SECRETS AND SURPRISES
They headed over to the garage at Pops' factory to use the phone and as fortune had it, Inspector Detector was in his office in spite of it being a Sunday evening. He agreed to see Speed and Trixie and so they headed to his office to inform him of the incident.
After they told him, Inspector Detector leaned back his bearded countenance a thoughtful frown as he stated, "It sounds very suspicious to me that your phone line would be cut. Have there been anything else strange happening, Trixie?"
The lovely pilot shook her chestnut curls vehemently, "Not at all. Everything's been normal, that's why this seems so bizarre." She shuddered and Speed looped his arm around her to hold her against him.
He asked worriedly, "What can we do, Inspector? If Trixie's in danger, we have to protect her."
"Speed, it's a bit premature to think that Trixie's in danger. Her phone line's been cut but until there are other incidents, we really can't do much."
Speed was outraged. "But Inspector, if her phone line's been cut, that means she's being targeted," he insisted.
Detector sighed, "Speed, I know you're worried about Trixie's safety but until something else happens to threaten her, we can't jump to conclusions."
Speed sighed, frustrated, "I can't believe we can't do anything about this."
Trixie patted his shoulder. "Inspector Detector's right, Speed. Until something else happens, we really can't do anything." She and Speed got up and she reached her hand to thank the officer. "Thanks for your help, Inspector."
Detector got up and grasped Trixie's hand. "Trixie, I'll be keeping an eye open and will send a unit to investigate. Please don't hesitate to call me if anything else happens."
The next day, Speed and Sparky were at the track before practice and Speed was relaying the happenings of the previous evening with his best friend.
Sparky let out a long whistle. "Why would Trixie's phone line be cut?"
Speed replied tersely, "Beats me. But I don't like it and I really wish Detector would do something about it. He said there was nothing he could do unless something else happens but I don't want something else to happen to her."
"So what do you plan to do about it, Speed?"
"What can I do, Spark? I have to just wait and see, but that doesn't mean I'm just accepting it, I have no choice." His tone of voice indicated his frustration.
Trixie's yellow convertible pulled up and she got out to join the boys. "Hi, guys."
Speed grabbed and hugged her tight. "Are you okay, baby?"
"I'm fine, Speed," she assured him as she extricated herself from his embrace. "The phone company just came and repaired the wire. So I have my phone back."
"Thank goodness," Speed said. "Not being able to get in touch with you was driving me up the wall."
The roar of another racecar sounded as the silver machine pulled up and Gary Lightening exited the cockpit. He waved and strode over to the trio as Speed groaned.
"Oh goody, look who's coming over."
"Be nice." Trixie nudged him as she smiled a friendly greeting. "Hi, Gary."
Gary grinned showing even white teeth. "Hi everybody." He turned to Speed and holding out his hand said affably, "No hard feelings for yesterday, Speed?"
Speed glanced at the proffered hand and Lightening's face and not wanting to be a poor sport, shook it and replied, "Nah, no hard feelings. Let's go practice."
They turned to do that but were interrupted by the entrance of Pops Racer who was pushing a dolly with a tarp-draped bundle over to the young adults.
"Well, everybody it's finished, finally," Pops announced as he wiped his brow. He stood beside the dolly like a presenter on a TV game show.
Speed, Trixie, Sparky and Gary all crowded around in curiosity as Speed said, "Is it really ready to go, Pops?"
Pops nodded, his chest thrust out like a peacock grinning ear to ear as he unveiled his latest creation. On the dolly was a huge streamlined high performance engine that was shining like it was infused with light.
Everybody's eyes were transfixed as they admired Pops technological genius displayed, momentarily stunned. Sparky, crack mechanic was the first to speak.
"Wow, Pops she sure is a beauty. You told me about her but your words didn't do her justice, what a sweet machine!"
Pops grinned proudly as he put his hand on the engine and patted it. "She's my finest accomplishment to date. She's got a 440 cid cast iron block, V12, carburetor 2406158, 2843906 block casting 2536430, crank casting 2206160, 4.32 bore x 3.75 stroke, with a compression ratio of 11.5:1."
