I'd like to thank GeneralBlueberry for this chapter. She, although she herself doesn't believe it, is a good author and better writer, but most importantly, she's a good friend. And no, don't try to ship one speedy boi/GeneralBlueberry, True Disaster ;). Just no... It's disturbing... I don't mean to offend GeneralBlueberry here... Aw shit, I'm getting carried away. On with the story!
"I really must have a word with you, Mr. McQueen," said Justin, trying to keep his professional air. Lightning McQueen gave him a skeptical look. He began motioning with his tire for Cruz to follow, but Ace stopped him. "Alone," he added, trying to sound polite. Justin knew the famous veteran racer adored Cruz like only a father could, and he respected that. He understood Lightning had no reason at all to trust him. Lightning seemed to hesitate before he reluctantly gave the vehicular equivalent of a nod. Justin hummed in satisfaction. Could this actually work out? He swerved around, and Lightning followed him.
Lightning didn't know a thing about this strange Dodge Charger who claimed he had important information to share, nor did he believe anything he said. Perhaps it was his overprotectiveness of Cruz getting to him, but he was almost certain this little 'chat' he and Ace were about to have was about the canary-yellow racer… and it wasn't going to be a good thing.
He trailed Ace until they reached a quaint, yet fancy, café. Ace gave him a pleasant smile that Lightning immediately felt suspicious about. But he made himself comfortable on a velvet carpet as Ace ordered some hot gasoline and a few pastries from a passing waiter. Everything seemed too grand, too beautiful. Lightning's eyes narrowed. The rug he was on was a deep, royal-feeling burgundy color, embroidered with gold thread he instantly felt was real. The lights were large and round, not unlike those at a buffet restaurant, except for the fact that the border was pure silver, encrusted with precious gems. He suddenly realized he was at one of those places-somewhere fit only for the richest cars, somewhere only celebrities and royalty could go. A cup of gasoline would cost all too much. Two and a plate of pastries? Forget it.
"Oh, don't worry," said Ace casually, noticing the entranced look in Lightning's ocean-blue orbs, "I'm paying. You'll find a life as an attorney pays quite well." Lightning nearly leapt up to the ceiling. He snapped his attention to Ace in surprise. He decided to start out strong. "I know you're here to talk about Cruz," he said. Ace waved a tire in the air dismissively. "Half true," he said nonchalantly, "but I'm also here to talk about Jackson Storm." Lightning nearly exploded with rage. "Make it fast," he hissed. Ace gave him a forced grin. "Hey, I don't like Jackson Storm any more than you do. But what I'm about to tell you is absolutely true. If you argue against the evidence, you're practically arguing against yourself." He took a deep, unnecessary breath for dramatics.
"Cruz Ramirez is in love with Jackson Storm."
At first, Lightning was upset beyond belief. This was a joke. It had to be. A total joke. Then he thought a little about it. Could it be true? He took a few seconds to study the television up ahead as he wondered.
"Today, the famed street racer Delta Sigma was seen racing at yet another illegal race. Cops are searching for her at the moment, but they have still seen no sign of her." A picture of a glittering black-and-gold Lamborghini Ankonian, side spray-painted with a gold Delta and Sigma, appeared on the screen. Delta's gaze swept coolly over Lightning, who felt unnerved over the force of the glare behind the grin.
Justin noticed. "Distracted, now are we?" he asked. With a soft click, the TV shut off. "Let's not do that anymore." Lightning sighed. "I believe you," he said. Justin perked up. He blinked in amazement. "Wow, you're taking this well-"
"-I believe you've cracked," continued Lightning, "Cruz would never fall for a cocky, stupid Next-Gen like Storm." So it wasn't time to celebrate. Justin frowned before recollecting himself. "Okay," he said slowly, quietly. His eyes hardened. "But you will believe me once you see my evidence." And with that, he drove off, leaving the steaming pastries untouched.