Speed's Revenge

Sparky paced back and forth, checking his watch every few seconds. "Where the heck is he? He said he wanted to get in some practice today. I show up, make sure the Mach Five is ready to go and he freakin' disses me! He isn't even answering his cell phone." He stopped his frenetic pacing when he saw Zoomer walking towards him. "I bet Slick knows where he is."

"Yo' dude, what's happening?" Zoomer asked.

"Nothing because your buddy Speed hasn't shown up yet. He said he'd be here before noon and now it's almost one. He have a late night?"

Slick shook his head. "Not that I know of. He said he was gonna stay home. Maybe he ended up goin' out, but from the way he was acting, I doubt it."

Sparky's curiosity was piqued. "How was he acting?"

"He was just acting...weird. He's was really quiet and kind of out of it. He said it was because he was in a bad mood. I dunno... I think maybe that knock to the head was bothering him more than he let on or maybe he was royally pissed off because of that jackass, Bradley. You how much Speed hates being played like that. I didn't see what happened, but that Bradley dude sounds like a grade "A" jerk."

"He sure is. I got there right after the fight started. I don't think Speed even got to throw in a punch because he said that Bradley hit when his back was turned. Then, kicked him when he was down, right in the head! Janine said if I ever acted like that, she'd dump me on the spot and she wondered why Trixie would put up with it." He shrugged. "I told her that maybe it was a onetime thing. Bradley did say that he was drunk. I just hope he doesn't act up at the wedding. Janine is worried enough about things going well and she doesn't need this aggravation added to the mix."

"Maybe you should ban the guy from the reception," Zoomer said.

Sparky shook his head. "I can't do that. We'll just have to cross our fingers that all the parties involved behave like adults."

"You think Speed will?"

"He'd better."

"Well, you can ask him yourself because he's finally here." Zoomer motioned towards the sleek, black sports car that pulled into the lot, music blasting from the speakers.

"About time," Sparky said. He watched as Speed slowly emerged from the car and tossed a cigarette butt on the ground. "I hate when he does that. You think he'd care about the environment, even a little."

"You oughta know by now that he only cares about himself. I mentioned pollution one time and he just laughed and said, Why should we care? We drive race cars for a living. We pollute the air every time we pull out onto the track!"

"Typical." He crossed his arms as Speed joined them. "You're late," he said in an accusatory tone of voice. "I called you, why didn't you answer?"

"Sorry, but my cell phone doesn't work in the urgent care clinic."

Zoomer and Sparky exchanged glances. "Urgent care clinic?" the mechanic asked.

"Yeah," Speed said as he lit up a cigarette, "I was feeling dizzy and still had a headache this morning. So, I went to the clinic. Doctor said I've got a mild concussion." He didn't mention the fact that he also had a whopper of a hangover, thanks to the nearly two bottles of Petron he'd consumer the previous evening. Although, he didn't really remember too much of what happened after he started drinking, he was pretty sure Bunny had been there and must have left sometime during the night. He woke up that morning on hard cement of his patio, wearing only his blue jeans. How long he had been there he didn't know. It must have been a while as his back was stiff when he finally rose. He didn't tell them that, of course. All he said was, "Doc said that I need to take it easy for a few days and I'll be fine. It's not the first concussion I've had and I'm sure it won't be the last."

"Did the doctor also tell you that you shouldn't be driving?" Sparky asked.

Speed scoffed, "I'm fine. Drove here didn't I?"

"Yes, you did. But do you think it's wise to drive the Mach Five? It's in a different league from one of your every day cars."

"Like I said, I'm fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta change into my gear" He tossed the cigarette on the ground, stomped it out with his foot and quickly lit another one.

The men watched as he walked towards the locker room. "Looks okay to me," Zoomer commented.

Sparky nodded, but wondered just how much of Speed's words were bluster. "Maybe. But, I think I'd better keep an eye on him. One erratic maneuver and he's bringin' that car back into the pit."

"Good luck getting him to do that," Zoomer said. "He won't listen to you." The sound of a car's engine caught his attention, he turned towards the noise and noticed a gold Jaguar coming pulling into a spot. "That isn't who I think it is, is it?"

Sparky groaned as the Jag's engine shut down. "Yes it is. I wonder what they want?"

"That dude Bradley must have a death wish," Zoomer said with a bit of excited glee in his voice.

"Either that, or he's just plain stupid," Sparky said flatly.

--

Speed left the locker room and was surprised to see Bunny waiting for him. "What are you doing here?"

She shrugged. "I was, like, going for a walk and came by to, like, say hi."

"Oh." He eyed her, she was looking at him oddly. "I don't remember you calling and asking if you could see me today."

