Author's Note: Please don't hate me for making this a cliffhanger. That is the way the plot is in the synopsis and since this chapter is a long one, it was the best solution. And to all my readers and reviewers who are so encouraging I hope you enjoy this chapter. BTW, I am accepting anonymous reviews but flames that are mean and have no constructive value will be reported as abuse and blocked from further reviews.
OLD FRIEND, NEW TROUBLE
The obstetrical office of Dr. Bibi Infante was located in a tall professional building just outside the business district and approximately three miles from the Pops Motors complex. The Mach 5 roared up the ramp to the parking garage and pulled into a spot near the elevator. Speed cut the motor and then exited his side of the vehicle to help Trixie to her feet.
"Really, Speed, you didn't have to skip practice to come with me. I could've come by myself," Trixie said with a sigh as he grasped her hands and assisted her. He then rested his left hand on the small of her back as they stepped into the elevator.
"Forget it, Trix. I want to come along and see what the doctor says after what happened at the race," he said firmly. "Besides, Pops insisted I go with you, at Mom's urging."
Trixie sighed in exasperation. "If I had known that you all would be this overprotective, I'd have thought twice about marrying into this family," she said peevishly.
Speed looked at her askance. "You don't mean that," he said with a benign smile.
She turned her head with a "Humph". "Sometimes I wonder."
The door opened to the fourth floor and the couple stepped out and made their way through the hall to the wooden door that read: Bibi Infante M.D. OB-GYN. Speed opened the door and again placed his hand on the small of her back as they approached the reception desk where an attractive redheaded nurse sat.
The young looking nurse smiled brightly at Speed as she asked, "Can I help you?"
He smiled politely in return and replied, "Yes, my wife has an appointment with the doctor. The name's Doodle." On his insistence, they were using his alias for privacy.
She referred to an appointment book and then said, "Oh yes, the doctor is waiting for you. You and Mrs. Doodle may go right in." The nurse gestured to her left to a hallway. "You may go right into her office, she'll be with you shortly." She gave him a dazzling smile as he thanked her much to Trixie's chagrin.
Her eyes narrowed as she pulled Speed by the arm and in the direction of the office. They entered the office and she hissed, "Would you mind not flirting with some girl while I'm beside you? It's very thoughtless of you! You're supposed to be a married man, for goodness sake!"
Speed looked at her dumbfounded. "Trixie, I didn't do anything but be polite to her," he said defensively, completely perplexed by her anger toward him.
"Humph!" Trixie said in her most annoyed manner. She sat down and turned her head away as Speed took the seat next to her, deciding to weather the storm of the raging mood swing by not saying anything that might provoke his wife further.
Dr, Infante, a pleasant but professional woman in her late thirties entered the office and closed the door. "Hello Trixie, Speed." She came to her desk and as always the perfect gentleman, Speed got to his feet. She gestured for him to take a seat as she began.
"Well, Trixie, how are you feeling? Any more pains?" the doctor inquired.
Trixie sighed and answered, "No, but then again all I've been allowed to do since getting back from China is get up, sit, eat, and go back to bed in between about a thousand trips to the bathroom." She glared at her husband as she added waspishly, "I feel like I'm under house arrest."
Speed sat with his arms folded and his eyes closed, his customary obstinate stance, the picture of the quintessential unmovable object. He remarked matter-of-factly, "The doctor at the hospital said you're to take it easy and I'm gonna make sure that you take it easy."
The doctor glanced at the couple and she indicated from a file on her desk in front of her. "Trixie, I'm afraid I agree with Speed. Dr. Chin sent your chart from Lhasa General by special courier and I must insist. You're in your third trimester and excessive exertion can cause you to either give birth prematurely or miscarry. You should curtail your activity with the racing team, at least until the baby is born."
Speed reached over to rest his hand on her shoulder. "See, honey? We're only trying to do what's best for you and the baby. You'll be able to navigate and spot after our baby is born."
Trixie fought tears of frustration as she looked from the beseeching cobalt orbs of her husband and the firm, no-nonsense expression on Dr. Infante's face. Outnumbered, she shrugged and surrendered.
