Chapter 17. - Court Part 1. -
Next morning:
"Get up!" Doc said "It's five-thirty, time for training."
Lightning groaned as he rolled out of bed.
"Sally wanted to come with me this morning," Lightning said as he gently shook her "Sally, wake up. Do you still want to come to my training?"
"Of course." Sally said sleepily "I promised I would come."
"I can see… *clears his throat* I was not the only one that got some action last night." Doc said as he noticed their nakedness "And you gave me hell."
"We didn't do that." Lightning grumbled "You and Sophia were the only ones that got laid."
"We only played around last night." Sally said "Which I totally enjoyed."
"Did you have to tell him that?" Lightning complained "You know I'm never going to hear the end of it."
Doc laughed "Come on, get dressed." He said "Scarlett is waiting for us in the living room. With the curfew, the town is quiet… for now."
An hour and a half later: Lightning was speeding around Willy's Butte at seventy miles per hour. Somehow, word had gotten to the media and there was about fifty reporters and camera cars recording his workout. Officers from the sheriff's department and the state police kept them well back from the track. Lightning did fifty-nine laps, before having to stop.
"Good job Kiddo!" Doc said obviously satisfied "Bring it in, that's enough for now."
By the time Lightning drove over to Sally and Doc he was in a fair amount of pain, but he tried to hide it.
"What hurts?" Doc asked, glancing at Lightning "And don't tell me nothing."
"…Nothing!" Lightning said defiantly "I'm fine!"
He hit a small bump and yelped in pain.
"Yeah, you look like you're perfectly fine." Doc said sarcastically "Tell me what hurts, or I'll drag your butt to my office and find out for myself… I haven't done a body cavity search in a while."
"The usual, my axle." Lightning said "It's a lot better than yesterday."
"You made good progress today." Doc said "I think you need to go get some rest before court starts. It starts at one p.m., so I'll wake you up in a couple hours so we can go through last minute details."
"That sounds great." Sally said "I don't normally get up early, so I'm going to need a nap too."
Together, Lightning and Sally drove back to her apartment. When they got there, they snuggled on the couch and immediately fell asleep. They were woken up by Doc and Scarlett a couple hours later. Lightning, Doc, Sally, and Scarlett drove to Doc's office. Reporters were shouting questions the entire time they were on the street. Scarlett and the rest of the police cars kept everyone back.
"Chick and Justin are going to be here soon." Doc said once they were in his office "Who knows what kind of shenanigans they are going to pull."
"What!" Lightning said "I thought they would be here by now."
"They're staying in the next town." Sally said "There is no place for them to stay and quite frankly nobody wants them here."
"Can you blame them?" Lightning said as a shot of pain ripped through his entire underside. Doc and Sally gave Lightning a concerned look. "I'm fine, I just hurt. Can we ask the judge to send Chick to jail for what he's done?"
"No, the only thing we can ask for is to have him suspended, fined, and pay your medical expenses." Doc said "Do you remember anything else from the wreck?"
"No." Lightning said after thinking for a moment "I can vaguely remember Chick saying something before he hit me, but it could be my subconscious after hearing the box."
"Just say what you can remember." Doc said before turning to Sally "It's up to you to keep Chick off the track."
"Don't worry." Sally said with a competitive edge in her voice "I can do that. Who's the judge?"
"Carlton Drake." Doc said "He's a tough but fair judge. He'll hear us out and won't let Chick pull any stunts."
Two hours later: Five police cars, an assortment of sheriff and state police officers came and escorted Lightning, Doc, Sally, and Scarlett to the courthouse. The whole town was packed with cars and multiple helicopters circled over-hood. There were hundreds of reporters surrounding the courthouse. Duncan and his officers kept everyone at bay. There was an equal number of fans, for both Lightning and Chick. Some of them holding signs of support for their favorite racecar. Sally, Doc, and Lightning were gathered just outside of the courthouse, waiting for permission to enter. Sally frowned as she looked at the commotion surrounding her.
"I'm really sorry." Lightning said "I didn't know that this was going to blow up into a media circus."
"Kid, did you really think this hearing was going to happen without being noticed?" Doc asked "You and Chick are two of the biggest racing stars in the world."
"I know that… I… guess... I knew that there was going to be reporters and camera crews." Lightning said "But not this many and this crazy. They have taken over the whole town, along with the two nearest towns as well."
"Light, relax." Sally said "It's all right; this is not my first big hearing. In fact, compared to some of them, it's pretty small."
Just then a loud horn got everyone's attention. Lightning groaned as a familiar green trailer rolled to a stop not far from them. Reporters attempted to swarm the trailer, but police cars held them back. Everyone heard Chick laughing as the trailer's ramp lowered. He rolled down the ramp and everyone was surprised to see him painted blue. On his sides, 'The champ' was printed in gold.
"All right boys let's get this over with!" he said "I have things to do and people to see. And not to mention, another Piston Cup to win."
"Do you think this hearing will be over in a couple of hours?" A reporter shouted "Do you expect to be on the track next week?"
