Part 4-AN OFFER
The summer sunlight streamed in through the slats of the venetian blinds that covered Speed's bedroom window and caused his eyes to open as the insistent rays played on his lids. Speed yawned and turned over only to find that the position of the ray reflected on the white of his sheet and made going back to sleep impossible. He yawned again and his as mind began to come back to consciousness it replayed last night's date and good night kiss with Trixie, bringing a lazy grin to his lips in fond remembrance. Man, Speedy, she is like the total package he told himself. A knockout, a great kisser, we like the same music, and she digs cars. She's heaven sent that's for sure! He stretched indolently as he sat up and swung his legs over the bed, pushing off the sheet that had covered him. He stood up, stretching his hands to easily touch the ceiling and then turned and glanced at the clock on his nightstand, right next to the phone. He wondered if 8:00 would be too early to call, if she was awake yet. He grinned as he fantasized about her in her bed and nightgown and pictured her face in repose.
Speed was about to sit back down on his bed and reach for his phone when his bedroom door swung open with a bang. Speed gasped unexpectedly as Spritle launched himself at his older brother at full steam with Chim Chim not far behind.
"Hi Speedy!" the younger Racer cried as he was held at bay by Speed, who had him grasped by his upper arms.
"Hey, squirt, don't cha know how to knock?" Speed complained with a mock scowl. "What's with the wake-up call?" He looked annoyed but there was a telltale twinkle in his cobalt eyes that belied his expression.
"Whaddya mean? You were already awake."
"Never mind. What's up?"
"Speedy, can me and Chim Chim come to the track with you today, huh, can we? Instead of stayin' here this morning, huh?" Spritle pleaded with round cocoa eyes. Chim Chim nodded as well, grasping Speed's arm in supplication.
"What are you talking about?" Speed was drawing a blank.
Spritle fixed Speed with an impatient look. "C'mon Speedy, you didn't forget, did you?"
Speed sighed as his aspired and tentative plans with Trixie seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke as he then remembered that his mother mentioned yesterday to him at breakfast she had a club meeting that morning and Spritle would need watching. She had even gone as far as to ask Pops if he wouldn't mind if Speed came to the track late for practice, which he had agreed to, albeit reluctantly. With his mind still in a pleasant fog from sleep and the date with Trixie, he had totally forgotten. And since he had to practice at the track, he had no choice but to bring Spritle and Chim Chim with him or wait until Mom Racer returned after lunch. By that time, after practice and all the day would be completely shot but determined to see Trixie again, he chose the former scenario.
He said resignedly, "Okay, Spritle, okay. I'll take you to the track with me but I'm tellin' you now, you'd better behave yourself. You know how ticked off Pops gets when you get into trouble and he's busy with that new engine and worried about me racing in Raytona so just watch it." Speed cautioned. "Remember the last time he blew his top at you."
"Uh-huh." Spritle rubbed his buttocks remembering the last time he had incurred Pops' wrath. He had been grounded for a week in addition to receiving a sound spanking and had no desire for a repeat performance. "I'll be good, Speedy, I promise." He held up his two fingers, Cub Scout style and the chimpanzee mimicked him.
"Okay. Now take off, will ya? I gotta make a phone call." Speed turned his attention back to reaching for his phone.
"Hey who ya callin', Speedy? Your girl?"
Speed turned his head and pierced his kid brother with a glare. He pointed his finger to the door and said in a firm tone, "Out, squirt. Now."
Spritle began chanting in a singsong, "Speedy's got a girlfriend! Speedy's got a girlfriend!"
Speed got up to his full height and said loudly. "Okay, that's it! Scram!" He hustled the snickering youngster out and closed the door firmly. He sighed as he heard the muffled sound of his brother's chant as he and Chim Chim scampered downstairs.
Speed glanced at the clock and saw that it was just after 8:30. He sat down again and reached for the phone, dialing Trixie's number. As he waited for it to connect, he grinned as he realized he already had it memorized..
Trixie was lying on her bed, awake but daydreaming as she imagined the way Speed had kissed her last night. He was so sweet in the way he approached her, she felt a delighted feminine tingle from her head to her toes. She had had other relationships but this was the first time she had felt like this on a first date, feeling so completely happy and right; her heart tripping with breathless anticipation for each moment with the coal haired, handsome young racer. She blushed as she remembered his corded arms around her as his firm lips teased at hers.
She was lost in her reverie until the insistent ring of her princess phone brought her to reality. She reached her arm to the nightstand and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Trix." Speed's soft tenor seemed to caress her over the wire. "Did I wake you?"
"Good morning to you too," Trixie said sweetly. She hastened to reassure him. "Oh no, Speed, I was just being lazy and lying here daydreaming."
"Hmmm. I wonder what you were daydreaming about? Or who? Care to share it?" he teased.
"I was just thinking about last night," Trixie said softly.
"Great minds think alike. I was too." Speed told her. "And I was thinking how we could top it."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Oh, I don't know. A drive-in movie maybe, and something to eat. Or dancing. What did you want to do?"
Trixie shrugged and answered, "I don't care. Just so I can see you again."
Speed felt his heart leap with joy. "Feeling's mutual. So when can I pick you up?"
"Don't you have practice today?" she inquired.
"Yeah, but I'll be free by about 5. I have to watch my kid brother this morning so I'll have him with me at the track."
Trixie asked coyly, "You think I could come and watch you practice this morning?"
Speed was immensely pleased. "Sure, you bet! I'd love it for you to watch me practice for the first time."
"I-I have a confession to make," Trixie said hesitantly.
"What's that?" Speed wanted to know.
"I-I've been watching you practice over there since I moved here. When I wasn't at the hospital with Daddy that is," she admitted ruefully.
Speed chuckled, "Wow and I never even knew it. All this time I had a secret fan. And here I'd been thinking that I saw you first, I guess it's been the other way around, huh?"
Trixie recounted, "Looks that way. Are you disappointed?"
"Are you putting me on? I'm flattered," Speed said with alacrity. He spied the time and said, "Listen, Trix, I gotta get dressed and get to the track so I guess I'll see ya out there, okay? And decide what you want to do tonight, we'll do anything you want."
"Okay, Speed. I'll see you in a bit."
"I'll be looking for you. Bye-bye."
Trixie hung up the phone with a soft smile curving her lips. He is just so adorable and so sweet, who'd have guessed it? She sat up, threw off the sheets, bounded from the bed, selected an outfit from the closet and headed into her bathroom to jump into the shower.
