Lucky number 4

Cornered

It's not as bad as it looks. After I wiped away the blood, only a small wound near the corner of my eye remained. I'm glad that my eye isn't too swollen to obstruct my vision, and the bruise barely touches the outside of my eye anyway. Instead, it moved down to my cheekbone, but that's something I can cover with foundation and blush.

Menno had heard what happened and came barreling into the medical center, moments later. A very concerned Ella on his heels. Davis was still in the room with me too.

Correction, he never left.

Menno's posture is rigid, and his face closed off. I can't tell what he is thinking. Dylan is talking and telling me to take it easy for the rest of the day. I thank him and ready myself for some more visits to the remaining drivers. Davis, next to me, is doing the same.

"Actually" Menno jumps in, surprising us with his voice. "I heard that Mike is looking for you." He directs this at Davis, who looks surprised.

"Why is that?"

Menno's shrug is casual. Maybe a bit too casual, but only I would pick up on his micro language.

Davis nods and looks towards me with concern. "Will you be okay? It's maybe a good idea that Mike sees you before doing more visits."

I grit my teeth in annoyance. "I'm okay. I don't need to see Mike. I can finish the last three visits and then I'll see you back in the office."

He doesn't look too thrilled with that plan, but what can he do in front of all these people.

Outside we head in different directions. The relief is instant, like a weight being taken from my shoulders. Menno wraps an arm around me and pulls me in for a hug.

"Are you really okay?" he whispers in my ear. I lean into his hug, nodding my head against the emotion clogging my throat. Ella gives me a sad smile.

"Menno told me." She explains, her eyes welling up. "I'm sorry I didn't join you this morning."

I shake my head in surprise. "This isn't your fault!" I exclaim, seeing the guilt in her eyes. I hug her next. "He's a piece of shit."

Both of them agree with me.

"Here" Ella hands me a backpack which I take over confused.

"What's this?"

"We tracked your schedule" Ella explains. "I'll go to Charles and Daniel, see if they need help."

I'm even more confused now. "But your no physical therapist."

"I know, but they'll accept me when I explain what happened and that you need to take it easy."

I sigh, thankful for my friends, but I'll finish even faster this way, and I don't want to go back to the office. Menno reads my train of thoughts.

He nods to the motorhome behind me. "Go to Lando."

I blink. My lack of comprehension is reaching new highs.

Ella points to the backpack I'm holding. "In there is everything you need to finish today's work." I still don't understand what Lando has to do with this.

"Just go."

"Lando's PT session isn't for another 15 minutes" I say checking the time. "Let me help you with Charles in the meantime."

"Kay, I love you, but if you don't turn around and look for the man right now, I'm going to deliver you to him myself." Menno looks menace.

"Jeez."

"Jeez." Ella echos.

I hold up my hands and turn in answer. The two dipshits wait outside until I disappear inside the McLaren motorhome. Inside, I'm immediately greeted by concerned stares and wondering looks. I hurry to the back and knock on Lando's training room. Of course nobody is there yet.

Selfconscious, I dive into a nearby bathroom and re-asses my face in the mirror. It's not bad, but only the blind would not notice the discoloration. I quickly apply some foundation to the area under my eye and nod in satisfaction when I successfully cover the bruise. Heading outside I halt one of the mechanics.

"Hi, uhm would you know where I can find Lando?" I don't like holding up the engineers. They are busy enough without me asking for directions.

"Are you Kaya?"

I'm confused by his question but nod anyway.

"He's up there. Feel free to go see him."

Maybe the watch did do some damage to my brain. Uncertain, I walk up the stairs to the second level. Everything is clean and shiny. It's also more quiet and not as hot as it is outside. I walk down the hall and knock on the door that has Lando's name on it.

"Come in!" his voice trails from inside.

I open the door slowly, not sure what to expect on the other side.

A window, the size of the wall overlooks the pit and part of the track. Lando sits on a sofa that faces the wall sized window, but he's not looking at the view. Nor am I for that matter because opening the door made me realize I have no idea why I'm here. Lando goes completely still. His gaze immediately jumps to my eye. I can't read his thoughts behind the closed expression that washes over his face. 

"Euh" I stammer, moving from one foot to the other. "I don't know why I'm here. Menno mentioned to look for you. I thought maybe you wanted to advance the training, but come to think of it, that's not up to me but Jon." I'm rambling again.

"Close the door."