"All right, fine. I'll do what you both want for now, but when the baby comes, I plan to go right back to my job." She folded her arms across her bosom and struck a haughty pose.
Speed mouthed a silent "thank you" to the doctor who looked amused and said to Trixie, "Of course, sweetheart. I wouldn't have it any other way."
That weekend was the running of the Finger Lakes Festival Road Race at Watkins Glen, New York, a Formula 1 venue that was one of several road rally tracks that the IRC schedule had as part of the season. The Go Team among other Formula 1 racing teams were there to compete in the race that capped off the week long festival that celebrated the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
Trixie was there, sitting in the pit stall on the strong insistence of Speed and Pops, doing nothing but checking auto parts inventory on a clipboard, bored out of her mind. She had come along at Speed's plea, even though she had wanted to skip the race, knowing that watching Sparky navigate instead of her would bother her. But her husband unleashed the most effective weapon, his charm, punctuated by a puppy dog look in his big blue eyes as he beseeched her to come so she reluctantly gave in.
She sighed in annoyance as she continued checking off numbers and figures on the clipboard and didn't notice her husband soundlessly sneaking up to surprise her. Speed gently nuzzled her from behind and she squealed in surprise as she jumped up, causing her right shoulder to make contact with his jaw.
"Owww!" he cried jumping back. "Talk about a mean right." He rubbed his jaw as Trixie whirled and glared at him.
"You startled me so don't complain," she snapped as she regarded him with arms akimbo. "That's what you get for sneaking up on me." She retook her seat scowling.
Speed grabbed a nearby stool and sat beside her. "So how ya doin'?"
She replied sourly, "You want the truth?"
Speed replied, "If you don't mind."
Trixie leaned back and stretched as she answered cryptically, "I feel like you want me here just to take up space. Giving me a job like this was just to keep me busy and out of your hair, right?" She lowered her head and turned away, avoiding him.
He reached to take her chin in his hand to meet his gaze. "You're not in my hair, baby. I just thought that if we gave you that job, which happens to be very important to the team, we would let you know how very important you being here is."
Trixie sighed as she saw Speed's warm cobalt orbs loving and completely without guile. She took his hand in both of hers and said softly, "I know, Speedy. And I'm sorry to be so difficult."
He moved the stool over closer and wrapped his arm around Trixie, squeezing her tightly. "It's okay. I'm just glad you're here with me, even if you won't be in the Mach 5 navigating." He cupped her cheek with his other hand and drew in for a slow gentle kiss.
A soft voice calling Speed's name broke the couple out of their embrace. "Speed? Speed Racer, is that you?"
Speed and Trixie both looked up and saw a shapely young woman walk toward them, her pretty face alight with recognition, cinnamon curls dancing as she came to the flustered pair.
Speed released Trixie and got to his feet in amazement. "Twinkle Banks?"
Twinkle smiled warmly as she said, "I thought that was you. It's good to see you." She turned to Trixie and held a hand out. "And Trixie, it's good to see you too."
Trixie rose as Speed helped her to her feet. She returned Twinkle's smile as she shook Twinkle's hand. "It's nice to see you too, Twinkle. What brings you here?"
Twinkle replied, "The Universal Circus is performing as part of the Finger Lakes festival after the race and they asked me to be Grand Marshal. I'm going to start the race by throwing the flag."
Speed asked, "Oh are you still doing stunts in your father's circus?"
Twinkle nodded, "Uh-huh. Although I stick to mostly stunts in the ring, no more trying to cross Niagara Falls business."
"I'm glad to hear that," Speed said
Trixie eyed her husband with veiled suspicion. She remembered all too well Speed's admiration of the lovely Twinkle when their paths first crossed and she enviously saw that Twinkle's figure was as exceptional as ever. She self-consciously placed her hand on her rounded belly and was so lost in her thoughts that she did not hear that she was being spoken to.
"Trixie?" Speed gently shook her out of her reverie. "Are you okay, baby? You seemed miles away."
Trixie gave him a bright smile as she replied, "I'm fine, please forgive me for spacing out like that."