Outside, still under the copse of trees, Slyme Balle continued his perusal of Trixie's cottage, hangar, and airstrip only this time he was snapping pictures, using a camera with a telephoto lens. He took about two rolls of film worth, then started the sedan and crept away.
Trixie came out of the shower, fully dressed and entered her bedroom. She studied her appearance in the mirror critically, making sure that the outfit she chose was just right. After careful consideration she decided that the delft blue capri slacks with a white dotted Swiss crop top with eyelet ruffles was just right. The color of her slacks matched almost exactly the color of Speed's eyes. She smiled in satisfaction, hoping he would notice. She was so excited about seeing him she felt absolutely giddy with sheer happiness, for the first time since the twin ordeals of her father's long illness and passing. Thinking of her father, she went up to her dresser where a 9 X 12 photograph of her and her father was, taken when she was about 10. She picked up the frame and ran her hand across her father's smiling image, her pretty face becoming pensive.
"Oh Daddy, I miss you so much! And I wish you were here with me. I know that you wanted to make sure that I was okay but you know I'll never be like I was with you. But I want you to know, Daddy that I will be fine. And Daddy, I met our neighbor, Speed Racer. He's so nice Daddy, I wish you could meet him. I know the day we moved in here, you saw him driving around the track and you mentioned that he was talented as a racer, like you had wanted to be, only the war interrupted and then I was born. I know you'd like him if you met him Daddy because I like him so much. And he likes me. He came over especially the other day, just to meet me. We only went out once but already he calls me his girl. And he makes me feel so special, Daddy, like you told me Mom had made you feel, I'm so happy when I'm with him. Oh Daddy, please know that I'm missing you but I'm feeling really happy for the first time since you died so rest in peace, your little girl is fine.
The princess phone ringing again interrupted her silent soliloquy and she hurried over to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Miss Shimura? This is Wiley, have you thought about what we spoke about yesterday?"
Trixie shuddered involuntarily and answered, "Not really sir, I told you that I needed some time in deciding what to do."
"Yes, Miss Shimura but I do feel it is of the utmost importance that we meet to discuss this. Are you free this morning?"
"No sir, I am not."
"This afternoon then?" The man was extremely persistent, almost to the point of being harassing.
Trixie sighed, giving up. "All right, Mr. Wiley. Where would you like to meet?"
"Are you familiar with La Faccia Bella restaurant?" the man asked.
Trixie replied, "Down off the center square? Yes, I am."
"Meet me there at 1:30 sharp," the man requested. "And please, don't be late." He abruptly hung up before she could answer.
Trixie sighed in irritation. This man, whoever he is, and whatever he wanted, was proving to be relentless, he just wouldn't let up. She shook her head and left her room and home, jumped in her Mercedes convertible and headed to the track.
Speed, Spritle and Chim Chim arrived at the garage at about 10:15 and pulled into the open area behind the track. Speed turned off the motor and extricated himself from the cockpit while Spritle and Chin Chim exited the Mach 5 with abandon to race about.
"Hey Spritle, remember what I said," Speed called out to the departing pair as Sparky and Pops came in carrying some blueprints. They strode over to a drafting table with a fluorescent light hanging over, spilling a bright light on the plans for a brand new engine. Speed joined them at the table.
"So this is the new baby, huh Pops?" Speed remarked making an appreciative whistle. "She sure is a honey."
Pops awarded his son with one of his rare but genuine smiles. "That she is, son. She's the most advanced, most powerful engine I've ever designed. As soon as she's built, I intend to put her in the Mach 5."
Speed whispered in awe. "With the way this thing looks, when you do that, nobody will catch me."
Sparky grinned, "I'll have to take a few more courses at the university in electrical and aero engineering to bone up on the works of this thing to repair her. But looking at her, she's well worth it."
Pops added, "I'm almost finished with the prototype. Me and Sparky will then put her through her paces, then we'll build the one for the Mach 5." He was so proud, he sounded like he was talking about another offspring with his chest puffed out like a strutting rooster.
Speed grinned widely at his father. Since leaving his former job and striking out on his own, Pops had worked nearly 24 hours a day, planning the design of engines that were the cream of high performance power. He was also busy hiring the cream of the crop of the graduating class of designers, engineers, and motormen out of the university and working hands on with them to make Pops Motors one of the best known names in the business. But it had been a Herculean task and had taken most all of Pops' life savings. He often was up nights worrying about the costs and when Speed began showing raw natural talent in racing, he fretted as how he'd keep up with the staggering cost of racing. That was another reason he had balked at his middle son's choice of career. But Speed's talent was undeniable, to waste it would have been akin to a crime and he would have driven his middle son, like his oldest son, away.
Pops and Sparky were discussing the ultra turbocharger with Speed when the latter's attention was drawn away by the sound of an approaching car. As the shiny yellow Mercedes convertible pulled up to the open area and parked by the Mach 5, Speed's face broke into a broad, pleased smile. He hastily made his excuses to Pops and Sparky and rushed over to the yellow car where a sunlit chestnut haired beauty sat behind the wheel.
"Who's that?" Pops wanted to know. Although happily married for almost 30 years, Pops still had an eye for a pretty face.
Sparky replied, "I think that's the infamous Trixie."
Pops grunted, "There goes the morning practice."
Sparky tried to hide a knowing smirk and turned his attention back to the plans.
Speed strode over to the driver's side of the convertible. "Hi, Trix. I'm so glad you could make it." he said, making no attempt to conceal his pleasure. His eyes were fairly dancing, like a sparkling lake in the sun. He took note of the car and whistled in appreciation. "What a boss set of wheels!"
"Thanks." Trixie removed her sunglasses and gazed fondly at him. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. So when are you going to practice?"
"Soon. But first I want you to meet Sparky and Pops. C'mon." He opened her door and took her hand as his eyes widened admiringly at her appearance. "Boy, you really look groovy today."
She smiled at him, "I'm glad you like it."
Still holding her hand, Speed led Trixie to the garage where he performed the introductions. He put his hand gently on the small of her back and brought her forward.
"Pops, Sparky, this is Trixie Shimura. She runs a charter air service from the airfield next door. Trixie, this is my father, Pops Racer and my best friend and crew chief, Sparky Sabu."
Trixie shook hands with Pops first. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Racer, " she said in a soft, ladylike voice.
Pops had a slight feeling of familiarity, like he had seen Trixie somewhere before but he dismissed it. He was however, taken back by the genuine friendliness that radiated from her spring meadow eyes like sunshine. He could now understand his son's infatuation, this was a young lady that he felt an immediate liking for. He took her delicate hand in his huge paw.
"The pleasure's all mine, but please call me Pops," he said with a rare grin.
