All day Charles had looked for Eleanore in the paddock, today was the day he would hopefully be able to talk to her. Once they had dealt with Ethan. He hadn't slept all night, so anxious to finally explain to her why he had disappeared, and also tell her what he had wanted to that Thursday. That he had planned so perfectly. He just hoped he wasn't too late. He met up with Toto, Christian, Fred, and Pierre and they headed over to McLaren.
Toto: remember the aim is just to get the video deleted.
Fred: yes, this isn't a takedown moment.
Horner: should be.
Fred: Christian we all agreed.
Horner: I am just saying we should be taking this asshole down for good and getting him away from the sport. But fine – the video is the focus.
Toto: for now.
Pierre: for now? Oh that sounds like Toto plans on their being a take down.
Toto: yes! But for now the video.
Horner: fine.
Charles: let's do this.
Arthur walked Team Eleanore (as they had named themselves) through the Motorhome and to Ethan's office. Christian knocked on the door – well banged on it as though he was imagining Ethan's face.
Ethan: come in – oh, what are you all doing in my motorhome?
Christian: Charles has informed us of a threat of a video against Eleanore... you are going to delete it.
Toto: immediately, and any copies you have made.
Fred: that video is never to see the light of day.
Ethan: and why the fuck would I do that?
Charles hated how smug he was, if it hadn't been for Pierre's hand on his shoulder, Charles was sure he would have leapt across the table to wipe the smug expression off his face. Pierre spoke softly so only Charles could hear him.
Pierre: you need to breathe ok?
Charles nodded and took a deep breath.
Ethan: so... why would I delete that video?
Charles walked to his desk and dropped the evidence of his affair and the child onto it. print outs of the text messages, photos of them together.
Charles: we also have a few videos of our own, that your Fiancée would find very interesting.
Toto: as would her father, my very good friend.
Ethan: how the hell do you have all of this?
Christian: that doesn't matter, all that matters is – you delete that fucking video, or we will send everything we have to your fiancée and her father. We will also leak it to the press. They can be particularly persistent and brutal when it comes to affairs... trust me. But an affair with a 17-year-old – that is something else entirely. I can hear the questions now: How long has she been 17? How old was she when it started?
Ethan: you fucking sons of bitches.
At that Charles punched him – being smug was bad, threatening Eleanore made him sick, but calling his mum a bitch? Pierre's mum? No. this man needed to learn some fucking manners.
Charles: do not ever call my or Pierre's mums bitches ever again. The only bitch here is you. threatening to destroy Eleanore because she wants nothing to do with your pathetic ass. Now delete the video! NOW!
Christian, Toto, and Fred all looked at each other with big smiles. Pierre was particularly pleased he caught the entire moment on his phone – certain that Kika would enjoy watching it back later. They all stood and waited, watching as Ethan took a USB stick from his coat pocket, plugged it into the laptop and deleted the video. Charles then verified that it was gone from the recycle bin – and did what no one expected and smashed the laptop to pieces.
Charles: you will never threaten her again. Or I will fucking destroy YOU!
He walked out of the office, and straight to the Ferrari garage to get ready for the race. He still had the driver parade, the national anthem, as well as some media appearances. He wanted to go and see Eleanore – but he knew he didn't have time. He would see her at the hotel, he would go there the moment all of the post-race duties were done. Andrea helped him to focus on the race ahead and get into the zone – it wasn't an easy task that day, Charles was bouncing around – on edge.
Andrea: focus, or you will be knocking on her door after a DNF!
Charles: thanks!
They played some football before he went to the car for the recon laps to join the grid. Pole – of course. After the national anthem Pierre, Charles, and Esteban spoke briefly – as was their tradition since 2019.
Pierre: For Antoine.
Charles: For Antoine.
Esteban: For Antoine.
Hugging briefly, then walking to their cars. It was a dream race for Ferrari – a 1, 2 finish. Verstappen taking the final spot on the podium. As they left the podium Verstappen couldn't help but comment on the excitement coming off Charles.
Verstappen: mate you have never been this bouncy and excited after a race – and you are usually crazy happy.
Charles: the moment all the crap here is done, I am going to find Eleanore.
Mick: oh finally!!!!
Verstappen: about time.
Charles rolled his eyes, and rushed to get through his post-race duties. When he got in the car to drive back to the hotel he rushed to the desk.
Charles: hi, sorry, it's an emergency I am looking for Eleanore Leclercq – which room is she in?
Desk: apologies we cannot give out guest information.
He smiled, and took out his phone – deciding to call Kika – she would know.
Kika: hey
Charles: Kika, hey, I am trying to find Eleanore. what room is she in?
Kika: oh Charles, she left.
Charles: what? when?
Kika: Friday – I only found out today... she's gone on vacation – she needed to get away.
His heart broke, he had been so excited to finally get to be with her. he knew there was a chance she wouldn't want him – but he hadn't imagined for even a moment she would have LEFT. His voice was trembling. Charles hung up the phone, and walked defeated to his room. She left, on Friday... that is why he hadn't seen her on Saturday or Sunday. He packed his stuff and decided to leave Belgium as quickly as he could, when he got down to the desk to check out he turned to the receptionist.
Charles: I am sorry for earlier, I know you cannot give information out, and I respect that.
Desk: not to worry.
Charles: if I were trying to find her grandparents... would you know the best way?
Desk: with the surname Leclercq? You will find a lot of people with that name.
Charles: figures. Thank you anyway.
He got into his car and headed to his jet – flying to Nice as quickly as they could fuel it. when he got home he didn't leave his flat for 3 days. He cancelled his vacation plans, and moped around. Pierre and Kika came by on the 4th day of his mope fest, and Kika couldn't take it – seeing how sad he was, after having been so excited only days beforehand. She knew that Eleanore may hate her for doing this – having spoken to her on the phone that very morning and Eleanore asking her not to tell anyone where she was.
Kika: Mallorca.
Charles: what?
Kika: she is in Mallorca.
Pierre: WAIT, you know where she is?
Kika: yes, have done since she left.
Charles: how could you not tell me?
Kika: she asked me not to.
Charles: where in Mallorca??
Kika: Her grandparents villa – here is the address.
Charles grabbed his phone and booked the next flight to Mallorca – throwing clothes into his suitcase.
Pierre: you need to shower...
Charles: fuck.
Kika and Pierre laughed, and left him to it. Charles jumped in the shower – shaved, and then grabbed his things before running out of the apartment. when he landed in Parma he rented a car, and put the address into the GPS – when he got to the villa he rang the doorbell, but got no answer. He went back to one of the hotels he passed on the way and booked a room for the night.