Twinkle nodded sympathetically as she examined Trixie carefully and commented, "I read about your wedding in June and I see that you're expecting, congratulations on both counts."
Trixie said graciously, "Thank you."
Speed grinned as he looped an arm around Trixie's shoulders. "Yeah, we didn't waste any time, did we, honey?"
Trixie smiled blandly as she nodded. "It wasn't our original plan but we're thrilled anyway."
Twinkle smiled in genuine warmth as she said, "Well, I wish you both the best. I have to go and check with the race officials before the race and just wanted to say hi so I'll wish you the best for the race. Good luck, Speed." The attractive circus star shook the coal-haired racer's hand and then turned to leave as Speed watched her go.
Trixie gave him a hard jab in the ribs to get his attention. "Come back to earth, Speed."
He turned to his wife with a sheepish grin. "I'm okay, Trix. It was just nice to see her again."
She sniffed, "Yeah, I bet." She tried to turn away but his hand stopped her.
"Hey, are you getting jealous again?" At her miffed attitude, Speed took hold of Trixie's elbows firmly and said distinctly, "You have absolutely nothing to be jealous of, Trix. You're my wife and I love you and you alone."
She asked softly, "Even as fat and ugly as I am?"
Speed took her face in his hands and admonished, "Stop that right now. Listen to me, you are by far the most beautiful, sexy woman on the face of the earth. The day I first saw you, you took my breath away, and you know what?"
"What?" she said like a little girl.
Speed leaned down so his face was inches from his wife's. "You still do," he whispered as he captured her Cupid's bow mouth in a tender kiss. She responded by snaking her arms around his leanly muscled torso and meeting his ardor with one of equal measure.
It was this scene Pops and Sparky came upon as they entered the pit stall. Pops cleared his throat uncomfortably as Sparky smirked.
"Looks like Speed's living up to his name. He's really revvin' it up."
Pops glared at Sparky and cleared his throat again, louder and more conspicuously.
At the sound, Speed and Trixie broke apart and glanced at the Racer patriarch.
"I hate to break this up but the race starts in 45 minutes and you need to get into the Mach 5 for a final check, Speed," Pops reminded his second born.
Speed reluctantly let go of his wife with a sigh. "See ya later, baby." He turned and headed for where the cars were lined up.
"Okay Speed. Please be careful," Trixie called. She picked up the clipboard and headed for her spot behind the pit wall, with the fuel and tires.
"I will," Speed said over his shoulder as Pops hustled him away. "See ya at the finish line."
"I'll be there waiting for you" Trixie promised as he blew her a kiss.
A little while later at the flag stand, Twinkle Banks was just finished getting pre race directions from IRC officials about watching for the countdown and when to drop the flag when a tall, leanly muscled man with unruly sandy curls strode over to her. His chiseled face was lit up with a smile, showing even white teeth.
"Hiya Twink," he said airily as he looped an arm around the circus star.
She rewarded him with a smile of her own. "Bruce, I'm glad you're here. The race is about to start in five minutes."
"Oh," Bruce Trapezini, star high wire artist of the Universal Circus said disinterestedly. "How long are you gonna be tied up here?"
Twinkle looked at him askance as she replied, "Bruce, you know I'm committed to doing this. The payment I'm getting is desperately needed, you know that."
Bruce's amber eyes studied the pretty face of the girl daredevil as he insinuated, "Is that all, Twinkle? I know your old boyfriend, Speed Racer's one of the drivers in the race."
Twinkle sighed, "First of all, Speed was never my boyfriend. He was a good friend who helped me and my father out when times were lean three years ago and we almost lost the circus. And secondly, he's married and about to be a father. Even when he helped me before, he was already spoken for." The last statement was with a tinge of regret but Twinkle was a realist, she had known when she first met Speed that his heart had belonged to Trixie. When Trixie found her and Speed in the cave behind the Niagara Falls, the look of joy on Speed's face and the embrace the two of them shared left no doubts.
Bruce saw the shadow pass over Twinkle's sable eyes and he snorted. "Well, you obviously had a crush on him, I can see it in your eyes." His own amber orbs were penetrating, pinning her.
