Chapter 157
"And get a few more trucks. I want both sides of the sand trap lined with foam blocks. We have to make sure if the car flips, the damage is as minor as possible."
"Yes, Mr. Pitts."
Elio didn't waste a second. He grabbed a set of Lamborghini keys and took off running, barely noticing the roar of the engine as it echoed across the yard. He hadn't even changed out of his pajamas, one of his slippers left somewhere behind him. He jumped into the car and tore out of the driveway, racing to find Lucie.
***
At the same time, Steven was leaving the Rose Garden, driving home. As he headed for the highway, a police barricade stopped him.
"What's going on? Why is the highway closed?"
"Sir, there's a car on the ring road with brake failure," the officer explained. "We're restricting traffic to avoid a major accident. Please wait patiently or use another route."
Steven's mind reeled. "What kind of car?"
"A white Porsche Cayenne."
The words hit him like a punch to the gut. Cold dread flooded him.
"Is the license plate MA288?"
The cop blinked. "How did you know?"
Steven's breath caught in his throat. His heart twisted.
That was Lucie's car.
His hands shook as he dialed her number.
"The person you're calling is on another call. Please try again later..."
"Lucie! Lucie..."
He slammed his fist on the steering wheel, panic rising. Then, without thinking, he floored the gas, crashing through the highway barrier.
"Siri, call Andy!"
Andy picked up instantly. "Mr. Heath, what can I do for you?"
Steven could barely breathe, his voice tight and desperate. "Andy, get Lucie's location right now and send it to me."
"Understood."
"Her brakes have failed. Find a way to help her. Now." Steven's mind was spinning. He couldn't think straight.
Andy was silent for a few seconds. "I'll contact the car's support team and ask for emergency procedures."
"Good."
"Sending a medical team to follow you, and I'll track which direction she's headed. We'll put down a sand trap as fast as we can."
"Thank you, Andy."
Steven's heart pounded as he pressed the accelerator even harder.
Lucie, please don't let anything happen to you. Please.
***
Lucie's car was flying down the ring road. The traffic was lighter now, just a few cars here and there, but she managed to dodge them.
Elio's voice was steady in her ear, trying to keep her calm. "You're doing great, Lucie. Just keep steady. Don't panic.
"The police are guiding you, and the road ahead is clear. I've got people setting up a deceleration lane for you."
Lucie's hands
clenched the wheel. She was racing against death itself. Her eyes flicked to the speedometer, she was at 140 miles per hour. Even though the road ahead was empty, she couldn't let her guard down for a second. At this speed, even the tiniest mistake would be fatal.
About fifteen minutes later, she heard the roar of a car behind her. Elio, in his Lamborghini, had caught up. Dozens of trucks carrying sand were rushing to the highway and a medical helicopter was already tracking her from above.
Two police cars pulled in front, clearing the way just for her. Authorities were treating this like a top emergency. No one was taking any chances.
Twenty minutes later, Lucie reached the toll booth at the next highway section. Staff had already opened the gates, and police were holding back all other cars.
She shot through the toll plaza, barely breathing. She heard the chop of helicopter blades above, glancing out to see two helicopters following her.
A car horn beeped behind her, twice.
"Lucie, I'm right behind you," Elio's voice came through the speaker.
She looked in the rearview mirror and saw the Lamborghini closing in.
She had no idea how he got there so fast.
In that moment, tears spilled down her face. She never would have imagined that, at a time like this, with her life hanging by a thread, Elio would be the one bringing her Rope. He'd always seemed so unreliable just a carefree playboy but now, when it counted, he was calm and in control.
"Lucie, don't be scared," he said softly into the phone. "I'm right here with you."