Disclaimer: I own nothing except what is made up by me so if you sue me all you get is lots of . . . nothing.

A/N: Second installment is here, Racer fans! In case you were wondering and have not read my profile page yet, I handwrite all my fics before and while I type them, which is why it takes me a while to publish them. I really DO care about my readers and want my fics to please you guys. Hopefully, this chapter will not disappoint! As always, reviews are welcome and flamers are appreciated because they help me improve my writing.


In the vast building that was known as Royalton Industries; two time winner of the Grand Prix, five time WRL champion and Grand Scale Cheater, Jack 'Cannonball' Taylor lounged in luxury. Jeanie, Royalton's assistant, was giving the company's top driver a soothing massage. Taylor was relaxed but he was far from content.

Five days ago, he had lost the Grand Prix. Five days ago his boss had been thrown in jail. Five days ago, the Hall of Fame had been denied him, and for five days, Cannonball Taylor had thought of nothing except getting back at the rookie who was responsible for it all. Speed Racer had humiliated him in front of millions and the little punk was going to pay for it.

"Hey Jeanie, could you pause for a minute and get Firetoll on speaker? We have business to discuss."

"Whatever you like, Mr. Taylor." The assistant breathed as she complied. The screen in front of Cannonball crackled to life and revealed a middle-aged, snappy-dressed man with slicked back red locks and predator eyes. He had a deep, menacing voice and he spoke coldly.

"What do you want, Taylor?!"

"You're in a bad mood today, Firetoll. Racer rejected your offer as I knew he would. He won't sign with anyone. I think we should cease this approach and go with a more. . . . direct approach. One that is costly yet efficient. Got me?"

"The bounty? But I thought Royalton intended it to last until the Grand Prix was over. 'A million dollars to the driver who takes out Racer.' That was the deal."

"No you idiot. Royalton wanted that punk gone! PERIOD! I don't blame him either, which is why I'm not only reviving the bounty, I'm going to raise it: Ten million dollars to anyone who takes out Racer—on or off the track. That should frighten the brat into signing with you."

"Ah, I see! The bounty will only be lifted if I have Racer for a driver. This I like. You are a conniving little weasel aren't you?"

"I try. Pleasure doing business with you, Firetoll."

"The pleasure is all mine, Taylor." The screen went blank and Cannonball lay down again, grinning evilly. If things went as planned, Speed Racer wouldn't survive to become Firetoll's driver. It's hard to drive a T-180 when you're dead.

GOSPEEDGOSPEEDGOSPEEDGO

He was the most fearless racer to ever drive a T-180. He was a mystery. He was the silent and respected Masked Racer. He was the Harbinger of Boom; when he showed up at a race other drivers trembled in fear.

He was trapped in his own car with Inspector Detector, heading once again to the place he had been successfully avoiding—until Casa Cristo.

He was so screwed.

"This is a bad idea."

"You said that before."

"I'm saying it again. This. . .is a bad. . .idea."

"Why?"

The question caught him off guard. The inspector knew his background. Heck, he'd provided the funds for the surgery! However, as with most of Inspector Detector's questions that delved in the personal, the simple inquiry had numerous implications. Racer X tried to come up with an answer but found that he couldn't, so he simply said,

"I don't know."

The inspector knew that 'I don't know' usually meant 'I'm avoiding the question because I can't give you a credible answer' so he let the matter drop as they arrived at their destination and got out of the Shooting Star.

"We both know this is the only way he will be protected. Just keep your head and everything will be fine. Ring the doorbell."

Racer X hesitated then complied.

Once again the door was opened by the youngest Racer boy. This time, however, Spritle did not go screaming that the Harbinger of Boom was at the door. Instead, the inspector and Racer X were let in peacefully. As soon as the family was gathered, the inspector cleared his throat and began the meeting.

"I'm sorry that this visit is not a pleasure call. We are here because Speed is in very serious danger."

Pops folded his arms, "But Royalton and that fixer Cruncher Block are both behind bars. How can Speed be in danger?"

"Neither Royalton nor Cruncher Block is the threat here, Mr. Racer, although RI is in a way responsible for this new threat. I'm sure you all remember Cannonball Taylor."

Spritle piped up,"Yeah! That big cheat with a spearhook nearly cost us the Grand Prix!"

The inspector nodded, "That stunt cost Taylor the Hall of Fame. Speed humiliated him by exposing Taylor's true nature to the world, then taking first place out from under him just added to the insult."

Mom Racer raised an eyebrow in comprehension, "So, Mr. Taylor wants revenge."

"Bingo. Speed, I don't know if you knew this, but before the Grand Prix began Royalton put a bounty on you; a million dollars to the driver who took you out."

Speed grit his teeth, "That's why I almost didn't make it out of the blocks."

"He would have preferred that you'd never make it out of the locker room. That's not the point. The point is that Taylor has revived the bounty. Not only has he revived it, he's taken one step further than Royalton and has raised it as well. The price is now ten million dollars."

Sparky whistled, "That's a lot of dough. I'm guessing Taylor's really out of his mind. Ten million to take out a driver on the track is throwing that driver to the wolves."

Inspector Detector nodded, "Correct except the danger here is not only on the track but off it as well. That is why I have arranged for Racer X to be your protection. He'll guard the house and your lives against all threats. As for on the track, Speed I know you can handle yourself out there but as a precaution Racer X will be racing with you even when he's racing against you. If anything goes badly with the other drivers, just signal and X will remind everyone why he is known as the Harbinger of Boom. Remember, Speed, these people will do anything for money so be careful."

Speed shifted uneasily, "I will Inspector."

The young driver could barely contain his fidgeting. A bounty on his head, an ally in his races, and Racer X, the Harbinger of Boom, was staying at his house! There were so many questions he wanted to ask Racer X. the Masked Racer seemed to know a lot about Rex and racing tricks, so, despite the circumstances, the young racer was overly thrilled.

As Speed looked at Racer X, he noticed that the older man shifted his weight ever so slightly every few seconds, as if he were. . . uncomfortable in this position. Speed couldn't put his finger on it but he knew that something about the assignment bothered the Masked Racer. Speed was too excited to bother with details at the moment and the curiosity dissipated as a plan of security was being discussed. Speed would never know how close to the truth his instincts had been concerning the Masked Racer's discomfort about his situation. The discomfort grew worse during the discussion and reached a peak when the decision was made that X stay in Speed's room.

This wouldn't be a problem except that Speed currently stayed in the room that was once occupied by Rex Racer.


Why is that a problem? Well, if you've seen the movie you'll know why but if you haven't, you'll have to either wait and see because I'll address it in the next chapter-or turn the computer off right now and run to Blockbuster and RENT THE FILM then BUY it and then come back and read on! STAY TUNED, there's more to come!