Sparky then grabbed her hand and pumped it energetically. "Likewise. We've heard so much about you, its finally good to meet you."
Trixie smiled, liking both men at once. "I've heard a few things about you too," she responded.
Introductions completed, Speed was showing her around the garage when a blur came around the corner and almost collided head on with the young couple. Speed was nearly knocked off his feet as the youngest Racer child made contact with his brother's knees. Recovering from the shock, Speed grabbed his brother by his arms and glared at him eye to eye.
"Spritle! What the heck is the matter with you? You almost knocked me down and you could've hurt yourself," Speed scolded, more concerned than angry with his kid brother.
Spritle gazed at his brother with wide eyes of feigned innocence alight with mischief. "I'm sorry, Speedy. I didn't mean to. I was running away from Chim Chim."
"Where is Chim Chim?" Speed asked and was immediately waylaid, actually falling on his back this time by a chattering bundle of hair with arms screeching in simian laughter.
Trixie couldn't help but giggle musically at the comical picture, which brought a red flush of embarrassment to Speed's cheeks. Spritle looked up at her and then his attention was immediately drawn to Sparky and Pops who having heard the commotion, came running over to see the ensuing melee.
"What in Sam Hill is going on here?" Pops bellowed as he spotted his middle son on the cement with a large chimp straddling his torso and his youngest son on his knees nearby. "Spritle, get that ape off of your brother! Now!"
"Yes, Pops. Chim Chim get offa Speed now!" Spritle grabbed Chim Chim by the suspenders of his coveralls pulling the monkey off. Speed got to his feet, breathing heavily and cast a jaundiced eye at his brother.
"Spritle," he began in a warning tone clutching the youngster's arm then remembering that he wanted to put his best foot forward in front of the newly found girl of his dreams, took a deep breath and let his irritation drain away.
Pops decided to take over in meting out discipline. "Spritle, you and that ape stop running around here right now! This isn't a playground and your brother isn't a tackling dummy!" Pops took his youngest son aside none too gently and squatted down to eyeball him. "You made a promise to behave and you'd better stick to it if you know what's good for you or you won't be allowed out here at the track anymore."
Properly chastised, Spritle nodded meekly. "Yes, Pops."
Pops got to his full height and worriedly checked his middle son. "You okay, Speed?"
Speed nodded with a chuckle. Now that he was on his feet and his dignity returned, he was fine. "Yeah, Pops, I'm okay." He glanced at Trixie with a sheepish grin. "Some first impression, huh?"
"Interesting. Are you sure you're okay?" She examined him closely, concerned.
Speed looked at her and assured, "Yeah, I'm fine. I've learned a long time ago how to survive life in the Racer family."
Trixie smiled sweetly at him. "I think you have a terrific family."
"Well, can't I meet her too, Speed?" Spritle demanded, planting himself right before his brother and Trixie, hands on his hips in indignation.
Speed laughed, "Sure, Spritle, I was saving the best for last. Trixie, this is my kid brother, Spritle Racer."
Spritle offered his hand to Trixie in his best grown-up manner, which she took. "Hi Trixie, it's nice to meet ya. Boy, you're pretty!" he said in awe, his cocoa eyes wide as saucers. "Don't cha think so, Speedy?"
Speed gazed at Trixie with twinkling eyes. "You'd better believe it, squirt." He squeezed her hand and Trixie gave a pleased smile as she was held captive by his ocean blue eyes.
The spell was broken by Pops who cleared his throat loudly. "Ahem! Speed, you need to get on the track, it's almost 11." He turned to Trixie and said cordially, "If you'd like to watch Speed practice, come on out with me and I'll show you where you can sit." He took her elbow and steered her over to the starting line sidelines before Speed could say anything. He sighed resignedly, shrugged and headed over to the Mach 5 to start his laps.
Speed was barreling around the far turn, utterly enthralled. The Mach 5 was cornering like it was on rails, and flying down the backstretch neither loose nor tight, balanced, handling the best it had ever done. Speed glanced at his speedometer and noticed that the last lap had been his fastest so far. He idly wondered if having Trixie on the track sideline watching him had anything to do with it. He wanted to really impress her and had to force himself to keep his eyes and mind on the track and not give in to the overpowering urge to see her reaction and if she was indeed impressed. Between Trixie being there at the track watching and the stellar performance of the Mach 5, he was totally pumped.
Speed rounded the track, pushing the Mach 5 to a higher RPM and she continued to respond in admirable fashion, staying to the inside line for maximum benefit of centrifugal push. He had no other car to draft him or offer aeropush so he drew every bit of horsepower to keep his speeds up. The powerful engine roared in approval as he rounded turn 3, even as he eased up to make the turn. The way Speed drove showcased his uncanny natural talent for the car was making laps almost effortlessly.
Sparky leaned into Pops and commented. "The kid's on fire."
"Yep, that's my boy," Pops replied, the fatherly pride evident in his voice. "He's a Racer all right." Trixie had made her way over to the two men. Pops turned to her and asked, "Well, Trixie, what do you think, huh?"
"I think he's outtasight," she replied with more than a bit of awe. "And a terrific racer as well."
Pops chuckled to himself as he realized that it looked like his middle child was about to experience true love for the first time. He was remembering that he had acted the same way Speed was acting and that he had felt the same way when he met his wife. And he, having met Trixie at last, heartily approved. He turned and headed for the open area, calling for Spritle and Chim Chim to take them home for lunch.
She approached Sparky. "Looks like he's got a pretty good setup today. How's the round, it looks like he's handling the turns without much effort," she stated matter-of-factly.
Sparky did a double take. He gazed at Trixie in amazement. "Huh? How'd you figure?"
Trixie eyed him dubiously. "I can see how his camber is going into the turns. Can't you?"
"Yeah I can. But what I can't see is how a girl knows racing terms."
Trixie bristled a bit. "Sparky, for your information, my dad taught me racing terms. When he was younger, he was interested in racing but he had been called to go to war."
Sparky blushed as he apologized, "Gee, Trixie I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just surprised and impressed, that's all. I mean to hear a girl, who knows about racing and all, well," he stuttered, feeling a bit flustered.
Trixie gave him a reassuring smile. "Relax, Sparky, I'm used to it. Most guys have a hard time dealing with a girl who knows racing."
The Mach 5 rumbled up to the sideline, having completed the session. Speed removed his helmet, vaulted over the side and landed right beside Trixie. He took note of the somewhat involved conversation that he had interrupted and glanced at the two quizzically. "Hey, what's goin' on?"