Her face reddened. "I'm sorry...I forgot. I can, like, leave if you want."

He sighed and lit another cigarette. "Well, you're here now, so you might as well stay."

"Thanks, Speedy!"

"Whatever. Just call next time, okay? 'Cause it wouldn't be cool for you to show up if I had someone with me. Know what I mean?" He was back to his old, cocky self, it was as if the events of the previous evening had never occurred.

She nodded. "Yes. Because, like, I'm not your girlfriend or anything. Right?"

"Yep. Remember that," he said pointedly.

"Like I could ever forget..." she said more to herself than to him.

He squinted in the sun's glare wishing he'd thought to wear his sunglasses. He blinked when he saw the gold Jaguar. "Oh man, I can't believe it..." He quickly strode towards Sparky and Zoomer, followed by Bunny who had a hard time keeping up. "What are they doing here? Bradleeeee must have a death wish!"

"Told ya," Slick said in an aside to Sparky as Speed clenched his fists and glared at the Jag and its occupants.

"Speed, cool your jets," the mechanic warned him.

"Don't worry, I've got everything under control." He whipped out his cell phone and hit the one of the preset buttons. "Bruno, see that Jaguar? That's the creep I want you and your guys to keep an eye on. You know what to do if he makes even one funny move." Speed flipped the phone shut and pocketed it. "Done," he said with a smug smile. "Guy's toast if he comes within five feet of me."

"Chill out, Speed," Sparky warned him. "I don't want you starting any trouble."

"Who said I would? I just wanted to let Bruno and his boys get themselves ready to intervene in case Gatsby there tries to start anything. I'm not raising a fist." He glanced towards a dark blue car which sat away from the other vehicles in the lot. "My boys have everything covered. There won't be any trouble."

--

"Well, are you going to come with me to apologize to Speed?" Trixie asked, the tone of her voice telling Bradley that she wouldn't deal with any nonsense.

"It's not on the top of my list of desired activities," Bradley stated, then winced under Trixie's glare. "Though, it looks like I've got no choice in the matter."

"No, you don't," she said. "What you did yesterday was reprehensible, not to mention embarrassing to me. I told you how I feel about Mom and Pops, you even agreed with me that they were wonderful people. How you could ruin their party the way you did?"

"Darling, I already explained to you and them that I was not used to imbibing sub-par ale and it affected me in the most deplorable manner. If you're embarrassed you can't even begin imagine how I feel. Getting inebriated is not something I'm proud of. I am sorry about making such a scene," he said hoping that Trixie couldn't tell that he felt no remorse for his actions. In fact, he reveled in what he perceived as a victory over Speed Racer.

"Remember that when you speak with Speed," she said as she alighted from the car, while he stayed where he was. "Bradley, let's go and get it over with."

With a sigh he nodded and joined her. "Once we are through, Patricia, I'll take you to lunch at the finest restaurant in town and we can put this matter to rest at last."

"You bet you will!" Holding hands, they walked towards the Go Team's pit.

--

Speed watched with disdain as they approached. "I don't know which one of them I hate more," he said with a scowl. "Think I'm gonna get a cup of coffee" Having just finished one cigarette, he lit up another. "I'll be back after the gruesome twosome leave."

"I'll wait here," Bunny said as he walked towards the commissary, knowing that he probably forgot she was even there.

"I thought he said that he was in control of things?" Zoomer asked.

Sparky shook his head. "I don't think so. It's all a front. Look at the way he's been chain smoking. That's a sure sign that he's nervous. What happened yesterday really upset him. He doesn't trust Bradley and I can't say I blame him. That guy could easily go after Speed and be done before those bodyguards even get to him."

"Dude's mental," Zoomer remarked.

"I agree..." Sparky said.

"Hi guys," Trixie said in a soft, almost shy, voice. Bradley stood mutely by her side. "I um...I'm looking for Speed. I thought I saw him here when we pulled up."

"He went to get a cup of coffee."

"Oh. I guess we can wait, right Bradley?" she asked her fiancé.

He nodded. "Yes, I suppose we can, but only for a few minutes."

"I'm not sure how long he's going to be. He's not feeling all that great. I honestly don't know why he's even here today. The doctor said he should take things easy," Sparky commented.

"Speed saw a doctor?" Trixie asked.

"Yes, he went the urgent care clinic this morning. Turns out he's got a concussion." The mechanic shot a look in Bradley's direction.

"Oh no!" Trixie exclaimed. "Is he going to be alright?"

"He'll be fine. But, it could be a concern down the road because multiple concussions can lead to brain damage. He's had more than one since he started racing you know."

Trixie glared at her fiancé. "See what you did? You seriously injured him!"

