Chapter 18. - Court Part 2. -

"Now, Mr. McQueen." Sally said in a voice that was purely business "Is it true that you and Mr. Hicks have a fierce rivalry?"

"Yes Ma'am." Lightning replied "It was almost from day one. He was always very physical with the rookies. Most of them dropped out of the league because of him."

"Objection!" Justin called "That's how it goes! If you can't race, then you shouldn't be on the track. Besides, there is no rivalry between my client and Mr. McQueen."

"Your Honor!" Sally said "I was just getting to that!"

"Objection overruled. Mr. Sunspur, this committee knows how the league is ran, they don't need to be reminded." Carlton said "Ms. Carrera, you may continue."

"Why did you and Mr. Hicks have a rivalry?" Sally asked "And was it on or off the track?"

"It was both. Last season, The King, Strip Weathers was retiring and his sponsorship was up for grabs. Although it was never officially announced, everyone knew whoever won the Piston Cup would be chosen as the new racecar for Dinoco." Lightning said "There was no one that could compete with Chick, that's until I came along. Early in the racing season, he was sure that he would win the cup and the sponsorship. It was about midpoint in the season when I started winning races and became a contender for the cup. Chick and I have been at each other's throats since then."

"I see, now, we come to the race where you had your accident. Did Chick say anything to you before you wrecked?" Sally asked, Lightning hesitated "Take your time, try to remember what he said."

"Objection!" Justin called "What was said on the track is irrelevant, there is no evidence that my client said anything to Mr. McQueen."

"I'm getting annoyed with the frequent interruptions!" Carlton said "That hasn't been determined yet, so you're overruled. Stop wasting mine and the committee's time Mr. Sunspur, let the witness speak."

Sally repeated the question.

"Yes, I think so." Lightning said "He said something along the lines of: This fucking race is mine!"

"Then what happened?" Sally asked "I know it's hard for you to remember." "The next thing I remember is Chick slamming me against the outside wall. I don't know for how long, but it felt like an eternity. When I managed to get off the wall, my rear tire blew out and I didn't have time to recover. I felt myself tumbling along the track and that's the last thing I remember before waking up in the hospital almost a week later."

"I wish to submit Mr. McQueen's medical record showing that all of his injuries were from the crash. It clearly states that Mr. McQueen sustained a crushed engine, multiple internal injuries, been temporarily blinded, a crushed right axle, extensive damage to his aluminum skin, and a severe concussion that has affected his memory." Sally said as she handed the paperwork to the bailiff "I have no further questions for Mr. McQueen… I have no other witnesses. However I intend on introducing evidence later in the case."

"So noted." Carlton said "Mr. Sunspur, do you have any questions for this witness?"

"Yes Your Honor." Justin said "I do."

As he approached, Justin looked lustfully at Sally. During her entire case, Sally knew he took her every word to be flirtatious and suggestive. Her cold, strictly-business exterior came off as playing hard to get.

"This is not the first time you have fought with my client." Justin asked "Is it?"

"No." Lightning said "I can't remember how many times we have 'gotten into it'."

"Interesting." Justin said "It's it true that racecars are naturally aggressive?"

"I wouldn't say that. Competitive yes, but not aggressive. It's not that uncommon for racecars to get into a scrap about something, it's just part of being a racecar." Lightning said "But, the Piston Cup is very strict when it comes to fights on or off the racetrack. It has no issues with handing out punishments."

"Oh really!" Justin said "What kind of punishments?"

"Mostly fines, they can get quite large." Lightning said "If the offence is severe, they have to face the Correction Committee. The committee has the power to suspend and even expel a racecar. This hearing is proof of that."

"I've been going through your record." Justin said "I see you've been before the disciplinary board on numerous occasions."

"So? It's not uncommon for a racecar to be called before the board at some point in their career." Lightning said "In fact, I'm not aware of a single one that hasn't. Even Strip Weathers has been before the board more times than you can shake a stick at. He is considered one of the greatest racecars of all time."

"You admit that you were being aggressive on the track?" Justin asked harshly "Not to mention you're sleeping with your attorney!"

"Objection!" Sally said "Mr. McQueen is being badgered. Besides, these questions have nothing to do with the case."

"Sustained." Carlton said "Mr. Sunspur, ask only questions that are about the case."

Lightning was pleased that Justin looked pissed at the judge's ruling. "I have no further questions." Justin said "Because he is innocent, Mr. Hicks isn't going to testify. I don't need to present any more evidence so I rest my case."

"The witness is excused. Thank you Mr. McQueen." Carlton said "Ms. Carrera, if you are planning on presenting more evidence, now is the time to do it."

As Lightning got off the witness stand, Sally faced the committee sitting in judgment.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have evidence that Mr. Hicks purposefully slammed into Mr. McQueen." Sally said "What you are about to hear is a recording from Mr. McQueen's black box. As you know, all racecars have black boxes that record everything that is said between them and their crew chief during a race. Two years ago, the black boxes were improved. They still record internally, but now they also record within a fifteen-foot radius externally. If Mr. Hicks said anything to Mr. McQueen, his black box would have picked it up. What you will now hear is the recording moments before Mr. McQueen's accident."

