Debutant. Chapter 19. The longest weekend. Part 1

This novel is fictional; there is no need to look for intersections with historical events. This is a continuation of “Debutant” by Nikita Savelyev, the first readers of which were readers of F1News.ru…

Chapter 19. The longest weekend. Part One

“Let’s appreciate our humble abode,” Henry muttered, opening the door. “It’s also fortunate that the single rooms are occupied, otherwise imagine how the receptionist would look askance if he found out that we absolutely need a room for two and nothing else.”

– Open up! – Osvaldo poked the overly talkative gringo in the back.

It’s a shame, of course, that the boss didn’t allow him to be taken to task for all his tricks: if he had been hit by a car on the street, or swept into a gate, no one would have found the key. end. And he didn’t even bother to look; the police would have been busy for the show. In a big city it is convenient to do such things – no one will stick their nose in the ground over such a trifle. But since the boss decided so. And his boss is the head.

“It’s a bit cramped, sure, but we can’t have receptions here,” Henry walked around the room. – And the beds are close by. I hope you don’t snore? Otherwise I need to get some sleep before the important start.

– Quiet!

“Osvaldo, my friend, we spent the entire journey from New York in silence for five hours. At your urgent request. At least let me remember human speech.

– I’m not your friend!

If this slug had been talking all the time, Osvaldo would not have been able to bear it, and despite the boss’s orders, he threw him out of the car.

Henry looked over his shoulder, grabbed his things from his bag and Osvaldo walked across the room. The door is locked from the inside. Very good. He pulled the key out of the hole and put it in his pocket. The phone is on the bedside table. Osvaldo fumbled, but loosened the hose. It’s quieter this way. The third floor isn’t bad. The Yankees won’t risk jumping ship. What else? Osvaldo looked at the bed. It even looks heavy. Resting his strong hands on the backrest, he tensed his muscles and placed the bed closest to the entrance, blocking the opening. Now it’s impossible to get to the door without disturbing Osvaldo. Henry watched his efforts with a grin. Now he will say something nasty again – Osvaldo has already studied his vile habits. But against the odds, the Yankee seemed to swallow his nasty tongue. Satisfied, Osvaldo pressed the switch and fell onto the bed. No matter how hardy it is, such a road will exhaust anyone. Moreover, with its growth, this is doubly difficult. The problem with these cramped sports cars. The boss loves them too. So you have to suffer. Although, in the interests of the boss, he is ready for something other than that.

“Sleep,” Osvaldo growled.

– Wait, how can we discuss plans for tomorrow? – Henry was surprised.

Osvaldo stood up abruptly from the bed, frowning and staring at the gringo in the twilight. He babbled in response:

– Friday is training day. It starts at nine in the morning. To prepare, arrive at the track approximately two hours in advance. And it’s still a road. Well, breakfast. I hope you don’t like to start the day on an empty stomach?

What does this talkative bastard want? Do you have to get up early? At least until sunrise. Osvaldo is no stranger to sleeping light, like a watchdog. The boss gave the order – let Henry behave as usual. What’s the problem?

“Wake up and let’s go,” Osvaldo snapped and laid his head back on the pillow.

“I had no doubt that you wouldn’t leave me, but that’s not what I’m talking about.” Shall we run to the track with you? So what’s next? I have a lot to do: prepare the training, discuss the car settings with the mechanics, and also… I don’t want to bother you. What are you going to do? I don’t have time to entertain you.

“With you,” Osvaldo stood up and added to this slow remark: “Said the boss.”

– I remember. So that we are not one step apart. But what will it look like? I have a single seater car.

“Except for the song,” Osvaldo started thinking about how he could hit the trash can. Does he not remember his boss’s instructions? Or is he pretending to be a fool?!

– It’s true. But you can’t stand in the pits with me, can you? We need to figure out where to put you.

Yes, what is it! Osvaldo sat down on the bed again:

– I’ll be with you! Everywhere.

– Judge for yourself, what will it look like? How can I explain that I’m not alone? It’s even strange. I don’t think Manuel has thought this through enough. Wait for me somewhere in the paddock. Where am I going?

– No! – Osvaldo, for the record, slammed his fist on the bedside table, causing it to crackle miserably. – Shall. With you.

– Hey, hey, you don’t have to break the furniture! Fine. “I understand,” Henry tried to smile. – What can we think of then? I’m not a movie star, I can’t pass you off as a bodyguard even if it’s tempting. How else can I explain why such a… serious guy follows me. Maybe you have some ideas?

“It doesn’t matter,” Osvaldo was so tired of this dullness. Today is Thursday, three days until the race. How long. But the boss could only entrust him with such a difficult task. But you can’t let your boss down. He will persevere.

– ABOUT! I have a thought. What if I told everyone you were my manager? An exotic figure for the paddock. No one really knows what to do. But what if they want to talk to you? It’s unlikely you can have a conversation about car racing. Precisely! We make you an assistant manager. It’s a little lower in rank, but you don’t mind, right?! Let’s say a Mexican bigwig who handles the affairs of the best football players wants to sign a contract with me, but he still looks good and has sent an assistant. Imagine not understanding English at all, and we don’t have many Spanish experts. What do you think?

– Does not matter.

– Perfect. I knew you would appreciate it. And now it’s time to really get out of the way, otherwise tomorrow will be a difficult day.

As tempting as it was to fall asleep straight away, Osvaldo listened to what was happening in the bed next to him. Judging by his intermittent breathing, the bastard wasn’t sleeping. He’s probably thinking about how to trick them with the boss. But nothing will work for him – Manuel boasted that he drove Henry into such a framework, you will not rock the boat. But again he told me to keep my eyes open and be on my guard, the gringo is a slippery guy. Osvaldo listened anxiously for some time to the darkness of the night, and only when his neighbor began to breathe evenly and slowly did he fall asleep that very moment with relief.

Despite the early morning, the hotel veranda was crowded – almost everyone staying here had something to do with the upcoming race and was in a hurry to get to the race track. Well, it’s cold. Osvaldo shuddered and turned up his collar. He, a man from the south, was much more accustomed to Florida. But as the boss said, it’s time to change the location before it gets too hot. He knows better.

“Well, our car is right where we left it,” Henry yawned. – Will you take me to the race track?

“Lead it yourself,” Osvaldo muttered. He never felt confident behind the wheel – he didn’t have the right dexterity in his hands. How happy he was three years ago when his boss took him off the wheel and promoted him to his confidante.

– Is this our honorary escort? – Henry nodded at the car parked in the department.

I saw it, with wide eyes. The boss looks far ahead and therefore sends reinforcements: Pablo and Jimena, the same girl who so cleverly lured the Yankees into a trap. If necessary, let them do it, but do not interfere – Osvaldo can handle it alone, without assistants.

“Ruli,” he pushed the bastard to his car.

== To be continued…