Sparky looked at his buddy sheepishly and was about to say something but Trixie intervened. "Sparky and I were discussing your setup. Looks like everything was neutral out there," she said.
Speed grinned at her. "Yeah, she was great out there. I stayed with the low line and hit a fantastic groove." He took her hand and squeezed it then turned to Sparky. "Looks like we've a winning setup, Spark. We'll have to see how she does later when the track temp goes down."
"Yeah," Sparky said, having gotten over his initial shock over the track savvy of Speed's new girlfriend. He consulted his watch. "It just after one. Let's take an hour lunch break and meet back here at 2:30."
Speed turned to Trixie, "How about some lunch, Trix? I know a groovy place that's not too far, okay?" Still holding her hand, he began to lead her to the passenger door of the Mach 5.
Trixie stopped, remembering the meeting she had to attend with the mysterious Mr. Wiley. "I-I can't, Speed. I have an appointment at 1:30 and I have to leave now." She extricated herself from his grasp and headed to the garage. "I'll see you later," she called as she hurried out to her car leaving Speed momentarily surprised.
"Hey, Trix, where--" he began to call but she gunned the yellow convertible out of the garage area and took off before he could finish his question. Disappointed, he turned to Sparky with a frown and asked, "Man, what was that? She told me she wanted to watch me at the track today."
"Beats me. Maybe it's a hairdresser's appointment. You know women."
"Yeah," Speed said, still staring in the direction that he saw Trixie leave. "Yeah, I guess you're right. So let's go grab some lunch." He motioned to Sparky to get into the Mach 5 as he climbed behind the wheel, started the engine and pulled out of the track area.
La Faccia Bella was a small but well-known restaurant, centrally located to the business district of town and a popular lunch place for the work force but the lunch rush is usually concluded by one so by 1:30 it was nearly deserted, save a few business men. This was the case as Trixie pulled into a parking place and scurried to the entrance.
Once inside, she glanced about, not really knowing for who she was looking. After all, she had never met the man, only spoke to him on the phone. The maitre'd approached her.
"Excuse me, Miss, are you Trixie Shimura?"
"Yes, I am."
"Follow, me, please." The maitre'd led her to the very rear of the restaurant, by the restrooms where a fairly secluded booth was located. An average sized masculine form was there, swathed in a dark cloak up to his face that in spite of the fact that the restaurant was air conditioned, was quite inappropriate for the midsummer heat. Dark sunglasses completed the picture. He gestured to Trixie.
"Please be seated, Miss Shimura. Are you hungry?" He gestured for a waiter to come over.
Trixie slid into the booth and peered at her luncheon companion. He appeared to be an older man near 50, and content to keep his identity a secret. A waiter came up to them with an inquiring look.
"Not really. Just a Coke will do."
The waiter who had come took her order and then disappeared. Mr. Wiley had a simple glass of ice water before him.
Trixie sighed, "Mr. Wiley, what is it that you want to discuss with me that couldn't wait?"
The waiter returned with her Coke and left. Trixie took a sip as she waited. Wiley got right to the point.
"Miss Shimura, I'd like to hire you as a pilot for my company."
Trixie's eyes widened incredulously. "You'd like to hire me?"
Wiley nodded, "I understand you have both a Cessna and a helicopter. I have a need for a pilot to fly both for my auto racing team."
Auto racing! What a coincidence! Or was it? "Excuse me Mr. Wiley but why would you have need for a pilot for your auto racing team?"
"Because, Miss Shimura, I believe a pilot can give my drivers a needed edge during a race. And I can pay you quite well in addition to paying for fuel and maintenance. I understand now that your father has passed away, you'll need the income I can supply to pay your father's hospital bills."
Trixie quashed a rising feeling of unease. "How exactly do you know about my father's hospital bills?" she asked sharply, disliking the man's apparent smugness.
"Let's just say I have my sources."
She was momentarily speechless.
Meanwhile, driving down Main Street, Speed and Sparky were in the Mach 5, in a bit of a debate
"Why couldn't we grab a bite closer to the track?" Sparky complained, thinking about Pops' reaction if he returned to the track and found everyone gone. It was after two.
"We tried. Can I help it if the place closest to the track was closed? Anyway, the food's better in here." Speed gestured to La Faccia Bella. He turned into the side parking lot and slammed on the brakes, sending Sparky forward.
"Hey Speed, what's the big idea?" Sparky barked as he glared at his friend. Speed was frozen, staring ahead at something like he was hypnotized. Sparky turned his attention to the front and not seeing anything out of the ordinary inquired, "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"The car right in front. It's Trixie's," Speed replied, stunned. He pointed to the yellow Mercedes convertible parked dead ahead.
Sparky laughed, "Man, you've really got it bad for this girl. That could be anybody's car, there's more than one yellow Mercedes convertible in the world."
"Sparky, that's Trixie's car. I recognize the license plate." Speed was insistent.
"You have only known her for a grand total of 48 hours and you already know the girl's license plate number? Man, you're dead in the water, she's got you hook, line and sinker and all she has to do is reel you in."
Speed didn't answer. He just stared with a thoughtful but dark frown marring his sculptured features. "So she's got a lunch date," he said in dismay, jealousy rising inside him like bile. "She should've told me." In a fit of anger, he wheeled the Mach 5 around and gunned it away and out of the restaurant parking lot.
Sparky hung on to the dashboard. "Hey Speed, take it easy. We're not on the track now, for crying out loud! The last thing you need is a ticket," the mechanic reminded him as Speed accelerated down Main Street.
Speed grunted in response, his thoughts running wild. No wonder she was dressed so cute he said to himself glumly. His mind was spinning with possible reasons as to why Trixie would have been so secretive about her appointment. He desperately wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt but could not assuage his hurt feelings that she didn't trust him enough to let him know she had other plans. But as he thought about it more reasonably, he began to realize that he actually had no right to be so incensed, he had only just begun to see her. He sighed and slowed his speed to a sedate 35 mph, a cooler head prevailing. He glanced at Sparky apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Spark, I lost my head. We'll find somewhere else to eat."
"Forget it, Speed. I lost my appetite. Let's just head back to the track," Sparky said crisply.
"Yeah," Speed said sullenly. It was the last word spoken between them until they reached the track.
"I'm sorry Mr. Wiley but I have to say no. I really have no interest in doing the things that the job requires," Trixie stated emphatically. "I won't help your team win races dishonestly."
Wiley said nothing for a long while. Then he spoke, "That's your final word?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is."
"Then our business is finished." He snapped his finger for the waiter to bring the check. "Good afternoon," he said abruptly as he left a dollar with the check and strode away, leaving a very perplexed Trixie behind.