Twinkle smiled at him gently as she sidled up to the trapezist and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love that you're jealous, darling, but you have no cause. Speed was and is just a friend and if you saw the way he was with his wife earlier--"
"You went to see him?" Bruce said suspiciously.
Twinkle was about to explain about her reunion with Speed and Trixie but the IRC official returned and announced, "Race is about to start in about two minutes, Miss Banks."
She turned to Bruce and beseeched him, "Please, Bruce. The circus needs the exposure. If we don't get a big crowd for the show tonight, we won't break even. I've got the owners on my back about the thin crowds lately." Her soft brown eyes pleaded with him as she grasped his sinewy arms.
Bruce gazed down into the delicate face that captured his wayward heart and he sighed. "Okay sweetheart." He leaned in to kiss her. "I'll go find a seat."
Down in the Mach 5, Speed was sitting and trying to focus on the race but he could not get his mind off seeing Twinkle again after three years. Three years ago he had been drawn to her out of admiration for her fearlessness and then the neediness of her and her father's circus had him feeling sorry for her which appealed to his need to protect but he realized it was never more than that. And then his cobalt eyes feasted themselves on the pert yet very pregnant form of the one girl who always supported and stood by him, who also was fearless. Trixie had gone around the world with him, braving all kinds of perils and even saved his life several times as she watched over him. And just knowing she was there, either by his side or waiting faithfully at the finish line was enough to help him reach for the stars. Speed watched as his wife was talking to the tire and gasmen in the Mach 5's pit and he smiled lovingly knowing in the deepest reaches of his heart that there was nobody else ever for him. Trixie Racer, you're one in a million and I love you with everything in me he said to himself as he was startled by Sparky addressing him.
"Speed? Hey Speed, buddy, I'm ready to roll. I'll be flying Trixie's chopper to spot for ya."
Speed shook himself. "Huh? Oh yeah, sure Spark," he said distractedly.
Sparky shrugged and made his way to the blue helicopter as the P.A. system blared, "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE FINGER LAKES FESTIVAL ROAD RACE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. AND NOW, OUR GRAND MARSHAL, THE STAR OF THE UNIVERSAL CIRCUS, MISS TWINKLE BANKS!"
Twinkle walked to the microphone, smiled and waved at the cheering crowd as she spoke, "GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!" She winked at the drivers lined up as they started their cars.
The roar of high performance power plants filled the air as the field fired up, revving energetically as the cars got ready for the Parade Lap. The field began moving onto the road course slowly and in formation as the pre race formalities began.
In the Go Team pit, Pops and Spritle watched as Speed traveled along in his pole position, right behind the pace car and they were making observations of various strategies. Pops was talking to his headset to communicate with both Sparky in the chopper above and Speed in the Mach 5.
Trixie sat in her spot behind the pit wall feeling utterly cut off, away from the activity of the crew so she wouldn't be in any immediate danger during pit stops and tried to stem the rising sense of inadequacy she was feeling in between her frequent visits to the bathroom. She could not keep her eyes from the flag stand where Twinkle stood, talking to race officials.
Damn, she's just as beautiful as she was before and her figure's perfect Trixie silently fumed as envy overcame her. And she is still as nice, I just can't hate her, no matter how hard I try. Trixie found herself remembering how smitten Speed was by the lovely girl daredevil, so much so that he sacrificed being in the Nightona race just to help Twinkle. She remembered how he filled the Mach 5 with flowers and stuffed animals to bring to Twinkle as she recovered from her near disaster and the thought made her sick inside, even three years later. Her eyes welled up as she mused about Speed's obsession to help the girl acrobat, and her heart ached as hormones again did a number on her. She sighed and put her left hand on her rounded belly and then a thought came to her to comfort her as the sunlight hit the diamond on her third finger, causing it to sparkle and drawing her attention.
