Did Not Finish by Simon Wood Page A

race the car after what happened to Alex,’ Alison said.
    I didn’t want to tell her how many people would. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Fannings had received calls from the vulture element already.
    ‘What would you do with the car?’ Mr Fanning asked.
    There was no way of saying it without it sounding crass or callous. I was glad Mrs Fanning wasn’t in the room to hear it. ‘I would have it compacted to make sure nobody could use it.’
    I said nothing about wanting the car so I could prove that Derek had killed Alex. ‘The car has little residual value, but I’m willing to pay a price you’re happy with. We’re trying to make something good out of something tragic.’
    ‘How much money have you raised so far?’ Alison asked.
    ‘Around six thousand. An appeal will go out in Pit Lane magazine and Motorsport News for others to contribute. I’m hoping we can double that figure.’
    ‘That’s more than the car is worth,’ Mr Fanning said. ‘What would you do with the excess?’
    ‘I spoke to Myles about using the money on safety upgrades at the track. It might just save a life.’
    Mr Fanning and Alison exchanged a look. She nodded.
    ‘We talked about what to do with Alex’s car before you came over,’ Mr Fanning said. ‘We decided we don’t want any money for it. It belonged to Alex. He bought it. Taking the money would be pointless. You can have the car with our blessing.’
    Alison took Mr Fanning’s hand and both of them smiled at me. Tears welled up and robbed me of the ability to say thank you. Seeing these people act with such grace after what had been done to them was too much.
    I wasn’t the only one with tears in my eyes. Alison’s eyes glistened.
    ‘There’s something we want to do,’ Mr Fanning said. ‘Motor racing robbed my wife and me of our son. Alison lost her husband-to-be. We should be crusading for the end of motorsport, but I know how important racing was to Alex. He knew the risks and still he raced. I can be upset by what happened, but I can’t be bitter.’
    He was talking about Alex’s death in terms of an accident. Did he still not know of Derek’s death threat?
    ‘In that spirit, the last race of the series will be the Alex Fanning memorial race. Myles has given it the OK. There’ll be a special prize fund for the winner each year.’
    I smiled and said it was a great idea, but I didn’t like it. I foresaw Derek winning next year’s race. The idea of him winning a race honouring the person he killed was abhorrent.
    ‘Vic Hancock has offered to dispose of the car,’ Mr Fanning said. ‘He has the facility and he’s more than happy to take care of matters for you.’
    I couldn’t let that happen before I got to see the car. ‘No, I’d like to do it. I know several of the other drivers would like to be involved. It would be our way of saying goodbye to Alex.’
    Mr Fanning smiled and nodded his agreement. ‘You understand more than most about what we’re going through. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to lose your parents.’
    ‘And I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a son.’
    ‘But we all understand an untimely loss.’
    There was no dispute there.
    Mr Fanning held out an envelope. ‘Myles asked for a release giving the car to you.’
    I took the envelope. I had my first piece of evidence. ‘Thank you. I really appreciate this.’
    ‘No, thank you. You’re looking out for my son even after none of us can. I appreciate that.’
    I nodded and rose to my feet. ‘I should be going. I’ve intruded enough on your time. Please pass my condolences on to your wife.’
    Mr Fanning stood, squeezed out a pained yet grateful smile and shook my hand.
    ‘I should be going too,’ Alison said.
    ‘I’ll run you over to the railway station,’ Mr Fanning said.
    ‘No, that’s OK,’ she said. ‘Do you mind giving me a ride to the station, Aidy?’
    The request surprised me. ‘Sure. No problem.’
    ‘I’ll just say goodbye to Laura