"I didn't mean to do that, honestly," Bradley said, lying through his teeth, he was thrilled with the idea that he had hurt Speed and only wished the damage had been worse. "It was the alcohol. Is it my fault that Mr. Racer's taste in ale leaves much to be desired?"

"Funny how nobody else who drank the same beer got drunk like that," Zoomer sneered.

The blonde man shrugged. "Perhaps it's because they are used to drinking that sort of swill and I'm not."

"Hey, I like that swill!" Zoomer exclaimed with a touch of anger in his voice.

"I meant no offense," Bradley said sounding almost as smarmy as Slick at his best. "I do sometimes think before I speak. Most unbecoming."

"Ha!" Zoomer laughed. "That's 'zactly what Speed does! Maybe you two dudes are related!"

"Heaven forbid," Bradley said in a voice only Trixie could hear. Once again, he was the object of her deadly glare.

Bunny glanced over at Trixie. "She has no idea how he feels about her." She sighed, wishing there was some way to make Speed fall in love with her, but knowing it was futile. "At least I should be happy he gives me more attention than any other girl."

Her thoughts were interrupted by Sparky. "Bunny, would you mind seeing what's taking Speed so long? Let him know that Trixie and Bradley are here and need to speak with him."

"Okay!" she said a bit too enthusiastically.

They watched her as she walked off, her body moving as if in time to music. "Damn, can Racer pick 'em or what?" Zoomer exclaimed.

Sparky nodded, Bunny was easy on the eyes but definitely not his type.

"Trollop," Bradley muttered in disgust as he watched her.

--

About ten minutes later, Bunny walked back to the group along with a sour-faced Speed who made it quite clear to her that he wanted to stay in the commissary. But, a promise of some afternoon delight was enough to change his mind.

"They've got a helluva nerve showing their faces on my turf," Speed growled.

"Speedy, please smile," Bunny whispered. "Pretend that you're, like, talking to the press."

"The press," he groused, not caring who heard, "I don't like them any more than those wastes of skin over there!"

"Like, be nice, baby and I promise I will make it, like, so worth your while!" she cooed.

A thrill went through him at that thought, though he kept his cool. "Yes you will, I'll make sure of it." His words weren't delivered as a threat, just a statement of fact.

She squeezed his hand and smiled in her seductive way.

He stood before Bradley and Trixie, arms crossed, a stern expression on his face. "You two got somethin' to say?"

Trixie gulped, "Yes."

"Fine. Then, spit it out and get lost!"

"Go on Bradley," Trixie nudged her fiancé.

Bradley heaved a sigh. "I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday, Speed. It was most unbecoming, especially to a man of my breeding," he said, grinning broadly, his voice oozing with false sincerity.

Speed wanted more than anything to wipe smug expression off the man's face. Instead he returned the smile and said, just as insincerely, "No problem. I know it's hard for you upper-crust types to deal with real, blue collar men. We're a tough bunch, guys with calloused hands and bodies to match. But, when we fight, we do it fair." His eyes narrow ever so slightly on those last words, though the grin was still on his face.

Trixie, Janine and Bunny all exchanged glances. It was Bunny who came to the rescue before the men could get in another altercation. "Speedy, could I, like, borrow a ciggie?"

"Huh?" He turned to her. "I thought you only smoke after we have se..." he stopped short, sighed, lit a cigarette and handed it to her. "Can't figure you out sometimes."

She giggled and kissed him on the cheek. "Like, you're too sweet, Speedy baby!"

"I am," he said. "I guess I'd better get some practice in 'cause I got a feeling I won't have any more time to do it until after the wedding."

"So... Is everything okay now between you and Bradley?" Trixie asked.

Speed couldn't help but notice the expression of remorse on her face. In spite of himself, he could feel his heart softening a little. "Sure, Trix, everything's cool, forgive and forget and all that BS."

"Good," she said.

"I guess there are no hard feelings, then?" Bradley stuck out his hand.

With a slight moment of hesitation, Speed shook it. "None at all. In fact, I'd like to show you just how I feel by taking you for a spin in the Mach Five." He motioned towards the sleek, white machine which stood at the ready.

"Oh, Bradley, how exciting!" Trixie exclaimed.

"I've already ridden in a race car." he said. "I found it quite...unspectacular."

Speed shrugged. "Sure, a regular old race car is pretty boring. But, I'm talking about the Mach Five here. She's a whole different breed of car."

Trixie squeezed Bradley's arm. "Oh, you have to do it! It's so unbelievably fun and exciting!"

The gleam in her eyes made the decision for him. "Alright, I'll do it for you my darling." He smirked in Speed's direction before giving Trixie a kiss.

Speed tried not to show his disgust. "Ugh," he said to himself, "how can she kiss that creep?"