Sally pressed the on switch and the recording started playing. The recording: "Kid, don't do it!" Doc exclaimed "It's too small, you won't make it!" "I don't listen to your advice anymore!" Lightning said coldly "In fact, this is your last race as my crew chief!" Lightning felt self-conscious as he felt the weight of the committee member's eyes on him. Then the box uttered the sound of a motor being floored. The recording: "No you don't!" Chick exclaimed "This fucking race belongs to me!" Sally shut the black box off just as the sound of the crash started.

The crowd in the courtroom bursted into chatter as the cars discussed what they just heard.

"Order in the court!" Carlton called out in a powerful voice "Order in the court!"

"I'm asking the court to order Mr. Hicks to surrender his black box." Sally said "I'm sure that the committee would be very interested in what it has to offer."

Justin opened his mouth.

"Before you object Mr. Sunspur. I'm going to overrule you. I order Mr. Chick Hicks into the custody of the Radiator Spring's Sheriff until his black box can be removed. Since removing a black box can be a complicated procedure." Carlton said "This hearing is in recess until tomorrow morning."

The judge slammed his gavel on the bench. Then he and the committee immediately left the courtroom.

Roughly a half an hour later: Duncan and a few of his deputies approached Chick and Justin.

"Mr. Hicks." Duncan said "We are going to take you to the hospital to have your black box removed."

Duncan laid the court order in front of Chick.

"This is fucking stupid!" Chick complained "Do I have to surrender my black box?"

"Yes, the judge ordered it." Justin calmly said "I would request a meeting with him, but I doubt he will change his mind. Just have it removed. I'll deal with it tomorrow."

"I don't want to surrender it." Chick said "What if I refuse?"

"Then I'll arrest you for contempt of court." Duncan said "You would be locked up until the judge determines what to do with you."

"Oh, McQueen would love that wouldn't he!" Chick said angerly "That fucking attorney of his will have access to my box, what if she tampers with it?"

"They won't have access to it, Chick calm down." Justin said "It will remain in the sheriff's possession until tomorrow morning."

"Yeah, whatever, I don't believe you." Chick ranted "The old man is friends with McQueen; how do I know that he wouldn't hand it over to them!"

"Son, I'll admit that I'm friends with Lightning and Sally, but I have also taken an oath to uphold the law. I've been Radiator Springs's sheriff for over fifty years. My integrity has never been called into question." Duncan said "If the judge orders that I take you to the hospital to have your black box removed, then that's what I'm going to do. If Lightning was ordered to surrender his, I would treat him the same way. Our friendship has nothing to do with it. Come on, I don't have all night."

Duncan lead the way to the hospital. Reporters and camera vans crowded around them. To everyone's surprise, Chick didn't say a word. At the hospital: A blue BMW approached Chick.

"Come with me." He said "I've been appointed to remove your box."

After three hours, the doctor had removed Chick's black box and handed it over to Duncan. Once he was dismissed from the hospital, Chick left the hospital and the town.

After supper: Sally sat by herself at Flo's trying to enjoy a drink. There were enough police officers around town to protect Sally. Scarlett, Lightning, and Doc was at Willy's Butte doing some training before turning in for the night.

"You can stay home have a family…" Sally muttered to herself "I wouldn't be with you even if you were the last fucking male on the planet!"

She wanted to tell someone about what happened before coming here. There were so many people Sally could confide in, like Flo, or Doc. Flo would give her advice, like an older sister. Doc was the wisest car she knew; she trusted her life with him; let alone her secrets. It wasn't long until Lightning and Scarlett returned:

"Are you all right?" Lightning asked "I know there's something that you're not telling me."

He had a feeling that Sally knew Justin. He witnessed the exchange before court and how she acted around him.

"Everything's fine." Sally said and then she sighed "Can I talk to you alone?"

"Yeah sure." Lightning said "Do you want to go back to your office, or your apartment? We can talk there without anyone overhearing you."

"My apartment." Sally said as she paid for the drink "If I break into tears, nobody will see it."

Hundreds of camera flashes went off as Lightning and Sally drove back to her apartment.

"Thanks for everything Scarlett." Sally said as they rolled through the door "I think that we'll be staying in for rest of the evening."

"Ok, I'll see you in the morning." Scarlett said as she left the apartment "If you need anything, just call me."

Sally shut the door behind her.

"Now I know why you wanted to keep our relationship secret." Sally said as she parked on the couch "As soon as I roll outside, someone is sticking a camera in my face."

"Unfortunately, if you stay with me, you'll have to get used to it." Lightning said "Not to change the subject, but did you get to listen to Chick's black box? What did it say?"

"Duncan showed me that he had it, but he wouldn't let me anywhere near it. Duncan said a copy of it wouldn't be ready till morning. I'm confident that Chick said something incriminating." Sally said "Why would he object if there's nothing on it."

"Because, he's both a dick and a pussy." Lightning said "Now you see why the racing officials put up with his crap."

