The Blood Racer (The Blood Racer Trilogy Book 1) by Matthew Winchester Page B

mother and father. I’m sure you’ve had too many reminders today.”
              Yeah, you could say that, I thought to myself. Merrick’s eyes and lightly creased brow showed the perfect blend of empathy and remorse. I wondered how many times he had practiced that face in the mirror.
              “It’s all right,” I said reflexively. “I’ll just be glad when it’s over.”
              “Really?” Grace said, still admiring her new goggles. “I always think it’s over too soon.”
              I had never made a habit of punching people, but I would have really liked to crack her good right then.
              Merrick, on the other hand, was much more aware of my feelings. Though, they weren’t really that hard to read. “I know you must hate the race,” he said. “It would be difficult to overcome anything associated with such pain. You must see it as some sort of monster, rising from its slumber every three years to gobble up loved ones.”
              I actually hadn’t ever thought of it quite that way, but his analogy was pretty perfect.
              Merrick took a step toward me and put his perfectly manicured hand upon my shoulder. “I know you miss your parents, but you should be proud of them,” he said softly. I couldn’t help but note the tone of sincerity in his voice.
              I looked up at him questioningly, but said nothing.
              “They knew the risks,” he went on. “They knew how dangerous it could be. They knew what could go wrong. But they went, regardless. They knew what the race represents: hope. The chance to ascend. Just like the Dominion ascended all those years ago. They both knew the perils were great, but the rewards were greater. For that reason, racers will always be the bravest people I can imagine. Your mother and father were among the best of us, the most courageous, and had the most indomitable spirits. Don’t let the race fill you with dread and anger. Be proud of the loved ones that were bold enough to reach for the stars.”
              I blinked and looked away. On one hand, it wasn’t bad advice. I was proud of my parents for what they had tried to do. On the other hand, Merrick’s genuine tone had quickly devolved into a mechanical, rehearsed speech, and I could tell he had given that same one dozens of times, to dozens of jaded people like me. I doubted if he even believed what he’d said. To be fair, he knew the risks of flying as well as anyone. The other Archon that had lived in Rainier, Harrison Keene - along with his son Garrett - had died in a dirigible explosion just a few months ago.
              “Thank you,” I muttered, staring at his flawless house shoes, which looked very comfortable and warm.
              He gave my shoulder a pat and then stepped back behind Grace, who was finally getting around to signing my delivery slip. “Here you go,” she said quickly. “Thanks.”
              I took the slip from her and gave them both a nod before turning around and taking several hurried steps from their door. Behind me, I heard Merrick speak up.
              “Miss Silver!” he called.
              I turned to him, wondering if the guns were about to come up.
              “Remember what I said,” he declared, giving another measured smile.
              I gave a simple nod in return before spinning around once more and shuffling away. I didn’t dare look back. I just wanted to leave that place. Merrick’s words were pleasant, but I got a different feel from him, one that I had never liked. I hoped that I never had to see him in a private setting…where he didn’t have to put on any kind of an act.
              I wandered through the busy streets of