Chapter Four – Trust

"Negligence! That's what this is! Caused by a paramedic's foolish pride that nearly got my racer killed! Do you understand me? That son of a Beemer stopped me from going to McQueen, and it nearly killed him! I am his chief. That makes him my responsibility!"

The car and human doctors before me cowered a little. I berated them for a solid half hour, and Dad always said I inherited his ability to scold morons for their idiocy. "We understand completely, Miss—"

"Chief Harley. Maybe some don't honor that title off the track, but you're going to honor it here." I growled.

"Right." the human doctor nodded. "Chief Harley, we will be having a serious talk with that paramedic who did not honor your healer's badge. We will answer to you regarding Mr. McQueen's healing process."

"See that you do." I turned on my heel and marched off. I stomped to the lobby and found the rest of the Radiator Springs crew waiting for me. Even Rusty and Dusty from Rust-eze were there. When they saw me, Sally and Flo gave everyone else a look that caused the group to stay where they were instead of rushing up to me. It seemed the girls had a chat with everyone about overwhelming me with questions. I owed them one.

"So what's the word, Chief?" Rusty asked.

"He's stable and should wake up soon. I'm going to see him in a minute." I explained. "And the doctors are all scared of me."

"Rightly so." Sally said. "I'm ready to sue if you want."

"We'll consider that." I said. "For now, I just want to be with him when he wakes up." I turned to leave, but I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. "Leland, do not say anything. I'm still ticked."

"Just hear this one thing I have to say." Leland requested.

I sighed. "Fine."

"You did the right thing. We're all very proud." Leland said.

I glanced back to him and saw Leland grinning comfortingly. I nodded in thanks and walked off to Lightning's room. Lately, I noticed Leland was always the one to stay calm, even when I'm stressed. Lightning's recovery was not going to be easy. But knowing Leland and the rest of the team stood behind us made the situation more bearable.

Entering Lighting's hospital room brought back the memory of the time Dad had an engine attack during a race. At least he was well enough to wake up and make jokes. Lightning was still asleep. But he must've heard me come in, because he stirred and opened his eyes. Most of his metal hide was still crumpled, dented, or scratched.

"Hey Harley." He greeted sleepily.

"Hey Speed Racer." I said, pulling up a chair. I patted his hood. "How do you feel?"

"Sore." Lightning admitted. "But I want to get out of here as soon as possible."

"Lightning, racing season is over. You have time to heal, and you're going to take the time to heal properly." I insisted. "I won't let you hurt yourself trying to heal faster. On that note, I will use my powers to help you as much as I can. Just remember that it will still take time."

Lightning nodded very small, clearly still in some pain despite the morphine. "I need to thank you, Harley. You saved my life."

"It was nothing." I shrugged.

"No, really." Lightning insisted. "Harley, I felt it. I was dying. I just felt so limp and my life was flashing before my eyes. Thought I even heard Doc scolding me. Then I opened my eyes and you were there. You brought me back. Thank you."

I couldn't be sure if Lightning was lucid or if this was the painkillers talking. So I just smiled and hugged him. "Get some rest. We'll be home soon."

I waited until Lightning fell asleep again before moving to the chair by the window. I stared outside, lost in thought. Sure, I had saved people's lives with my powers before. After all, I got certified as a professional psych-man healer so I could better help people with my abilities. I guess it's different when you're saving the life of someone you love. It never occurred to me that Lightning could crash and be injured in a race. He's never had such a serious wreck. It was always minor scrapes from hitting a wall or something. This wasn't going to be an easy road to travel towards being back to normal.

Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through my camera roll until I found a photo of me, Sky, and Katherine, taken while we were attending the Academy for Psyche Students. Up until we discovered Waller's sinister plot, it was a lot of fun hanging out with them at the academy. Everything from the classes to the musical. Sky and Katherine were the type of friends I could always count on for advice. Sky was driven by emotions. Katherine let logic guide her. I went to them for unbiased opinions. Now, more than ever, I wanted to talk to them about what was happening. But Sky was finishing fire season at Piston Peak and Katherine was on holiday with her family in Africa. Besides, Sky would probably hear about the crash and call me when she could.

I sighed and tucked my phone away. I glanced to Lightning. "Looks like we're on our own, for now."

Of course, Lightning wanted to drive himself home once he was cleared to leave the hospital. I, on the other hand, practically dragged him into Mack's trailer so we could go home. Once we got back to Radiator Springs, I started Lightning's rehabilitation process. That began with me gradually healing him with my powers.

