to make a sound!" I yanked her out of the car so fast that she tripped and fell to the ground. Her high heels snapped. "You'll never get in my car again!" Everyone was looking at us, her face turning red from embarrassment. I didn't care. I pulled out gun and shot right next to her feet, making her run for her life. 

There were two more rides. Gustav stepped out of the race, ending up fourth. It was just me, Georg, and that loser who got lucky because of my mistake.

We finished the second race. I won with ease, Georg was second. So it was just me and Georg against each other. How boring is that.

"Ready to win?" Georg laughed as we stepped into our cars.

"Ready... Set..."

SILENCE

Complete silence, as if everyone had died. I looked at my rearview mirror, and there he was. The crowd parted to make way for a purple sports car that drove right next to mine. Pitch-black windows, so you couldn't see inside.

Silence turned to hysterical screaming. People lost their shit. I got hit by adrenaline like never before. My eyes turned black.

"Ready... Set... Go!"

I took off first, not holding back for a second. The Phantom Rider followed me close behind. I weaved from side to side, blocking him from passing. He clipped the back of my car, making it fishtail. I had to get rid of him, so I quickly straightened my car and pushed the gas pedal even deeper into the floor. The race felt like eternity.

It felt as if we communicated in some way. I knew every move the driver would make, and he apparently knew every move of mine. It was a few meters to the finish line, and I was about to win. Then, in the last second, the rider overtook me.

I slammed on the brakes after crossing the line, my heart pounding in my chest. The driver had beaten me. The crowd erupted, but I barely heard them. My eyes were locked on the purple car as it slowed to a stop.

"Who are you?" I growled, still gripping the wheel, my foot hovering over the gas pedal, ready for the real race to begin.

And it did. The rider's engine roared to life again, making people scatter as he sped off, not caring about anyone in his way.

I followed him. This time, I won't let you go so easily.