The summer sunlight streamed in through the slats of the venetian blinds that covered Speed's bedroom window and caused his eyes to open as the insistent rays played on his lids. Speed yawned and turned over only to find that the position of the ray reflected on the white of his sheet and made going back to sleep impossible. He yawned again and his as mind began to come back to consciousness it replayed last night's date and good night kiss with Trixie, bringing a lazy grin to his lips in fond remembrance. Man, Speedy, she is like the total package he told himself. A knockout, a great kisser, we like the same music, and she digs cars. She's heaven sent that's for sure! He stretched indolently as he sat up and swung his legs over the bed, pushing off the sheet that had covered him. He stood up, stretching his hands to easily touch the ceiling and then turned and glanced at the clock on his nightstand, right next to the phone. He wondered if 8:00 would be too early to call, if she was awake yet. He grinned as he fantasized about her in her bed and nightgown and pictured her face in repose.
Speed was about to sit back down on his bed and reach for his phone when his bedroom door swung open with a bang. Speed gasped unexpectedly as Spritle launched himself at his older brother at full steam with Chim Chim not far behind.
"Hi Speedy!" the younger Racer cried as he was held at bay by Speed, who had him grasped by his upper arms.
"Hey, squirt, don't cha know how to knock?" Speed complained with a mock scowl. "What's with the wake-up call?" He looked annoyed but there was a telltale twinkle in his cobalt eyes that belied his expression.
"Whaddya mean? You were already awake."
"Never mind. What's up?"
"Speedy, can me and Chim Chim come to the track with you today, huh, can we? Instead of stayin' here this morning, huh?" Spritle pleaded with round cocoa eyes. Chim Chim nodded as well, grasping Speed's arm in supplication.
"What are you talking about?" Speed was drawing a blank.
Spritle fixed Speed with an impatient look. "C'mon Speedy, you didn't forget, did you?"
Speed sighed as his aspired and tentative plans with Trixie seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke as he then remembered that his mother mentioned yesterday to him at breakfast she had a club meeting that morning and Spritle would need watching. She had even gone as far as to ask Pops if he wouldn't mind if Speed came to the track late for practice, which he had agreed to, albeit reluctantly. With his mind still in a pleasant fog from sleep and the date with Trixie, he had totally forgotten. And since he had to practice at the track, he had no choice but to bring Spritle and Chim Chim with him or wait until Mom Racer returned after lunch. By that time, after practice and all the day would be completely shot but determined to see Trixie again, he chose the former scenario.
He said resignedly, "Okay, Spritle, okay. I'll take you to the track with me but I'm tellin' you now, you'd better behave yourself. You know how ticked off Pops gets when you get into trouble and he's busy with that new engine and worried about me racing in Raytona so just watch it." Speed cautioned. "Remember the last time he blew his top at you."
"Uh-huh." Spritle rubbed his buttocks remembering the last time he had incurred Pops' wrath. He had been grounded for a week in addition to receiving a sound spanking and had no desire for a repeat performance. "I'll be good, Speedy, I promise." He held up his two fingers, Cub Scout style and the chimpanzee mimicked him.
"Okay. Now take off, will ya? I gotta make a phone call." Speed turned his attention back to reaching for his phone.
"Hey who ya callin', Speedy? Your girl?"
Speed turned his head and pierced his kid brother with a glare. He pointed his finger to the door and said in a firm tone, "Out, squirt. Now."
Spritle began chanting in a singsong, "Speedy's got a girlfriend! Speedy's got a girlfriend!"
Speed got up to his full height and said loudly. "Okay, that's it! Scram!" He hustled the snickering youngster out and closed the door firmly. He sighed as he heard the muffled sound of his brother's chant as he and Chim Chim scampered downstairs.
Speed glanced at the clock and saw that it was just after 8:30. He sat down again and reached for the phone, dialing Trixie's number. As he waited for it to connect, he grinned as he realized he already had it memorized..
Trixie was lying on her bed, awake but daydreaming as she imagined the way Speed had kissed her last night. He was so sweet in the way he approached her, she felt a delighted feminine tingle from her head to her toes. She had had other relationships but this was the first time she had felt like this on a first date, feeling so completely happy and right; her heart tripping with breathless anticipation for each moment with the coal haired, handsome young racer. She blushed as she remembered his corded arms around her as his firm lips teased at hers.
She was lost in her reverie until the insistent ring of her princess phone brought her to reality. She reached her arm to the nightstand and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Trix." Speed's soft tenor seemed to caress her over the wire. "Did I wake you?"
"Good morning to you too," Trixie said sweetly. She hastened to reassure him. "Oh no, Speed, I was just being lazy and lying here daydreaming."
"Hmmm. I wonder what you were daydreaming about? Or who? Care to share it?" he teased.
"I was just thinking about last night," Trixie said softly.
"Great minds think alike. I was too." Speed told her. "And I was thinking how we could top it."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Oh, I don't know. A drive-in movie maybe, and something to eat. Or dancing. What did you want to do?"
Trixie shrugged and answered, "I don't care. Just so I can see you again."
Speed felt his heart leap with joy. "Feeling's mutual. So when can I pick you up?"
"Don't you have practice today?" she inquired.
"Yeah, but I'll be free by about 5. I have to watch my kid brother this morning so I'll have him with me at the track."
Trixie asked coyly, "You think I could come and watch you practice this morning?"
Speed was immensely pleased. "Sure, you bet! I'd love it for you to watch me practice for the first time."
"I-I have a confession to make," Trixie said hesitantly.
"What's that?" Speed wanted to know.
"I-I've been watching you practice over there since I moved here. When I wasn't at the hospital with Daddy that is," she admitted ruefully.
Speed chuckled, "Wow and I never even knew it. All this time I had a secret fan. And here I'd been thinking that I saw you first, I guess it's been the other way around, huh?"
Trixie recounted, "Looks that way. Are you disappointed?"
"Are you putting me on? I'm flattered," Speed said with alacrity. He spied the time and said, "Listen, Trix, I gotta get dressed and get to the track so I guess I'll see ya out there, okay? And decide what you want to do tonight, we'll do anything you want."
"Okay, Speed. I'll see you in a bit."
"I'll be looking for you. Bye-bye."
Trixie hung up the phone with a soft smile curving her lips. He is just so adorable and so sweet, who'd have guessed it? She sat up, threw off the sheets, bounded from the bed, selected an outfit from the closet and headed into her bathroom to jump into the shower.
Outside, still under the copse of trees, Slyme Balle continued his perusal of Trixie's cottage, hangar, and airstrip only this time he was snapping pictures, using a camera with a telephoto lens. He took about two rolls of film worth, then started the sedan and crept away.
