Speed Freak Read Online Free

per cent committed to winning the Challenge. I want to be New Zealand Junior Champion, too. I want my name on that cup. I want to be the driver going to Europe. I’ll work my butt off for both of them. And I’ll work my butt off for you.’
    I sat back, wondering if I’d said too much. Too bad. It was all true.
    They said nothing, until Brendon glanced at the others, then asked me to wait outside again.
    I flopped down in the waiting-room chair. Shit, this was tiring. Given the choice between this and cleaning the shower and the bog, I’d take the cleaning duty every time.
    They made me wait longer before they called me back in. I sat down, couldn’t tell a thing from their five expressionless faces.
    ‘You’re a most persuasive young man, Archie,’ Brendon said, after an age-long silence. ‘So this is what we’ve decided.’
    I tried not to look hopeful. I know that I did look hopeful.
    ‘We’ll sponsor you for a full set of slicks for each of the first three Challenge meetings.’
    That would be a help. A set cost around $300. ‘Thank you, sir.’ I tried to sound grateful rather than disappointed.
    He must’ve seen through it, because there was a definite gleam in his eye as he went on, ‘If you beat Craig at two of those three meetings, then we’ll sponsor you for the rest of the series. New slicks for each race.’
    I sat back, a grin busting out all over my face. ‘You won’t be disappointed. Thank you. Thank you all very much.’
    Smiles all round. Brendon came with me to the door and shook my hand. ‘You might like to know that you ticked all the boxes, Archie. We’re pleased to be supporting you.’
    I thanked him again, wondering what boxes I’d ticked. I sent Dad a text:
3 sets slicks.
    He texted back:
Helpful.
    I told him the rest of the deal when he got home. He rubbed his hands. ‘That should spice up the competition nicely. You did well, Archie. I’m proud of you.’
    ‘I’ve still got to win two out of three.’
    ‘One race at a time. No point in bending our chassis out of shape over it, whichever way it goes.’
    That night I got a text from Craig:
Congrats u arse!

CHAPTER FIVE
    SATURDAY MORNING, DAD rewarded me for getting the sponsorship by hauling me out of bed. ‘Up you get, Archie. We’re painting the spare room today. Get it all nice for young Felix.’
    What that turned out to mean was me clearing the room while he went and bought the paint. My father has as much taste as a wet-weather tyre. He chose vivid yellow for poor old Felix.
    ‘No,’ I said. ‘We are not making that kid live in an egg yolk.’
    ‘What’s wrong with it? He’ll love it.’
    ‘I bet you a weekend off cooking he won’t.’ Dad was always a sucker for bets that had the chance of letting him off the cooking roster. ‘I say we get Felix here and we ask him.’
    So that’s what we did. Dad painted a wide yellow stripe down one wall while I rang Erica.
    ‘But Archie — I’m at work and he’s at his carer’s. Why do you need him?’
    I ran the egg yolk past her.
    ‘An emergency situation. I’ll call the carer and your dad can pick him up.’ I was about to hang up when she added, ‘Thanks, Archie. Thanks for looking out for my boy.’
    Oh, crap. She was already moulding me into a big brother and he hadn’t even moved in. She possibly hadn’t factored in that I was a big brother who was a major speed freak. I went off to deliver the message to Dad.
    Fifteen minutes later, Dad strode into the room, followed by Felix, who looked miserable.
    ‘Take a look at that, Felix,’ Dad said. ‘A real man colour, eh!’
    I eyeballed my father. ‘Play fair, Dad. Get out of here and let Felix make up his own mind.’
    Dad laughed but he ambled out. I shut the door on him. ‘Right, Felix. I think this colour stinks. Dad thinks it’s better than spaghetti. You’re the one who’ll have to live with it. Do you love it or hate it?’ I gave him a friendly big-brother grin.
    He looked at the floor,