"There's something else I want to tell you about." Sally said "It's time I told you about my past."

While she didn't tell him everything, Sally explained her relationship with Justin. Lightning didn't say a thing until Sally stopped speaking. She had a look of sadness and despair on her face.

"Sweetheart, I can't believe you kept that from me." Lightning said as he hugged her "I had a feeling you knew each other, but I thought it was on a professional level."

"I'm sorry." Sally said tearfully "I…"

"I don't care about what happened in the past."' Lightning said "It doesn't change a thing, I love you more than you'll ever know."

Not knowing what else to do, he kissed her. Suddenly, the despair in Sally's eyes turned to lust. She leaned forward until their lips touched again. Lightning opened his mouth and Sally drew his tongue into a passionate tangle with hers. Minutes later: They broke apart panting. Lightning let out a small chuckle and before Sally knew, he caught her lips again but this time, with hot and ruthless intent. Lightning popped Sally's bra off. She shook her front slightly, causing her breasts to jiggle.

"That feels better." Sally said "I made a mistake of wearing a new bra today, it was making my boobs itch. Would you scratch them for me?"

"I thought you would never ask!" Lightning chuckled "I love touching you."

He placed butterfly kisses down her front before he started to suck on them, making Sally arch her roof in pleasure. Suddenly, Lightning grabbed one of Sally's front tires and attempted to pull her closer. Startled, she pulled away harshly, yanking his bad axle. Lightning collapsed in pain.

"Hang on." Sally said "I'll get your pain medicine."

"No… get…Doc!" Lightning mumbled "Something… wrong… I… can't… move!"

"Okay, sit tight." Sally said "I'll call him."

Five minutes later:

"Doc's on his way." Sally said "Do you want some ice?"

"Yes." Lightning moaned "And get me a barf bucket…I think I'm going to be sick!"

As Doc and Sophia rolled into the apartment: Lightning was on the couch, his axle was packed in ice. He suddenly vomited into a trash can.

"Sally said you tripped on a rug." Doc said as Sally grinned at Lightning "She said you can't move."

"Yeah." Lightning said, going along with the story "We were getting ready for bed."

Sally giggled again.

"I dought that." Doc said "Why can't you move? Is it because of pain, or did you pop something out of place."

"Mostly pain." Lightning said "But something popped when it got yanked."

"Can you roll over?" Doc asked "I can't examine your axle when you're laying like that."

With everyone helping, Lightning painfully rolled onto his roof. Carefully, Doc removed the brace and examined Lightning's axle. Moments later:

"Well, I can't see any damage." Doc said "But I think its best if we took you to the hospital and X-rayed it."

"With that zoo out there?" Lightning said "You know they'll go crazy."

"Then let them." Sophia said "I'll deal with the media."

"Can you drive?" Doc asked "If not, I'll have no choice but to call an ambulance."

"I can try to drive." Lightning said as he rolled onto his tires "I can't! It hurts too bad. I guess you'll have to call someone."

Roughly five minutes later:

"Tempest is on her way." Doc said "She's the hospital's newest ambulance… She's sweet, I think you'll like her."

It was only a few moments until someone was knocking on the door. Lightning was loaded up and taken to the waiting ambulance. Five hours later: Sally and Lightning, who was in a motorized wheelchair, arrived back at the apartment.

"I'm glad that Doc couldn't find anything wrong with my axle." Lightning said slurring his speech because of the pain medication Doc had given him. "But putting me in a wheelchair is a little extreme."

"You heard Doc." Sally said "He wants you to take it easy for the next couple of days."

"I know. It's a pain in the bumper though." Lightning said as he yawned "I'm ready for bed, are you?"

"Yeah, it's been a long and stressful day." Sally responded "I'll race you to see who can fall asleep first."

They headed to the bedroom and snuggled together. It was only a few minutes before they were both asleep, with Sally winning the 'fall asleep race'.

COMMENTS:

Guest 2

This chapter really has lit up the buzz I like to feel when I read it. Lightning and Chick can be cocky with the cursing attitude and Sally clearly wants to rip Chick's engine out and stamp on it.- Yep, Sally is quickly learning how annoying Chick is. It's taking all of her will power to stay professional during the hearing.

Justin's such a cold and empty hearted bastard hurting Sally like that. Justin's clearly trying to pull off his tricks to dismiss the case but the judge is remaining professional and having none of it. Looking forward to the next court chapter.-all I'm going to say is ENJOY! LOL

Although you don't have as many readers as you did before you still have me.- Thanks. Friends like you make me very happy.

You put all the dramas and romance together nicely and make it worth reading so don't give up.- Thanks, I'm happy with how the story is turning out and I'm planning on finishing it.

I'll try reviewing when I get the chance to read- No pressure, just read when you can. I know you have a life too.

Dillan

I got new character ideas! A 2005 nissan sentra se named "izzie" and I will take role as a 2003 ford f-150 SVT lightning. Hope you like the ideas -Dillan- Unfortunately other than Lightning's sister, I'm not adding any more new charters into the story,

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.