Dead Run Read Free Page A

and I decided to get us all out of Serbia, walk out with other refugees. But we got caught up with some soldiers and she…” Viktor stops and looks through the big window at the warehouses outside, lost in thought.
    I don’t say anything, because I don’t know what to say. The silence drags out for a while. Then Viktor starts up again. Speaking louder, faster. Like he can just speed over that part of his story.
    â€œAnyways, we didn’t see her again. I left Serbia with my son. I remembered how good it was here the first time, during the Olympics. So I came back. Not a star this time, just a refugee. Decided to be a businessman. Now, I’m like Donald Trump.” He laughs and stretches his arms out wide, as if he’s king of the world. He’s got a strange sense of humor. The business is a dump.
    â€œYou don’t look like a millionaire,” I say. He laughs again.
    â€œNo. Business can be hard sometimes. But one day, I will be rich. I will win, just like in the races.” He smiles broadly under his mustache and reaches for more tea. While he pours, I look around the office. Despite all the photographs and newspaper clippings on the wall, I realize that I haven’t seen a single picture of his wife or kids.
    â€œWhat about your son?”
    â€œNiko?” Viktor looks startled, rattling the teapot back onto the desk. “What about him?”
    â€œWhat happened to him?” I say. From the expression on Viktor’s face, I realize I shouldn’t have asked.
    â€œHe lives in the city. He is a kind of businessman too,” says Viktor. But that’s it. The silence drags out between us.
    â€œSo you still coach?” I say nervously.
    â€œNot for long time. Kai, a few others. Some of these bike couriers think they want to race, but most of them are too crazy. Not enough strength up here.” He taps his forehead. “All strength down below. You understand?”
    â€œKind of.” I shift uncomfortably in my seat, fiddling with the teacup. Viktor laughs, which turns into a gravelly cough.
    â€œI think you might be like that.” He shakes his head, still coughing. “You know what? I’m tired. Too tired to coach a little lion.” Viktor pulls himself slowly to his feet, spilling some tea on his old sweater.
    I can feel myself losing ground. As if I’m watching the pack pull away from me again.
    â€œYou don’t understand,” I say. “I’m so close. To being good. Really good. Other people say so. I know it. I just need some help.” Viktor is shaking his head, holding up his hands like he’s pushing me away. But before he can speak, the dude in the green baseball cap and headset opens the door and sticks his head in.
    â€œSorry—Viktor, we’re getting slammed. Without Neil, I’m still a man down. Can you get him back here?”
    Viktor shakes his head and starts to answer. But I see my opening and go for it.
    â€œI’ll do it,” I interrupt. “I’m your man. Tell me what to do.” Both Viktor and baseball-cap guy look at me, surprised. After a moment, Viktor shrugs.
    â€œOkay, okay,” says Viktor. “You work here for a while, let’s see how you ride. Then we talk about coaching.”

Chapter Five
    As we leave his office, Viktor says to me, “You ride with Robin today. You listen, do what you’re told.”
    â€œSure, whatever,” I say, walking away. I just want to get started. But Viktor slaps a hand on my shoulder and pulls me around. He looks at me hard.
    â€œNo. No sure. No whatever.” He leans in, bringing the smell of cigarettes with him. “You want to work for me? You want to learn? You follow two simple rules.”
    Surprised, I just nod.
    â€œFirst, you don’t talk back. You do what you’re told every time. Every time.” He punches me in the chest with a finger to make his point. I nod again.
    â€œSecond, you