"Bit by bit, day by day, I'm going to help your body recover from your injuries." I explained as I analyzed Lightning's patched-up wounds. "As soon as Ramone can buff out the scratches and dents, we can start training. Before I clear you for that, you're going to stick with casual laps around town, understand?"

"Yes, ma'am." Lightning nodded.

"I mean it, Lightning." I said. "You're going to build your speed back up. With how natural your talent is for speed, it'll be easy. Just don't overwork yourself." Lightning nodded in understanding. "Good. We're not going to rush this, but I'm going to do what I can to speed this along, if that makes any sense."

"It does." Lightning said as I began the healing. "I'm already anxious to get back on the track. But don't do anything that'll hurt you, okay?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Does healing cars ever hurt?"

"It used to. Because I would essentially have to be injured so I could be healed. But since I found my Soul Connect with Finn, it doesn't hurt anymore."

"Good. Just do what you can."

I smiled and patted Lightning's hood. "We're in this together, Speed Racer. I mean, we're basically in the tulips right now, but that doesn't mean we can't get back on track."

"At least I didn't crash into the cactus again." Lightning chuckled.

I glanced at the damage still on Lightning's hide. I would've rather he crashed into cacti.

And so began a new daily routine. I would use my powers to gradually heal Lightning's injuries and then guide him in easy drills to help him regain his strength. He was eager to get back on a track, but I wouldn't let him go faster than forty miles an hour until his body could take it. I've done enough reading on the matter to know that healing Lightning too quickly after such a traumatizing wreck will only hurt him more in the long run. Ramone won't even be able to scrape off the damaged paint until his outer wounds healed a bit more.

Luckily, Lightning proved that even he could be patient. He followed my instructions and let me set the pace. It wasn't long before we could pick up speed, and Lightning gained more and more energy by the day. After a month of healing, Lightning could do sixty-mile-per-hour loops for about half an hour before getting sore. Ramone rewarded him by buffing out the dents and scratches to give Lightning a fresh hide to be painted.

I snickered a little when Lightning came out of Ramone's shop. He was completely grey from the primer, which would need to set before Ramone could paint him. "That's such a weird look on you."

"Aw, thanks." Lightning said, his tone playfully sarcastic. "I've been told I look sexy in primer."

"You sure do." Sally said, nuzzling Lightning lovingly.

"Oh brother." I rolled my eyes. "Just maybe shine your rims a little before going on Date Night."

"Yeah, whatever." Lightning scoffed. "Oh! Speaking of Date Night, I have a little proposition for you, Harley."

"And what would that be?" I asked skeptically.

"Go take the night off and have some fun." Lightning said. "You've earned it."

I stretched my arms a little. "I don't know, Lightning. I'm almost too tired for such a thing."

"Because you've been working yourself so hard to help me." Lightning pointed out.

"You have been working overtime, Harley." Sally agreed. "It's so great how hard you're working to help McQueen, but you need time for yourself."

"So go out and have a nice night. Treat yourself." Lightning said.

I sighed. "If I try and argue, are you going to force me to go out and enjoy myself?"

"Yep!" Lightning nodded.

I laughed. "Okay, fine. I'm off, then." I skated away, gliding down the main street of Radiator Springs. It was a nice day, and the weather called for clear skies tonight. I guess I do deserve a break. But what to do? Honestly, I'd be happy just having a movie night at home.

"Harley!"

Leland's voice startled me, and I turned to see him, Flo, Red, and Lizzie at Flo's café. "Hey, Leland." I said as I skated to him. "What's up?"

"A little bird told me you had some time off tonight." Leland said. "With permission from your family—especially the ones who scare me the most—I'd like to ask your permission to accompany you tonight. Perhaps we could share a meal at the Wheel Well?"

I glanced to Flo, Red, and Lizzie, who shrugged innocently. Leland was indeed quite brave to even suggest that he go on a date with me. "Sounds fun, Leland."

"Wonderful!" Leland looked truly delighted. "Six o'clock?"

"See you there." I agreed. Leland had a little skip to his step as he left.

"That ought to be fun, sweet pea." Flo mused. "Don't you think you should be getting ready?"

"I have time." I assured.

"Isn't it already lunchtime?" Lizzie asked.

My eyes widened, and I checked my phone. "Oh my Dodge it's already two o'clock!" I skated home as fast as my skates would let me. "I have to shower!"

It took maybe an hour to make myself clean and presentable. I spent the next two hours trying to pick an appropriate outfit. While I did that, my mind wandered. I had agreed so quickly to Leland's invitation, but only now did it settle that this was actually a date. A true and honest date. I hadn't been on any kind of date, casual or romantic or otherwise, since my relationship with Brian.

