SEVENTY ONE – BAD NEWS

“What did you say?” Luke asked in disbelief.

“The car was found and has been returned to its position, your lordship. Our engineers have checked it and nothing seems to be wrong.”

“Is this some kind of sick joke? What the hell is going on here?”

The engineer shook his head.

“Yes, sir. I actually do believe someone is trying to play games.”

“Where were the guards when the car was taken? Where was it found?”

“Er… Luke?” Nina called, her lips pulled in an uneasy smile.

“Yes?”

“You’re still on stage.”

Appalled, Luke turned to see nearly half of the audience looking at him like he’d gone psycho. His ears heated in embarrassment but he was saved when the MC climbed atop the stage and said;

“Your lordship, you’ve got barely fifteen minutes to showcase your invention. The judges are waiting.”

That statement immediately propelled Luke into action.

“Yes, yes, of course.”

He regained control of the microphone and addressed the crowd.

“I’m deeply sorry that you all had to witness that but we see