Trixie then studied her left hand, the hand that bore the beautiful engagement ring Speed had presented to her among the pageantry and excitement of yet another win. Then, she gazed at the diamond and gold band he slipped on her finger in the garden at Mont Royale as he pledged to love and honor her till death do them part. And finally, the most concrete evidence of his commitment and devotion to her, the child moving about inside of her; their child rippling the surface of her abdomen. Then suddenly, the envy of Twinkle disappeared as she realized that although Speed had always looked at and felt impelled to rescue other girls, he always remained by her, depended on her, and finally tied himself to her. She then smiled, brushing away the tears as she chided herself for being silly and watched her husband race. . . .
Later, after a hard fought race and Speed had crossed the finish line as victor, Pops held a meeting with the Go Team, his countenance grim. He addressed the team earnestly.
"Okay folks, congratulations on the win but I have to say that there were some incidents that have me rather concerned for the North/South Road Rally, our next race." He referred to his clipboard. "First of all, the pit times were atrocious, if not for Speed's skill behind the wheel and the power of the Mach 5, we'd have lost the race."
The pit team all grumbled among themselves in discontent as Pops ignored them and continued, "Sparky, you need to go back to your job as crew chief. They were so disorganized without you there."
"Pops I couldn't help it, I had to spot in Trixie's place," Sparky pointed out.
"I know, Sparky," Pops answered, sighing.
Trixie piped up from her chair beside Speed, "Pops, I could spot for Speed. Flying is like walking to me."
Speed shot her a disapproving look and opened his mouth to speak but Pops shook his head vehemently. "Sorry Trixie, but no chance. You aren't gonna do anything but make sure my grandchild gets here safely."
In a huff she turned away and in spite of her show of temper Speed fought the urge to chuckle my little spitfire won't give up will she? He reached to take her in his arms as she sat there prettily pouting.
Pops kept shaking his head as he said definitely, "Nope, we'll just have to hire someone to spot and navigate for Speed till Trixie has the baby. And that's final."
Over in Seneca Falls, the Universal Circus had just wrapped up its performance for the evening, to a less than half capacity crowd and Twinkle was in her dressing room, weary and discouraged. She had such high hopes that being Grand Marshal of the Finger Lakes Festival Race would draw the people in but she was mistaken as the tent was sparsely filled during the entire evening. She gazed regretfully at the small pile of money on the table, the total of the night's receipts, her sable eyes welling up.
Twinkle sighed heavily as she sat at the mirror and proceeded to remove the greasepaint makeup she wore for performances as she mused about what she would say to the partnership which now owned the Universal Circus. Her father's death two years ago had forced her to sell the ragtag circus that had been the place she had grown up and they had been very persistent of late in making what they called "necessary changes" to let certain people that had been with the circus for years go. Out of loyalty to the faithful group that stuck with her and her father through the lean times, she had done all she could to prevent their dismissal but they were let go nonetheless.
When a knock sounded on the Winnebago door, she had a feeling of dread at the pit of her stomach as she called out weakly, "Come in."
The door opened and Bruce stepped in, out of his costume and in jeans and a T-shirt. He drew up to Twinkle with a look of tender sympathy as he took a chair and sat beside her.
"You okay?" he asked, his amber eyes soft with concern as he reached to tuck a curl out of her eyes.
Twinkle sighed as she turned to face him. "Oh Bruce, what am I going to do? The crowd tonight was so small and the receipts are just pitiful." She gestured to the money on the table then laid her head on his broad shoulder as his arms encircled her and the tears she had been fighting threatened to spill.
"Shhh, it's okay, cara mia. Everything's gonna be fine," he reassured her as he stroked her head.
There was another knock on the door and Bruce let go of Twinkle to answer the door. The weasely and swarthy figure of Sidney Spangle stood there with a look of mock sympathy as he addressed Twinkle.
"Ahh, good evening Miss Banks. Or maybe it wasn't such a good evening after all," He indicated the meager pile of currency sitting on the table. He sighed in feigned pity.
"I hate to say this but the board won't be happy with this. They were hoping that your being the Grand Marshal at the race would improve the profits but as I can see that wasn't the case. Quite regrettable."
Bruce glared at the man and snapped, "Quit beating around the bush, Spangle. Just lower the boom and knock off the games."
Spangle eyed the young trapeze artist with disdain. "I believe I'm speaking to Miss Banks," he said with a sniff and turned to face Twinkle. "I'm sorry to tell you but there will be changes made and we will no longer be needing your services. You must relinquish the deed of the circus to us by the end of the month."
