It All Goes Down

Laina

“He’s got it,” Benji said beside me.

We were all crowded at the end of the track. The cars were flying toward us. Mason was in the lead. He was so close. My heart raced, and my whole body strained against the anticipation.

Then his car blew over the finish line.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and people leaped into the air, throwing their fists up to celebrate Mason’s victory. I let out a shrill scream of joy that made me a little dizzy. Benji steadied me where I stood on the side step of Rick’s Jeep. I hadn’t been tall enough to see over the crowd.

I watched Mason’s car slow to a stop. Mark and Sid’s cars came up behind him. I was about to hop down and go to the edge of the track so that when the last cars passed the line, I could rush to meet Mason, but something caught my eye.

Movement near Mason’s car.

He was getting out.

“Uh-oh,” Rick breathed.

“What’s happening?” Ginny asked. She