Trixie came out of the shower, fully dressed and entered her bedroom. She studied her appearance in the mirror critically, making sure that the outfit she chose was just right. After careful consideration she decided that the delft blue capri slacks with a white dotted Swiss crop top with eyelet ruffles was just right. The color of her slacks matched almost exactly the color of Speed's eyes. She smiled in satisfaction, hoping he would notice. She was so excited about seeing him she felt absolutely giddy with sheer happiness, for the first time since the twin ordeals of her father's long illness and passing. Thinking of her father, she went up to her dresser where a 9 X 12 photograph of her and her father was, taken when she was about 10. She picked up the frame and ran her hand across her father's smiling image, her pretty face becoming pensive.
"Oh Daddy, I miss you so much! And I wish you were here with me. I know that you wanted to make sure that I was okay but you know I'll never be like I was with you. But I want you to know, Daddy that I will be fine. And Daddy, I met our neighbor, Speed Racer. He's so nice Daddy, I wish you could meet him. I know the day we moved in here, you saw him driving around the track and you mentioned that he was talented as a racer, like you had wanted to be, only the war interrupted and then I was born. I know you'd like him if you met him Daddy because I like him so much. And he likes me. He came over especially the other day, just to meet me. We only went out once but already he calls me his girl. And he makes me feel so special, Daddy, like you told me Mom had made you feel, I'm so happy when I'm with him. Oh Daddy, please know that I'm missing you but I'm feeling really happy for the first time since you died so rest in peace, your little girl is fine.
The princess phone ringing again interrupted her silent soliloquy and she hurried over to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Miss Shimura? This is Wiley, have you thought about what we spoke about yesterday?"
Trixie shuddered involuntarily and answered, "Not really sir, I told you that I needed some time in deciding what to do."
"Yes, Miss Shimura but I do feel it is of the utmost importance that we meet to discuss this. Are you free this morning?"
"No sir, I am not."
"This afternoon then?" The man was extremely persistent, almost to the point of being harassing.
Trixie sighed, giving up. "All right, Mr. Wiley. Where would you like to meet?"
"Are you familiar with La Faccia Bella restaurant?" the man asked.
Trixie replied, "Down off the center square? Yes, I am."
"Meet me there at 1:30 sharp," the man requested. "And please, don't be late." He abruptly hung up before she could answer.
Trixie sighed in irritation. This man, whoever he is, and whatever he wanted, was proving to be relentless, he just wouldn't let up. She shook her head and left her room and home, jumped in her Mercedes convertible and headed to the track.
Speed, Spritle and Chim Chim arrived at the garage at about 10:15 and pulled into the open area behind the track. Speed turned off the motor and extricated himself from the cockpit while Spritle and Chin Chim exited the Mach 5 with abandon to race about.
"Hey Spritle, remember what I said," Speed called out to the departing pair as Sparky and Pops came in carrying some blueprints. They strode over to a drafting table with a fluorescent light hanging over, spilling a bright light on the plans for a brand new engine. Speed joined them at the table.
"So this is the new baby, huh Pops?" Speed remarked making an appreciative whistle. "She sure is a honey."
Pops awarded his son with one of his rare but genuine smiles. "That she is, son. She's the most advanced, most powerful engine I've ever designed. As soon as she's built, I intend to put her in the Mach 5."
Speed whispered in awe. "With the way this thing looks, when you do that, nobody will catch me."
Sparky grinned, "I'll have to take a few more courses at the university in electrical and aero engineering to bone up on the works of this thing to repair her. But looking at her, she's well worth it."
Pops added, "I'm almost finished with the prototype. Me and Sparky will then put her through her paces, then we'll build the one for the Mach 5." He was so proud, he sounded like he was talking about another offspring with his chest puffed out like a strutting rooster.
Speed grinned widely at his father. Since leaving his former job and striking out on his own, Pops had worked nearly 24 hours a day, planning the design of engines that were the cream of high performance power. He was also busy hiring the cream of the crop of the graduating class of designers, engineers, and motormen out of the university and working hands on with them to make Pops Motors one of the best known names in the business. But it had been a Herculean task and had taken most all of Pops' life savings. He often was up nights worrying about the costs and when Speed began showing raw natural talent in racing, he fretted as how he'd keep up with the staggering cost of racing. That was another reason he had balked at his middle son's choice of career. But Speed's talent was undeniable, to waste it would have been akin to a crime and he would have driven his middle son, like his oldest son, away.
Pops and Sparky were discussing the ultra turbocharger with Speed when the latter's attention was drawn away by the sound of an approaching car. As the shiny yellow Mercedes convertible pulled up to the open area and parked by the Mach 5, Speed's face broke into a broad, pleased smile. He hastily made his excuses to Pops and Sparky and rushed over to the yellow car where a sunlit chestnut haired beauty sat behind the wheel.
"Who's that?" Pops wanted to know. Although happily married for almost 30 years, Pops still had an eye for a pretty face.
Sparky replied, "I think that's the infamous Trixie."
Pops grunted, "There goes the morning practice."
Sparky tried to hide a knowing smirk and turned his attention back to the plans.
Speed strode over to the driver's side of the convertible. "Hi, Trix. I'm so glad you could make it." he said, making no attempt to conceal his pleasure. His eyes were fairly dancing, like a sparkling lake in the sun. He took note of the car and whistled in appreciation. "What a boss set of wheels!"
"Thanks." Trixie removed her sunglasses and gazed fondly at him. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. So when are you going to practice?"
"Soon. But first I want you to meet Sparky and Pops. C'mon." He opened her door and took her hand as his eyes widened admiringly at her appearance. "Boy, you really look groovy today."
She smiled at him, "I'm glad you like it."
Still holding her hand, Speed led Trixie to the garage where he performed the introductions. He put his hand gently on the small of her back and brought her forward.
"Pops, Sparky, this is Trixie Shimura. She runs a charter air service from the airfield next door. Trixie, this is my father, Pops Racer and my best friend and crew chief, Sparky Sabu."
Trixie shook hands with Pops first. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Racer, " she said in a soft, ladylike voice.
Pops had a slight feeling of familiarity, like he had seen Trixie somewhere before but he dismissed it. He was however, taken back by the genuine friendliness that radiated from her spring meadow eyes like sunshine. He could now understand his son's infatuation, this was a young lady that he felt an immediate liking for. He took her delicate hand in his huge paw.
"The pleasure's all mine, but please call me Pops," he said with a rare grin.