Twinkle jumped to her feet and cried in desperation. "B-but M-Mr. Spangle, please tell the board to give me more time! I know I can improve the profits if you just give me a chance." Her chocolate eyes were glistening as she clutched his arm beseechingly.
Spangle studied her with a mixture of pity and distaste. He removed her hand from his sleeve and turned toward the door. "I'm afraid that the board's decision is final. I'm sorry," he said, sounding anything but. He stepped out, closing the door and the sound reverberated through the trailer with an overwhelming sense of finality.
Numb, Twinkle sank to her knees, tears coursing down her still painted cheeks, leaving rivulets of ivory through the pink powder. She hung her head dejectedly, her cinnamon curls veiling her face.
"Oh Bruce, what am I going to do?" she sobbed brokenly. "This circus was the last remainder of my father's dream and now it's lost."
Bruce knelt before her and pulled her into his arms. "Hush, bambina." Although he was born in the States, his parents were immigrants from Sicily and he had grown up bi-lingual, able to speak both English and Italian fluently. He preferred to use Italian terms of endearment when addressing Twinkle.
He cradled the lovely performer in his strong corded arms, whispering softly, "Don't worry, cara. Everything's gonna work out, you'll see."
Twinkle pulled her head back and asked between sobs, "How? I sold controlling stock to Spangle and his partnership when we needed money before right after Daddy died. I was so stupid!"
Bruce took her slender shoulders in his hands and gazed at her. "Stop beating yourself up, Twink. Your father had left you little to nothing after his accident and after burying him you had no choice."
Twinkle nodded as she brushed the tears from her eyes. "I know but how are we going to make it, Bruce? We were planning to get married, remember?" She gazed at the diamond on her left hand for emphasis. "I have to find a job and so will you."
"I know." Bruce nodded as he said, "I'll look for work, too."
"I may have to pawn this," she said as she held up the hand with her engagement ring.
He shook his head energetically. "No way. That ring's staying right where it is, on your finger."
"But we'll need the money or we can't get married," she protested.
Bruce grasped the hand in question and planted a gentle kiss. "We'll still get married, cara. I'll make sure that we have enough so you can become Mrs. Bruce Trapezini." He cupped her face with his other hand to kiss her tenderly.
Twinkle responded eagerly, seeking solace in his passion for the moment as her mind began accepting the hard truth. Tomorrow, she would begin looking for work. . . .
Two days later, at the Pops Motors complex, Pops and Speed were in Pops' office discussing the upcoming race and the subject of a new navigator came up.
"Speed, I took the liberty of advertising for a navigator at all the racing venues and around. I also put an ad in the national employment journal," Pops informed him. "I said that they need to have the ability to drive a racing car and pilot's licence."
Speed sighed as he perused the papers. "Thanks Pops but I really wish we didn't have to. Trixie's really taking it hard."
His cobalt blue gaze was faraway as he thought of his chestnut haired wife and her attitude about stepping back from the Go Team. She was putting up a brave front every day but he knew that it was killing her inside and that was killing him. She was trying to hide how hurt she was but he knew her like he knew himself and could tell that she was crying about it when he was not around. And as he saw her smile and say that she was fine to him with telltale red in her sea green eyes, it was breaking his heart.
Pops laid a hand on his son comfortingly. "Look, Speed we had no choice. Would you rather she lost the baby or has it prematurely?"
Speed's eyes flew open in horror as Pops chuckled. "Of course you wouldn't. So at least till the baby's born, this is how it has to be."
"I know," Speed said resignedly. "But I can't help feeling like a heel when I see that she's been crying about it. And I'd rather cut off my right arm than make Trixie cry."
"Son, it's a part of marriage that you and your wife will not always see eye to eye," Pops said sagely as he took a seat beside Speed. "But she needs to know that it's your love for her and the baby that's making you do this. So you need to be as loving and gentle toward her as you can. And keep letting her know how you feel."