--

"You might want to wear this," Speed handed Bradley a crash helmet.

Bradley shook his head. "Why would I have the need for such a thing? I'm sure, with your famed driving skills, no harm shall come to us."

"Accidents can happen, even with the best driver on the planet," Speed said without a trace of conceit. "Besides, it's a track rule. No helmet, no ride."

"Fine," Bradley said as he inspected the inside of the thing. "Has this been treated with an antibacterial agent?"

"A what?" Speed laughed hysterically. "You've got to be kidding! Just put the damn thing on your head and stop worrying about catching germs, fleas, the mange...whatever!"

The bespectacled man grimaced and donned the helmet. He watched as Speed leaped into the car. "Obnoxious show-off." For a moment he thought of doing the same and, wisely, decided against it. He opened the door and lowered himself into the cockpit.

"Figure's he's too much of a wimp do what I do. Jerk." Speed turned to Bradley. "You all buckled up and ready to go?" He smiled inwardly as he watched Bradley struggle with the Mach Five's unique seat belt. "Not like the ones you're use to, eh? My old man set this up, he wanted to make sure his blue-eyed, baby boy was going to be safe in any race."

He reached over to help and had his hand shoved away. "I can do it!" He glanced at Speed, noting how his belt was buckled and managed to do the same.

"Stupid noob," Speed said to himself as he grinned and shook his head. "All set?" He didn't wait for an answer as he started the car and its powerful engine roared to life. "I'll start off nice and slow because the G-forces can be pretty harsh."

"Don't go easy on account of me."

"Okay, I won't." Speed glanced at him as he grabbed the gearshift. He grinned inwardly as he turned his attention to the track. "Prepare yourself for the ride of your life, loser." He step hard on the accelerator and the Mach Five took off like a rocket. They went around the first turn, Speed quickly turned to look at Bradley who stared straight ahead, face expressionless. "Enjoying the ride?" he asked through his head set. The man next to him nodded, eyes still on the road. The color seemed to have drained from his face. "He's lookin' kinda sickly. Good!" He stepped a bit harder on the gas, the Mach Five was now going close to 175 MPH. He grinned, the car hadn't even come close to its full potential. "Here's where the ride gets really interesting!" he said. There was still no reaction from Trixie's fiancé.

While he might not have shown any emotion, Bradley was petrified. He'd never ridden in a car so fast and powerful. His pounding heart was almost as loud as the Mach Five's engine and he was sure that it would burst out of his chest before long. It didn't help that Speed wore the smile of a mad man as he flew around the track. "He's crazy!"

"Having fun?" Speed asked, amused that Bradley seemed unable to respond coherently as the only sound coming over his headset was rapid breathing and a few stifled sobs. "Let's make these last few minutes the most exciting of Bradleeee's life!" He narrowed his eyes, grinned and gunned the Mach Five, bringing the car to its limit. Upon coming up to the first turn again, the car skidded and seemed as if it was going to crash at any moment, although Speed was completely in control. "I'm enjoying this way too much," he thought.

"What the hell's he doin' out there?" Zoomer wondered.

"Giving Bradley a ride he'll never forget," Sparky responded.

At the second turn, Speed again put the car into a skid. He glanced at Bradley who was night the color of chalk. "One more lap, and I'm bringing her in," he said. Bradley nodded mutely. Speed grinned. They went another lap and Speed the car pulled towards the pit. "Gotta do a couple of figure eights, just like I do every time I win," he mused, noting that he had won this round with Bradley. He whooped in victory and then pulled into the pit. The car slowed to a stop. He killed the engine. "Enjoy the ride he?" he asked, the picture of innocence.

Bradley glared at him and stumbled from the car, hand over his mouth. He collapsed to the ground and vomited.

Speed grinned as he looked down at the wretched sight. "I'd say that makes us even, Bradley old boy."

Bradley slowly rose, wiped his mouth and wagged his finger in Speed's face. "You are insane and need to be locked away in an asylum!" He grabbed Trixie by the hand. "Come, Patricia, let us get away from this madman and his killing machine!" She glanced toward the group, then shrugged as Bradley dragged her to their car.

Speed noticed that the expression on her face was one of amusement combined with a small amount of disdain towards her fiancé. "Bradley's not all that, is he Trixie?" He smiled and said with a wink, "Concussions can make a guy do the strangest things." He turned to Bunny, "C'mon, let's get outta here. I'm feeling kinda frisky!"

Sparky watched them walk away. "That Speed is a sly one," he chuckled.

Slick laughed. "Yeah, that was pretty cool. But... don'tcha think this little war between the two of them might've just escalated?"

The mechanic slowly nodded. "Yeah. And I've got a feeling it's just gonna get worse before it gets better."