Chapter 7: CHAPTER 7: THE GHOST OF JAXON’S PAST
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1. The Name That Shouldn't Exist
Jaxon stared at the scrap of paper.
His pulse pounded like a war drum.
The name written there didn't make sense.
Lucas Cross.
His brother.
His dead brother.
"This has to be a mistake." His voice was low, almost a whisper.
Vera leaned back, arms crossed. "It's no mistake, Driver 88."
Jaxon's jaw tightened.
Lucas had died five years ago. A bullet to the head. A funeral. A grave.
And yet—his name was here. Connected to an assassination attempt on Jaxon's life.
Something wasn't adding up.
And if there was one thing Jaxon hated?
It was being lied to.
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2. A Deal With the Devil
Jaxon exhaled sharply. "Where did you get this?"
Vera smirked.
"I have my sources."
Jaxon wasn't in the mood for games.
He slammed his hand on the table, his voice a growl. "Tell me."
Vera raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
"Calm down, 88. I'm not your enemy."
She leaned forward, lowering her voice.
"But if you want real answers? You're gonna need to talk to The Broker."
Jaxon stiffened.
The Broker.
The most dangerous information dealer in Blackridge.
Even the Warden kept his distance from him.
"You sure he'll talk to me?" Jaxon asked.
Vera smirked. "He won't have a choice."
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3. The Broker's Price
Jaxon made his way to Cell Block D.
The Broker's territory.
The place was quieter than the rest of Blackridge. Too quiet.
No fights. No shouting.
Just a deep, unsettling silence.
Jaxon reached a steel door.
A voice from the shadows.
"Come in, Driver 88."
Jaxon stepped inside.
The Broker sat at a small table, his fingers tapping rhythmically.
No one knew his real name. No one knew his past.
But everyone knew one thing:
If you wanted the truth, it would cost you.
"You want information?" The Broker asked.
Jaxon nodded.
"Then here's my price."
The Broker leaned forward.
"Win the next race. Win it for me. Then we talk."
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4. A Race to Kill
Jaxon clenched his fists. "You serious?"
The Broker smiled.
"Dead serious. The next race isn't just another death match. It's personal."
Jaxon narrowed his eyes. "For who?"
The Broker's smile widened.
"For you."
Jaxon's gut twisted. "What do you mean?"
The Broker tapped the table.
"Your next opponent is someone very... special."
Jaxon's blood ran cold.
"Lucas Cross."
The name felt like a knife to the chest.
His brother.
His dead brother.
Was alive.
And they wanted Jaxon to kill him.
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5. The Truth in the Blood
Jaxon sat in his cell that night, his mind racing.
This was a setup.
A conspiracy.
Someone wanted him broken.
Someone wanted him to question everything.
And worst of all?
They had Lucas.
If he was really alive, then what the hell had Jaxon buried five years ago?
A body?
Or a lie?
One thing was clear:
Jaxon couldn't trust anyone.
Not the Warden.
Not Vera.
Not even himself.
But if Lucas was alive…
He needed to find out why.
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6. A Storm on the Horizon
The speakers crackled across Blackridge.
"Attention inmates! The next Death Race is set!"
The prison erupted in cheers.
Jaxon barely heard them.
His heartbeat was too loud.
He already knew what was coming.
"Driver 88 versus The Ghost!"
Jaxon exhaled slowly.
His brother.
His rival.
His next opponent.
One of them wouldn't make it out alive.
And Jaxon had no idea which one it would be.
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END OF CHAPTER 7