"Yeah," Speed agreed. "She's my whole life and I'd walk through fire for her." He got to his feet and regarded his father with a look of wonder. "Y'know Pops, I never thought I'd ever love anybody the way I love Trixie. It scares me sometimes."
Pops nodded, "Yeah, it's something when you have a woman that has that much power over you."
The buzzer on the intercom rang on Pops' desk and he reached and punched a button. "Pops Racer here. What? Already? Okay, send her in."
"What was that about, Pops?"
At Speed's questioning gaze Pops replied, "Someone's already here to apply for the job. That's pretty fast, I just had the ads placed yesterday." He went to the door of his office as a knock sounded on the portal. "Do me a favor, Speed, stick around willya? I want you to meet the ones applying for the job since they'll be working closely with you."
"Okay, Pops." The coal haired racer sat back in his chair with his arms crossed.
Pops opened the door and his eyes widened at the pretty cinnamon haired girl with warm brown eyes sitting primly in the waiting area, her completed application in her lap. She smiled politely at the CEO of Pops Motors as she rose to greet him.
"Mr. Racer it's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Theresa Banks, nicknamed Twinkle."
"Likewise," Pops said, shaking her hand. "So Miss Banks you're applying for the navigator/spotter's position. What are your qualifications?"
She handed him a resume. "I think you'll see that I'm a very versatile person. I'm an accomplished driver and I have my pilot's license." She showed him the license.
Pops skimmed the paperwork as he said, "Hmmm. It says here that most of your experience was with the Universal circus as a daredevil driver."
Twinkle nodded as she continued, "I also am quite knowledgeable about cars in particular. In my father's circus we were required to fix anything that went wrong with the equipment. We had an ancient gasoline generator that was always breaking down so I got quite good at repairing it."
Pops was impressed but he cleared his throat and said gruffly, "The job is only temporary. My daughter-in-law usually does the job but she's having a baby and my son insists that she not work till the baby's born." He smiled as he continued, "Why don't you come into my office, my son Speed Racer's in there and if you get the job you and he will be working together."
They headed into the office as Pops announced, "Speed, this is Miss Twinkle--"
But Speed, who had gotten up from his seat when he heard Pops come into the office regarded Twinkle with his eyes wide. "Twinkle Banks," he said in surprise.
Twinkle smiled and said, "Hello, Speed."
Pops frowned as he saw his second born's reaction. "You know each other?"
Speed nodded, "Uh-huh. I helped Twinkle and her father three years ago when some guy named Cornpone Brotch was trying to take their circus. I missed the Nightona race because of that."
"Speed was wonderful, I don't know what Daddy and I would've done without his help," Twinkle said gratefully as she gazed at the handsome dark haired racer who boyishly blushed.
Pops' eyes widened in recognition. So this was the girl daredevil that Sparky had told him about who Speed was so concerned with helping, he missed an important race. He remembered how angry he was about Speed missing that race. He had especially been incensed at his son's tendency to help damsels in distress, but then Speed always was a sucker for pretty faces. But now Pops felt that he should keep things under control, especially now that his son was married and about to become a father.
He gestured to a chair. "Have a seat, Miss Banks." He passed Twinkle's resume and application to Speed for him to look at.
Speed was impressed with the area where it said Twinkle had a pilot's license. He remarked, "So you got your pilot's license, Twinkle. What do you fly?"
"Single engines and helicopters," was her reply.
Speed gave a look to his father but Pops ignored him and continued the interview. "So Miss Banks, why aren't you working for the circus anymore?"
A shadow passed over Twinkle's eyes as she replied, "My father passed away two years ago and I was forced to sell the circus. However, I had been working there still until recently when due to a drop in profits, they let me go."
Speed regarded her with sympathy. "You poor kid. What a tough time you've had," he said as he patted her hand.
Pops frowned at his son's show of attentiveness. "Speed, I'd like to speak to you," Pops insisted as he got up and pulled his son out of the office. "Excuse us for a moment, please?" he asked a perplexed Twinkle as he closed the door.
Speed asked his father innocently, "What gives, Pops?"
Pops faced his son with a scowl, as he demanded, "What the hell did you think you were doing in there?"
"I don't know what you mean."