"McQueen doesn't have anything, so yes the hearing will be over in a couple of hours." Chick said arrogantly "He's just mad I won the cup last year… speaking of the Piston Cup, here it is! *Two pittys pushed the trophy out on a wheeled cart.* It's a thing of beauty, isn't it? But it's not as beautiful as me!"
Lightning rolled closer to Chick.
"These cars just got done eating." Lightning taunted "Your ugly paint job will make them puke all over you. Oh wait, it looks like they already did."
Sally grabbed Lightning by his good axle and pulled him to where Doc was waiting.
"Stop it… Ignore him!" Sally hissed "You're acting like he wants you to act."
"Well, well, well… It looks like McQueen is the female in that relationship. I always knew he was a pussy!" Chick taunted "Hey Carrera! is your dick bigger than his?... I hope you're not sleeping with that whore… He's fucked a lot of sluts. You never know what you might catch."
Luckily Sally's back was towards Chick, so he didn't see her grinding her teeth in anger.
"Gets on your nerves, doesn't he?" Lightning said playfully "Chick, I'm not like you, I don't have to pay for sex. Keep talking, someday you'll say something intelligent! Besides, the last time you were inside a woman was when you went to the Statue of Liberty."
"Success hasn't gone to your hood, just to your mouth." Chick spat, clearly angry "You know what McQueen? Suck my dick."
"I would tell you to go fuck yourself but I'm pretty sure you'd be disappointed." Lightning said "Besides, I have a toothpick already."
In anger, Chick pushed a reporter out of the way and retreated to his trailer.
"Lightning enough." Doc said, then lowered his voice "Those were snappy comebacks… do you mind if I use them?"
"Sure." Lightning said "Funny as hell, aren't they? I stumbled across them when I was surfing the internet one day."
Just then, the bailiff emerged from the courtroom.
"Ms. Sally Carrera?" He said "You and your party may enter."
Sally nodded and they were ushered in. Before the hearing got started: Sally looked down at her desk and began sorting her paperwork, not noticing that a jet-black corvette with neon blue and green accents had driven up to her.
"Sally… is that really you?" The car asked "Your beauty grows every day."
When Sally looked up, she saw the last car that she ever wanted to see again, Justin Sunspur. Sally didn't tell Lightning or Doc that she knew Justin; he had been her first lover. They went to the same high school and after they graduated, they went to the same law school. During college Sally continued to grow and mature as a woman. Justin, however seemed to be going in the opposite direction. As time went on, Justin got more arrogant and self-absorbed. It didn't help when he got a job with a high-powered law firm. While she never could catch him, Sally was sure he was cheating on her with other women. Then one day after Justin made a despicable, and horrible demand, Sally finally had enough. (AN: Sally explains what happened between her and Justin later in the story.) She packed her bags while he was a work one day and she just started driving, not caring where she was headed.
Sally slowly let her eyes wander over his body while he did the same to her. It had been years since she seen him. Besides his paint job, nothing had changed. Justin's flashy paint job attracted your eyes while his powerful body commanded your attention. Even after all this time, Sally had to admit he was good looking. He had silver tongue and he knew how to use it. That is why he was such a good attorney. She had come to prefer Lightning's romantic lines. The ones she knew he spent days planning and perfecting, only to mess it up when the moment came.
"Tell me." he said pointedly "Are you seeing a handsome car?"
"The love of my life." Sally said calmly, thinking that he was talking about Lightning.
"Oh, Sal baby! Of course you are, don't flatter me!" Justin winked "I've been looking forward to seeing you again. After court do you want to go back to my hotel room and screw around like we used to?"
This type of suggestive conversations used to delight her, now it just made her furious.
"Shut the fuck up!" Sally snapped "I'm not going anywhere with you."
Justin raised an eye ridge.
"I'm sorry, does it bother you to talk about Lightning?" He asked "What's wrong, can't the little racer boy satisfy you? Eventually, he's going to dump you like he did with his fiancée. Do you know about that?"
"I know everything about Lightning. Unlike you, he's not afraid to talk about his past. Besides, my private life is none of your business!" Sally said, then her voice turns sickeningly sweet "Lightning is a better lover than you ever were. *she shutters.* Just thinking about him makes me all hot, wet, and bothered… something you could never do. I now know why you like virgins. If they have something to compare you to, they'll find out you're a terrible lover."
Justin was now fuming.
"How dare you speak to me in that way!" He said "We need to talk!"
"No, we don't need to talk. You just want to talk about yourself, and the way your undressing me with your eyes, you don't want to talk." Sally said, noticing the large bulge in his codpiece "Why don't you go back to your side of the courtroom before I call the bailiff?"
"Why did you leave me? Do you know it cost me a fortune to have hookers service my clients… I'm glad that they were pleased with them and they agreed to join the firm, no thanks to you.**" Justin said, ignoring Sally "I'm the best thing you'll ever get. Lightning won't make you happy like the way I can."
"I'm not having this conversation with you now or ever." Sally snapped "Just leave me alone."
"I don't want your love, just your body. Do you know how fabulous I'll look with a gorgeous Porsche like you at my side." Justin said "If you don't want kids then have your tubes tied. I can find a couple of women, get them pregnant. You can stay home and take care of the kids. Then when I get home, you can cook me supper and then we can have sex all night long."