I heard somewhere—maybe it was a book or a line from some cheesy cartoon—that when you see someone through rose-colored glasses, all the red flags just look like regular flags. Brian was kind and sweet. We met at an after-party for a race. He seemed like a cool guy and I was open to getting to know him. Sure, he had his flaws. Didn't everyone? When he showed his true colors, I was shocked. For a moment, I was shocked. Then, I was ready to beat him to a bloody pulp. All I wanted was to hurt him. Even now, I can recall the fear and anger running through me like the very blood in my veins. Brian wanted to do unspeakable things to me. Had I not stopped him, who knows what could've happened?

After that, I truly never even thought of having another relationship like that. No more boyfriends, I told myself. Not even girlfriends. They're only trouble. Yet, here I am, breaking that one promise I made to myself. Maybe it was because Leland was already a friend to me. I knew I could trust him. After all, Finn would trust Leland with his very life. My family trusted him, too.

I chose a simple, navy blue dress with long sleeves and a skirt that went down to my knees. I scanned my rows of skates and rollerblades, deciding on a pair of black rollerblades to match my outfit. I also put on a black headband. Even as I assured myself this would all be grand and dandy, I worried my old fears would resurface and not allow me to have a good time.

It was nearly five-thirty.

"I'm not backing out." I told my reflection. "I'm going to have fun tonight."

Times like this made me wonder if Holley ever felt like this. She and I were both highly-trained spies, yet surely she must feel nervous about normal things like dates. I scanned the diners at the Wheel Well and spotted Leland amongst the outdoor seated patrons. I joined him at his table and ordered a sweet iced tea from the waiter.

"You look lovely, milady." Leland said.

"I see you're back in the suit." I mused.

"This is a blazer." Leland said, tugging at his black blazer that rested over his white button-down shirt. He lifted a foot to show off his shoes. "And these are a casual gentleman's shoe."

I laughed. "You give a whole new meaning to 'city boy.'"

"I'm doing my best to blend in with your country lifestyle, but I'll always be a man of Britain." Leland said. He and I looked over the menu. The conversation appeared to be dead already.

"Sheriff keeping you busy, at least?" I asked.

"Not much crime in this town." Leland said. "But he's been giving me materials that he studied when he was at the academy. It's distracting when I need something to do. Finn still won't let me go on missions, although I'd rather be here to help with McQueen's recovery in any way I can."

"Finn told me to take the time I need to help McQueen heal, and then I can get back into spy work." I said.

"I'm impressed by how well you blended into the field, Harley." Leland said after we ordered our food. "You're a natural."

"Thanks." I said. "It's nice to change things up now and then. Being crew chief and Lightning's trainer is fun, but sometimes I get bored during the off-season."

"How long have you been crew chief for the team?" Leland asked.

"Since my dad died when I was about fifteen." I said. "Lightning trusted me with the job."

"You've been doing marvelously." Leland said. "Truly. I've seen you do amazing things while I was watching you."

I nearly choked on my drink while trying to hold back my laughter. "What?"

Leland seemed to realize what he just said. "No! I meant while I was a ghost and watching over you in a not-creepy way."

"I know. Relax." I laughed. "You and Nick aren't so different, you know. When you had the option to move on after death, you both chose to stay behind and protect the ones you loved. Like guardian angels. I am curious, though: did you ever go to see your family?"

Leland nodded slowly. "A few times. They missed me, yes. But, as time went by, they were able to pass through the phases of grief and move on. Finn, however, blamed himself for my death. I had to stick around to help him cope."

"You're a good friend to do that." I said.

"This coming from the one responsible for McQueen's healing." Leland said. "Your powers are remarkable, and you've taken sole control of this recovery process. You never cease to amaze me, Harley Hudson."

I pushed my food back and forth across my plate. I didn't say anything in response; and Leland, either out of concern or confusion, did not press the matter further. It only took a few more minutes for me to speak my mind. "Leland?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm worried."

"Anyone would be in this situation."

"But I'm worried because there is a chance Lightning won't bounce back from this."

Leland stopped eating mid-chew. He had to take a minute to swallow what was in his mouth. "What are you talking about? You said you were making progress. He can hold sixty miles an hour."

"Yes, but he's going to have to stay at sixty until he regains his strength. That means running laps and doing remedial drills for the next month." I ran my fingers through my blue-streaked hair. "I don't know if Lightning can do it. He has been patient for a while, but I don't expect that patience to last. This wreck…" Flashes of images passed in front of my eyes. Things I saw when I went snooping through Dad's old film reels. "This looks too much like the wreck that ended Doc's career. Lightning was already getting pushed to the edge with Storm and the other Next Gen cars."