Sparky then grabbed her hand and pumped it energetically. "Likewise. We've heard so much about you, its finally good to meet you."
Trixie smiled, liking both men at once. "I've heard a few things about you too," she responded.
Introductions completed, Speed was showing her around the garage when a blur came around the corner and almost collided head on with the young couple. Speed was nearly knocked off his feet as the youngest Racer child made contact with his brother's knees. Recovering from the shock, Speed grabbed his brother by his arms and glared at him eye to eye.
"Spritle! What the heck is the matter with you? You almost knocked me down and you could've hurt yourself," Speed scolded, more concerned than angry with his kid brother.
Spritle gazed at his brother with wide eyes of feigned innocence alight with mischief. "I'm sorry, Speedy. I didn't mean to. I was running away from Chim Chim."
"Where is Chim Chim?" Speed asked and was immediately waylaid, actually falling on his back this time by a chattering bundle of hair with arms screeching in simian laughter.
Trixie couldn't help but giggle musically at the comical picture, which brought a red flush of embarrassment to Speed's cheeks. Spritle looked up at her and then his attention was immediately drawn to Sparky and Pops who having heard the commotion, came running over to see the ensuing melee.
"What in Sam Hill is going on here?" Pops bellowed as he spotted his middle son on the cement with a large chimp straddling his torso and his youngest son on his knees nearby. "Spritle, get that ape off of your brother! Now!"
"Yes, Pops. Chim Chim get offa Speed now!" Spritle grabbed Chim Chim by the suspenders of his coveralls pulling the monkey off. Speed got to his feet, breathing heavily and cast a jaundiced eye at his brother.
"Spritle," he began in a warning tone clutching the youngster's arm then remembering that he wanted to put his best foot forward in front of the newly found girl of his dreams, took a deep breath and let his irritation drain away.
Pops decided to take over in meting out discipline. "Spritle, you and that ape stop running around here right now! This isn't a playground and your brother isn't a tackling dummy!" Pops took his youngest son aside none too gently and squatted down to eyeball him. "You made a promise to behave and you'd better stick to it if you know what's good for you or you won't be allowed out here at the track anymore."
Properly chastised, Spritle nodded meekly. "Yes, Pops."
Pops got to his full height and worriedly checked his middle son. "You okay, Speed?"
Speed nodded with a chuckle. Now that he was on his feet and his dignity returned, he was fine. "Yeah, Pops, I'm okay." He glanced at Trixie with a sheepish grin. "Some first impression, huh?"
"Interesting. Are you sure you're okay?" She examined him closely, concerned.
Speed looked at her and assured, "Yeah, I'm fine. I've learned a long time ago how to survive life in the Racer family."
Trixie smiled sweetly at him. "I think you have a terrific family."
"Well, can't I meet her too, Speed?" Spritle demanded, planting himself right before his brother and Trixie, hands on his hips in indignation.
Speed laughed, "Sure, Spritle, I was saving the best for last. Trixie, this is my kid brother, Spritle Racer."
Spritle offered his hand to Trixie in his best grown-up manner, which she took. "Hi Trixie, it's nice to meet ya. Boy, you're pretty!" he said in awe, his cocoa eyes wide as saucers. "Don't cha think so, Speedy?"
Speed gazed at Trixie with twinkling eyes. "You'd better believe it, squirt." He squeezed her hand and Trixie gave a pleased smile as she was held captive by his ocean blue eyes.
The spell was broken by Pops who cleared his throat loudly. "Ahem! Speed, you need to get on the track, it's almost 11." He turned to Trixie and said cordially, "If you'd like to watch Speed practice, come on out with me and I'll show you where you can sit." He took her elbow and steered her over to the starting line sidelines before Speed could say anything. He sighed resignedly, shrugged and headed over to the Mach 5 to start his laps.
Speed was barreling around the far turn, utterly enthralled. The Mach 5 was cornering like it was on rails, and flying down the backstretch neither loose nor tight, balanced, handling the best it had ever done. Speed glanced at his speedometer and noticed that the last lap had been his fastest so far. He idly wondered if having Trixie on the track sideline watching him had anything to do with it. He wanted to really impress her and had to force himself to keep his eyes and mind on the track and not give in to the overpowering urge to see her reaction and if she was indeed impressed. Between Trixie being there at the track watching and the stellar performance of the Mach 5, he was totally pumped.
Speed rounded the track, pushing the Mach 5 to a higher RPM and she continued to respond in admirable fashion, staying to the inside line for maximum benefit of centrifugal push. He had no other car to draft him or offer aeropush so he drew every bit of horsepower to keep his speeds up. The powerful engine roared in approval as he rounded turn 3, even as he eased up to make the turn. The way Speed drove showcased his uncanny natural talent for the car was making laps almost effortlessly.
Sparky leaned into Pops and commented. "The kid's on fire."
"Yep, that's my boy," Pops replied, the fatherly pride evident in his voice. "He's a Racer all right." Trixie had made her way over to the two men. Pops turned to her and asked, "Well, Trixie, what do you think, huh?"
"I think he's outtasight," she replied with more than a bit of awe. "And a terrific racer as well."
Pops chuckled to himself as he realized that it looked like his middle child was about to experience true love for the first time. He was remembering that he had acted the same way Speed was acting and that he had felt the same way when he met his wife. And he, having met Trixie at last, heartily approved. He turned and headed for the open area, calling for Spritle and Chim Chim to take them home for lunch.
She approached Sparky. "Looks like he's got a pretty good setup today. How's the round, it looks like he's handling the turns without much effort," she stated matter-of-factly.
Sparky did a double take. He gazed at Trixie in amazement. "Huh? How'd you figure?"
Trixie eyed him dubiously. "I can see how his camber is going into the turns. Can't you?"
"Yeah I can. But what I can't see is how a girl knows racing terms."
Trixie bristled a bit. "Sparky, for your information, my dad taught me racing terms. When he was younger, he was interested in racing but he had been called to go to war."
Sparky blushed as he apologized, "Gee, Trixie I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just surprised and impressed, that's all. I mean to hear a girl, who knows about racing and all, well," he stuttered, feeling a bit flustered.
Trixie gave him a reassuring smile. "Relax, Sparky, I'm used to it. Most guys have a hard time dealing with a girl who knows racing."
The Mach 5 rumbled up to the sideline, having completed the session. Speed removed his helmet, vaulted over the side and landed right beside Trixie. He took note of the somewhat involved conversation that he had interrupted and glanced at the two quizzically. "Hey, what's goin' on?"
Sparky looked at his buddy sheepishly and was about to say something but Trixie intervened. "Sparky and I were discussing your setup. Looks like everything was neutral out there," she said.