Sally's vision blurred with anger. She was so offended that she opened her mouth for words that didn't come.
Luckily the bailiff called the court to order. Justin headed to his side of the courtroom. Sally shut her eyes and gathered her thoughts, she needed to be calm and on her guard for anything that he might try.
"All rise." The bailiff said "The honorable Carlton Drake presiding."
The judge entered the courtroom and took his place at his desk.
"Bailiff please show the committee in." Carlton said as the committee filed into the room "Good Afternoon ladies and gentlemen… this is a hearing that has been requested by the Rust-Eze/Radiator Springs Racing Team. They are challenging the decision to let Mr. Chick Hicks return to racing after causing a serious accident. Would the clerk please swear in the committee."
"Will the jury please stand and raise your right tire?" The clerk asked, as the committee got to its tires "Do each of you swear that you will fairly try the case before this court. And that you will return a verdict according to the evidence and the bylaws of the Piston Cup Racing League, so help you God?"
"I do." The committee members said in unison.
"You may be parked." The clerk said before turning to the rest of the court "Would all involved parties stand and raise your right tire? *Sally, Lightning, Doc, Chick, and Justin stood.* Do each of you swear that the evidence that you'll bring before this court will fairly try the case, and that it is accurate according to the bylaws of the Piston Cup Racing League, so help you God?"
"I do." Everyone said
"You may be parked." The clerk said "We're ready your honor."
"I declare this case now open." Carlton said "We'll begin with opening statements."
Sally drove onto the floor to address the court and offer her opening comments.
"Your Honor!" Justin said "I have an objection!"
"Why are you objecting to the opening statement?" Carlton asked "Mr. Sunspur this is highly disruptive."
"I want to make a motion to dismiss the hearing on the grounds that Lightning McQueen has no evidence that my client did anything to him." Justin said "He wrecked because of his own arrogance and being too aggressive on the track."
"Mr. Sunspur this hearing is just starting. I'm sure that the committee wants to hear what Lightning McQueen has to offer." Carlton said "So, I'm overruling you. Ms. Carrera, you may continue."
"Your Honor, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Committee. The evidence I will present will prove to you that Mr. Chick Hicks, deliberately and with malice caused my client to crash and sustain multiple severe injuries." Sally said "You will hear testimony directly from Mr. McQueen."
Sally then drove back to her table.
"Thank you Ms. Carrera." Carlton said "Mr. Sunspur, your opening statements if you please."
"Thank you Your Honor, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Committee. Under the bylaws of the Piston Cup Racing League, my client is presumed innocent until proven guilty." Justin said "During this hearing, you will hear no real evidence against my client. Therefore, Mr. Hicks is not guilty."
Justin then drove back to his table.
"Very Well." Carlton said "Ms. Carrera, call your first witness."
"Thank you Your Honor." Sally said "I would like to call Mr. Lightning McQueen to the stand."
"Very well." Carlton said "Mr. Lightning McQueen, come forward."
Lightning drove onto the witness stand as the clerk approached him.
"Raise your right tire." The clerk said "Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
"I do" Lightning said.
"For the record." The clerk said "State your full name."
"Lightning Owen Fergus McQueen." Lightning responded.
The clerk drove away as Sally drove up to him.
COMMENTS:
Guest 2
It's comforting and reassuring with Sally's support and love for Lightning getting him back in the right mood and helping him back in to racing.- Sally loves Lightning and will do anything to help him.
Seems a bit crazy for a love session in the kitchen but when you're in your own house with no one else but the two of you you don't care. Kinky!- You know how Lightning and sally are... they like kinky. Besides, it was a spur of the moment thing, they would have done it any room of the apartment.
Lightning's injuries are really giving him that but of exhaustion but it's understandable.- Coming back from devesting injuries takes a long time. Lightning is like me, we get inpatient, we rush things, and suffer setbacks because of it.
Still taking all the usual harassment from the media.- You know how the media is, they have to get the story... no matter if it intrudes into someone's personal life.
Sheriff Dunkin and Scarlett are very loyal officers. Flo's such a diamond for Lightning and Sally.- Doc was right, the town is a close group of cars that cares and looks after each other.
Chick's a right dickhood. He's just trying to spark a satisfaction that Lightning won't give him.- Chick knows he's guilty, he's just trying to shift the focus of him.
That was a big buzz between Lightning and Sally with the love session.- Lightning needed to repay sally's kindness. Besides, the chapter was a little short so I needed to add a little something.
If you'd like another idea here's one. Flo and Ramone wanna be together from the madness. They could do a double date with Lightning and Sally after the hearing if you like that. See what you think.- I like that idea, I'll have to find a place for it.
Thank you for buzz of this chapter. I know there's more to come but take your time- Sorry for the delay, I was very busy yesterday. I hope this chapter will make up for it.
I do not own Cars or any of its characters. PIXAR AND DISNEY CLAIM THAT RIGHT. READING ENJOYMENT ONLY
Please read and review! I need criticism and encouragements! Rated M for language and sex.