Leland reached across the table and took my hand in his own, giving it a squeeze. It still sometimes surprised me to see his human form. "Harley, we all make choices on the paths we take in life. Sometimes, those choices are our own. Sometimes, they are choices others make for us. Often, the choices we make are influenced by those around us. Our friends and family. Even our enemies. But we decide who to listen to. We decide what will govern our choices, and what paths we will take. I've always been a firm believer in doing what you love and making the choices that lead to you being happy."

I took a moment to think about what he said, and I smiled. "I am happy, Leland. My life is crazy right now, but I'm getting on the right path."

"On that note, let me ask you this: are you truly on the path that will make you happy?" Leland asked. "Is this the life you want? Are there any changes you want to make?"

I tapped the rim of my cup thoughtfully. "I don't know."

Leland, like the British gentleman he was, walked me back to Radiator Springs. "I hope this night was enjoyable, Miss Hudson."

"I've told you to never call me that." I scoffed. "You're my friend. And, yes, this was more fun than I thought it would be."

"Good." Leland looked rather proud of himself, as if a successful dinner date were equivalent to taking down a crime boss. He looked ahead and waved. "Hello Mater!"

I also looked down the road and saw Mater, and I noticed a certain racecar trying to hide behind him. He wasn't fast enough, though. "Lightning McQueen! What happened to you?"

Lightning tried to escape, but I threw a force field around him to stop his mad dash away from me. When Leland and I finally got close enough, I saw scratches all over Lightning's hide, a large dent, and a crushed headlight.

"I can explain!" Lightning said.

"You went out to Willie's Butte, didn't you?" I growled.

"Maybe." Lightning whimpered.

The hour sort of passed in a blur. First, I let loose a string of profanities in Lightning's direction. Then I practically dragged him to the clinic so I could heal him. While I healed him, I made absolutely sure he knew how stupid he was for doing what he did. I thought I had made it clear that he wasn't ready to tackle the dirt track. He needed to regain his strength. Lightning didn't answer me beyond "I'm sorry" every few minutes.

When I finished healing his newest wounds, I marched Lightning to the door. "Get your arse home and go to bed!"

"Yes ma'am." Lightning said, driving straight to the Cozy Cone.

Leland and Mater cautiously approached me. "He just wanted to test his limits, Harley." Mater said. "He's itchin' to git back to racing."

"At least it wasn't that bad of a wreck." Leland added.

"Goodnight, gentlemen." I turned and skated home, leaving them in the dust.

The next day, I decided to touch up the streaks in my hair. Don't ask me why. They just happened to look faded. Plus, I needed a distraction to help ease my frustration. So I pulled out the hair dye, tin foil, and paintbrushes and got to work in the bathroom. The royal blue of the dye mixed with the rusty brown of my hair resulted in the cobalt blue that matched Dad's paintjob. I didn't bother with gloves. At this point, I really did not care if my fingers were stained for a month. Gathering the faded blue streaks, I painted them over with more dye and wrapped each one in tin foil to set. Sometimes I would use my fingers to brush the dye through my hair.

As I finished, I stared into the eyes of my reflection and analyzed their crystal blue color. They were Doc's eye color. I learned through personal research that eye color is a hereditary gene. Even so, for the longest time, I was convinced everyone in the world had their own unique eye color. That's not the case, obviously. But this shade of blue. What were the odds that Doc and I would both have it? The idea of nature vs. nurture was often debated between me and Finn regarding my relationship with and similarities to Doc.

A knock on the door caused my spy instincts to kick in, and I reached for the gun that would've been in a holster at my hip. Shaking myself out of my spy mindset, I went to answer the door and saw Lightning.

"Harley, what I did was really stupid. Please forgive me." Lightning said.

I sighed. "I should have been more open about this process, Lightning. I don't blame you for being impatient. It's my own fault for—"

"Harley, this is not your fault." Lightning insisted. "Look, I need to get back into the racing scene; and I can't do that without you. I'm so sorry to put this much pressure on you, but we need to work as a team to get through this. Look, whatever I need to do, whatever you think needs to be done, we'll do it. No complaints. No questions. I trust you, Harley."

I stared at Lightning, and I nodded firmly. "Okay. You're on bed rest. Three weeks, maybe four. We'll continue the gradual healing. After bed rest, we get you back into shape. You've got racer instinct on your side. It won't take long to get you back in the game. We are a team, Lightning. Tell me if you want to change anything. For now, I'll take care of you."

Lightning smiled. "You always do. You ready for this?"

I grinned. "Let's do it."