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The winner ain’t the one with the fastest car,

it’s the one who refuses to lose…

—Dale Earnhardt

Prologue

“Disaster struck the world of drag racing today when Julie Jenkins found herself airborne in a car destined forthe blower as both chutes were out at an estimated four hundred and ten feet The car ster was surrounded by a ind of dancing flames

“A spokesman for the sport said this is by far one of theJulie’s dragster burst into a blaze of fury, exploding into bits and pieces of metal while fires erupted on various strips of the track

“Julie is in critical condition Her representatives are protecting her privacy However, Howard Leer—a spokes Times Review earlier today that Jenkins is not expected to return to the sport anyti injuries…”

Hank Hinlared at the television Clips and replays of the accident sent harrowing chills up and down his spine Gripping both sides of the leather recliner, he stared at the footage throughthe tears he didn’t have time to cry

“Will she make it?” Hank asked his brother as he entered the media room

Duke cleared his throat His face was red, his cheeks damp He moved his lips, but words wouldn’t fored to say, “I just spoke to the attending physicians at University Hospital It’s bad, Hank She ain”

Hank slowly nodded “What do you know about her injuries?”

“Other than the spinal dae—and the physicians won’t co tests—she has a broken arm, and severe burns on her back A sliver of h her suit so the cuts are pretty bad, but nothing that won’t heal”

“How soon can you leave for University Hospital?”

“We won’t be able to see her,” Duke informed him

“I want to be there when she wakes up In the meantime, we’ll talk to the hospital ad she needs”

“She’ll receive the best care,” Duke said “Frank spoke to her crew chief and tea Heup the bill and we expect her to have the best care money can buy”

Hank gasped as another horrific ie scattered across the screen “How in heaven’s name did she craay from that wreck?”

Duke slowly shook his head “I have no idea Those close to the track all feared she was dead She crawled a good fifteen feet away froe before she collapsed”

Covering his mouth, Hank leaned forward and listened to the reporters as they bantered back and forth about whatNor the various theories Today, he was only interested in facts

“Hank, there’s so else, too”

“You don’t have to say it I already know Julie was one of the best drivers out there There’s foul play somewhere”

“That’s the word on the track,” Duke said, confir his suspicions

Hank narrowed his gaze on one final clip before grabbing the re off the power ?