Speed grinned at her. "Yeah, she was great out there. I stayed with the low line and hit a fantastic groove." He took her hand and squeezed it then turned to Sparky. "Looks like we've a winning setup, Spark. We'll have to see how she does later when the track temp goes down."
"Yeah," Sparky said, having gotten over his initial shock over the track savvy of Speed's new girlfriend. He consulted his watch. "It just after one. Let's take an hour lunch break and meet back here at 2:30."
Speed turned to Trixie, "How about some lunch, Trix? I know a groovy place that's not too far, okay?" Still holding her hand, he began to lead her to the passenger door of the Mach 5.
Trixie stopped, remembering the meeting she had to attend with the mysterious Mr. Wiley. "I-I can't, Speed. I have an appointment at 1:30 and I have to leave now." She extricated herself from his grasp and headed to the garage. "I'll see you later," she called as she hurried out to her car leaving Speed momentarily surprised.
"Hey, Trix, where--" he began to call but she gunned the yellow convertible out of the garage area and took off before he could finish his question. Disappointed, he turned to Sparky with a frown and asked, "Man, what was that? She told me she wanted to watch me at the track today."
"Beats me. Maybe it's a hairdresser's appointment. You know women."
"Yeah," Speed said, still staring in the direction that he saw Trixie leave. "Yeah, I guess you're right. So let's go grab some lunch." He motioned to Sparky to get into the Mach 5 as he climbed behind the wheel, started the engine and pulled out of the track area.
La Faccia Bella was a small but well-known restaurant, centrally located to the business district of town and a popular lunch place for the work force but the lunch rush is usually concluded by one so by 1:30 it was nearly deserted, save a few business men. This was the case as Trixie pulled into a parking place and scurried to the entrance.
Once inside, she glanced about, not really knowing for who she was looking. After all, she had never met the man, only spoke to him on the phone. The maitre'd approached her.
"Excuse me, Miss, are you Trixie Shimura?"
"Yes, I am."
"Follow, me, please." The maitre'd led her to the very rear of the restaurant, by the restrooms where a fairly secluded booth was located. An average sized masculine form was there, swathed in a dark cloak up to his face that in spite of the fact that the restaurant was air conditioned, was quite inappropriate for the midsummer heat. Dark sunglasses completed the picture. He gestured to Trixie.
"Please be seated, Miss Shimura. Are you hungry?" He gestured for a waiter to come over.
Trixie slid into the booth and peered at her luncheon companion. He appeared to be an older man near 50, and content to keep his identity a secret. A waiter came up to them with an inquiring look.
"Not really. Just a Coke will do."
The waiter who had come took her order and then disappeared. Mr. Wiley had a simple glass of ice water before him.
Trixie sighed, "Mr. Wiley, what is it that you want to discuss with me that couldn't wait?"
The waiter returned with her Coke and left. Trixie took a sip as she waited. Wiley got right to the point.
"Miss Shimura, I'd like to hire you as a pilot for my company."
Trixie's eyes widened incredulously. "You'd like to hire me?"
Wiley nodded, "I understand you have both a Cessna and a helicopter. I have a need for a pilot to fly both for my auto racing team."
Auto racing! What a coincidence! Or was it? "Excuse me Mr. Wiley but why would you have need for a pilot for your auto racing team?"
"Because, Miss Shimura, I believe a pilot can give my drivers a needed edge during a race. And I can pay you quite well in addition to paying for fuel and maintenance. I understand now that your father has passed away, you'll need the income I can supply to pay your father's hospital bills."
Trixie quashed a rising feeling of unease. "How exactly do you know about my father's hospital bills?" she asked sharply, disliking the man's apparent smugness.
"Let's just say I have my sources."
She was momentarily speechless.
Meanwhile, driving down Main Street, Speed and Sparky were in the Mach 5, in a bit of a debate
"Why couldn't we grab a bite closer to the track?" Sparky complained, thinking about Pops' reaction if he returned to the track and found everyone gone. It was after two.
"We tried. Can I help it if the place closest to the track was closed? Anyway, the food's better in here." Speed gestured to La Faccia Bella. He turned into the side parking lot and slammed on the brakes, sending Sparky forward.
"Hey Speed, what's the big idea?" Sparky barked as he glared at his friend. Speed was frozen, staring ahead at something like he was hypnotized. Sparky turned his attention to the front and not seeing anything out of the ordinary inquired, "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"The car right in front. It's Trixie's," Speed replied, stunned. He pointed to the yellow Mercedes convertible parked dead ahead.
Sparky laughed, "Man, you've really got it bad for this girl. That could be anybody's car, there's more than one yellow Mercedes convertible in the world."
"Sparky, that's Trixie's car. I recognize the license plate." Speed was insistent.
"You have only known her for a grand total of 48 hours and you already know the girl's license plate number? Man, you're dead in the water, she's got you hook, line and sinker and all she has to do is reel you in."
Speed didn't answer. He just stared with a thoughtful but dark frown marring his sculptured features. "So she's got a lunch date," he said in dismay, jealousy rising inside him like bile. "She should've told me." In a fit of anger, he wheeled the Mach 5 around and gunned it away and out of the restaurant parking lot.
Sparky hung on to the dashboard. "Hey Speed, take it easy. We're not on the track now, for crying out loud! The last thing you need is a ticket," the mechanic reminded him as Speed accelerated down Main Street.
Speed grunted in response, his thoughts running wild. No wonder she was dressed so cute he said to himself glumly. His mind was spinning with possible reasons as to why Trixie would have been so secretive about her appointment. He desperately wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt but could not assuage his hurt feelings that she didn't trust him enough to let him know she had other plans. But as he thought about it more reasonably, he began to realize that he actually had no right to be so incensed, he had only just begun to see her. He sighed and slowed his speed to a sedate 35 mph, a cooler head prevailing. He glanced at Sparky apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Spark, I lost my head. We'll find somewhere else to eat."
"Forget it, Speed. I lost my appetite. Let's just head back to the track," Sparky said crisply.
"Yeah," Speed said sullenly. It was the last word spoken between them until they reached the track.
"I'm sorry Mr. Wiley but I have to say no. I really have no interest in doing the things that the job requires," Trixie stated emphatically. "I won't help your team win races dishonestly."
Wiley said nothing for a long while. Then he spoke, "That's your final word?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is."
"Then our business is finished." He snapped his finger for the waiter to bring the check. "Good afternoon," he said abruptly as he left a dollar with the check and strode away, leaving a very perplexed Trixie behind.