One Step Too Far: Chapter Four

"Agent Zero: The Reveal"

The Laguna finally gave his name and identity. Sally seemed very interested, but she didn't show it because she fears Lightning would get jealous. "Ohhhh okay. Don't worry about the building, no one uses it anyway, what's more important is you're okay. Is there anything we can do for you, Mr. Vitesse?" she offered. Toni didn't want to seem like a burden, so he refused politely. "Ooohh, non non non, iz okay..." he expressed, but his body clearly showed signs of great damages such as open scrapes and deep dents. "Sir, an "okay" car does not have wounds like these! You need a doctor" she insisted. Toni gave in to her help, as he actually did need to be treated, the pain was so severe. Without further ado, he was towed away by Mater to the nearest garage to be fixed. While he was, he took one last glance at Sally and McQueen, and he gave them a rather adoring look, as if to say "Thank you"

"Awwww" Sally cooed. "And you stood up for him, my hero" she gave McQueen a kiss on the cheek. McQueen blushed lightly, knowing he did good. "Ohohohho honey, not in front of CHROME" he giggled, embarrassed. Then the two focused their attention on the other new addition to the agency, the navy Insignia. "And who might you be? I've never seen you before" Lightning inquired. "Aahhh ahem yes, I apologize. I am co-administrator, James Harvey Fenderson!" he announced proudly. The crew all greeted James with all smiles and comments. "And I wouldn't say I am new, I was a part of CHROME a long time ago, but I had to leave for a while due to personal issues, but now I am back" he explained. "So, that explained why we didn't see you fight the Lemons, right?" Lightning estimated. "Sadly, yes, but fear not, fellow citizens! James is back in town!" he declared with an open smile. Everyone applauded for his return to the authority.

Lightning then remembered about the FundRacer scheme. He decided to use the opportunity to ask the spies if they have info on it. "Hey, umm...I was wondering...do any of you know such a thing called "FundRacer" ?" he requested. Holly was first to answer. "Oh! Yes, yes! Well...I do anyway. It came up as an ad while I was browsing the internet. Apparently they are an isolated organization who only has 5 branches elsewhere. They arrange locations for racing, then they rely on public donations, and those funds go to cars in need. That's all I know about it" she told. "Oh! That's exactly what Ramone told us" McQueen referred. "And if we hear the exact same thing from a spy, it can't possibly be a scam right?" he added. "Scam? Hohoh no! We did some investigation on it, and we were given crystal clear proof that it is, one hundred percent real, no sinister plots, no intentions, nothing of that kind" Holley assured. "Really? Wow! Thank you so much! This explains everything!" Lightning expressed with gratitude. "So can we go Lightning? Can we, can we, can weeee?" Guido bugged once again. "Guido, just wait please. I need to speak with Mater!" McQueen replied.

Roughly after 20 minutes, Mater finally came back. "Dadgum! Those cuts went all the way down to the core! I dun' seen shallower holes on the Moon!" Mater remarked. "Poor Toni..." Sally mumbled. James shared his pity. "Yes..oh yes, that poor little sod. He came to us a few months ago. We thought he was perfect for the job. He had everything we were looking for, except for one, distinctive flaw...He cannot control his fear of flight" James admitted, shaking his front in shame. "Because of this, he often loses all confidence and crashes frequently, like he did there a while ago" James pointed to the still existing hole in the wall of the empty flat. "Oh dear, the poor thing" Sally uttered. "But not to worry, he is a very hardy breed and always pulls through whatever life gives him. He'll be alright, I'm sure" he added, comforting Sally. "I hope" she conveyed. "Ahh wonderful...well, we best be heading off now. Vitesse will have to stay here until he is in full health again, but we can pick him up whenever he's ready" James explained. McQueen and Sally nodded, the rest of the crowd bidded farewell to the agents, as they watched Siddeley rise up over the ground and blitz off into the sky, not a flicker afterwards to be seen.

"Well, there they go" McQueen stated. And now that the spies were gone, Lightning could finally ask the question, the answer of which will depend on Mater's inclusion of the EGP as his director. "Listen umm...there is something I need to ask you, a favour rather" McQueen told. "Sure buddy, what ish it?" Mater replied, all ears. "Would you like to...to go to a..." Lightning hesitated "To go to the European Grand Prix?" he finally managed. "Huh? Where's Europe? Isn't that in Spain or shomethin'?" Mater thoughtlessly tossed out. A few of the crew could be seen with tyres over their windshields over Mater's cluelessness. "Ermm no Mater, the other way round. Europe is a continent, and Spain is a part of Europe, which I hear, is also one of the locations where one of the races will be held" McQueen stated. "Coool! Mind if I come with? I wanna see ya kick some asphault!" the tow truck cheered. Lightning still maintained his seriousness. " You can come..IF...you behave appropriately, and not to make a spectacle of yourself. I know I said I'd take you to these from now on, but on the other hand, you mustn't let me down! I'm counting on you, partner!" he explained. Mater understood, and he swore on his oath that he'd act like an educated and appropriate individual in public places. This relieved Lightning a lot more, knowing his best friend won't let him down this time...