Pops sighed as he pointed out. "I can see that you had feelings for that girl once. But you gotta remember that you're not the same guy you were three years ago, you're a married man."
As Pops insinuation Speed's eyes narrowed. "Pops, I'm surprised at you. Twinkle's an old friend and I was just being a friend back. Or didn't you hear what I was saying earlier about my wife?"
Pops snorted, "Well, just to make sure, I think we'd better keep looking for a navigator." He turned to head back to the office but Speed stopped him.
"Pops that's unnecessary. She's one of the best stunt drivers I've ever seen and she needs the job. Besides, she's a licensed pilot and we need someone that can do the things that Trixie would do if she could. She's the best choice for a replacement in my opinion," Speed said stubbornly.
Pops looked at his son askance. "You may be right but I wonder how Trixie will handle that her replacement is one of your old girlfriends."
Speed sighed in exasperation as he said, "Twinkle was never my girlfriend. Trixie was with me all the time as I helped her, and she was my girlfriend, if you'll remember."
Pops sighed, giving up. "Okay, Speed, okay. We'll hire her but I'm sure that Trixie won't be pleased, knowing her. Let's head inside." They both walked back into the office.
Twinkle was sitting in the office waiting in trepidation. She was hoping to get this job and the longer Speed and Pops were in conference, the dimmer her hopes became. She nearly jumped in fright as the door opened and both Racer men came in.
"Well, Twinkle congratulations. You've got the job," Speed said with a smile as he offered his hand to shake.
Twinkle rose to her feet, gratitude and relief flooding her delicate features. "Oh thank you, Speed, Mr. Racer. You won't be sorry, I'll do my very best for you." She took his hand in both of hers and pumped it energetically. "I really needed this job because I'm planning to get married."
Speed's eyes widened. "Really?"
Twinkle smiled as she held up her left hand and showed the diamond sparkling there. "My fiancé had worked in the circus with me and we want to get married but with me losing the circus we need to find jobs so we can." She impulsively hugged Speed as she said joyfully, "With me getting this job, we can get married soon, thank you so much!"
Pops cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Speed, why don't you go show Twinkle the chopper and explain what she'll be doing as your navigator," he suggested.
Speed and Twinkle disentangled themselves and both nodded. "Okay Pops. C'mon Twinkle, the chopper's at the airfield nest door," Speed said as he led her out the door.
Pops sat down with a sigh as he was hoping that hiring the comely former circus star would not be something he would end up regretting.
Speed drove Twinkle over to what was Trixie's airfield where the royal blue helicopter with the red strip sat waiting. He pulled the Mach 5 over to the whirlybird and leapt from the car as Twinkle joined him. He reached in his pocket for his set of keys to his wife's aircraft, inserted a key and slid open the hatch so he and Twinkle could climb in. They both sat in the seats, Twinkle before the controls.
Speed glanced at her and asked, "Have you flown one like this before?"
She nodded, "Uh-huh. I clocked my hours using a helicopter like this one."
"Great. Maybe later you can take it for a spin to get the feel for it. I'd suggest that Trixie go with you but me and her doctor forbid her to fly till she has the baby."
Twinkle gazed at him in admiration. "You really love her don't you?"
Speed's eyes became infused with warmth as he replied, "More than life itself."
Twinkle smiled as she said, "That's so sweet, Speed."
Meanwhile, Trixie turned her yellow Mercedes convertible into the short road to take her to the airfield. She felt a need to sit in her helicopter just to feel like herself. She had been cooped up in the house, with Speed forbidding her to do anything and she was going stir crazy. So with him tied up at the factory with Pops as he told her he would be, she took herself out for a ride to get away. And so she ended up here.
Trixie drove up the driveway and past her boarded up cottage, which she gazed at with longing as she passed it. She then saw her blue helicopter and noticed the low slung racecar with the "M" on the hood parked by it. Curious as to why her husband would be at her aircraft, Trixie parked her car by the Mach 5 and headed to the hatch of her chopper. But she stopped dead in her tracks and her eyes narrowed as she saw that Speed was not alone. . .
NEXT----MISTAKES AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS