The general consensus was—surprisingly—Nikki didn’t make enemies. She was a smart ass with those close to her but otherwise, she let her driving do the talking and had earned the respect of her fellow competitors. Nikki said she didn’t know of any disgruntled employees and, despite the rumbling noises she’d made all afternoon and the tinderbox atmosphere at dinner, Adam agreed with her. There was a mutual respect and admiration between Nikki and her crewmen and he didn’t believe any of them would want to harm her. Especially not after seeing their remarkable display of protectiveness. Since she hadn’t dated anyone for quite some time, they nixed the idea of a pissed-off ex-boyfriend, which left them right where they’d started. With nada. “I’m going out with Nate,” Adam said, as Nate rose to leave. “I need to make a phone call and do some checking around. I won’t be gone long.” He waited while Nate hugged Nikki goodbye, then stood and moved to where she sat on the couch.
