CHAPTER 17
ARI
I barely saw Zach for the rest of the weekend, at least up close. Maya found me a pair of binoculars so I could watch him and Kai compete. They both won their heats on Saturday for an easy ride into the knockout rounds. I had an easy ride too. Rennick had messaged via Lila to say that all looked normal in the betting patterns this weekend, so although I had to be vigilant, it was unlikely that Torres would throw the contest by prior arrangement.
On Saturday evening, the competitors were expected to eat together, with the tour sponsors invited along as guests and the media in attendance. Zach and Kai had seemed distinctly unenthused by the event while Maya was on edge, pacing our shared room as we waited for room service to arrive.
“They’ll be okay,” I told her. “It’s jus