All the boys whistled in appreciation as Trixie shook her head, marveling at the American male's continuing love affair with the thing of beauty known as the gasoline powered internal combustion engine. Yet her love for Speed made her just as interested as she gazed at the high performance machine.
His arm slipped around her waist as he leaned in and whispered, "She's quite the beauty but she doesn't hold a candle to you."
Trixie awarded Speed with a smile as she responded archly, "That's sweet but you can't fool me. I can feel your excitement about this engine and I know you can't wait to have it in the Mach 5 so you can try her out."
Speed gave her a rakish grin as he said, "Ya caught me again. No flies on you, Miss Shimura." He gave her a small kiss and was startled by the loud sound of a throat clearing
"AMEM!" He glanced up and saw Pops impatient scowl and Sparky's smirk. But Lightening's expression was one of disgust, his eyes narrowed.
"I think it's time for you to get on the track," Pops commanded, as he stepped away from the engine. He covered it with the tarp again as Lightening drew near.
"Say Pops that's quite the power plant there. How'd ya come up with the design?"
Pops beamed at the praise and was delighted to regale Lightening of his accomplishment. As he went on, Lightening took mental notes and made sure that he took a good look at the motor as if to commit it to memory.
The sun was heading to the horizon painting the landscape in warm tones of gold and orange reflecting in the mirror surface of Lake Icy Chill on Friday evening. The roar of the Mach 5 shattered the silence of the idyllic scene as it crept up to the lake's edge. Speed shifted into park and cut the motor, turning the radio on. The music of Motown surrounded him as he slung his arm around his girlfriend to draw her closer.
Trixie smiled as Speed moved in to her. "This is nice, Speed. I love this place!"
He grinned as he responded, "Yeah, it's a great place, I really dig it. It's so peaceful." He nuzzled her neck as he added, "And private."
She tittered as she remarked, "And it appears that you've kept Spritle and Chim Chim from joining us."
"Yeah, but believe me it wasn't easy. They both were sneaking into the trunk when I caught them and Pops grabbed them while I split to come and pick you up. They were determined to come and spy on me." He leaned closer and captured her lips in a long lingering kiss, as his hand cradled her face, his fingers lacing through her chestnut curls.
They were entwined as the sun sank lower and finally they broke apart as Speed said softly, "Hey, know what next week is?"
Trixie looked at him quizzically. "What?"
Speed did a double take and then chuckled. "Are you puttin' me on? It's your birthday, sweetheart. Did you forget?"
Trixie shrugged as she replied, "I guess I did. It's been a crazy week."
Speed snorted as he agreed, "You can say that again."
They were referring to the past week at the track practicing for the upcoming Great Lakes Michigan 500 Road Rally. The practice sessions on the track between Speed and Grease Lightening were actually a combination of battles of attrition and one-upmanship that had each driver striving to outdo the other. And there also was the fierce competition to see who could impress Trixie more. She had felt like she was the prize in some savage contest with winner take all and it both flattered and annoyed her. The comely helicopter pilot found she had lay down the law to both the intrepid racers several times but to no avail the battle between the two men raged on.
Trixie was shaken from her reverie by Speed's gentle tenor. "Trix? Are you there?"
She stared at him and said, "Oh yeah, what were we talking about?"
He grinned indulgently as he replied, "Your birthday, silly. Now what would you like to do, we can plan a whole day, do whatever you want."
Trixie hesitated and then said, "Well, Speed I was thinking of having a party and with everything being so busy, I forgot to tell you. I 'm sorry."
Speed said, "That's okay. A party, huh? Well, it's your birthday, baby so if it's a party you want, a party you'll get. So who are you inviting?"
"Well, I was thinking of Lily Marker and Janine Trotter and then I thought that I'd invite Guts Wheeler, Zoomer Slick, and of course Racer X. He's been such a good friend to us. You can invite him since he keeps in touch with you regularly."
"Yeah he sure has," Speed agreed as he thought about the Anything Goes race and how Racer X had saved him and Trixie from being blown up by Cruncher Block's goons at the abandoned mine that was the refueling station for the Mammoth Car. And the way he helped him win the Alpine Race when Speed had lost his sight, putting his own ambitions to win aside to assure Speed's victory.
"You think he'll come, Speed?" Trixie asked.
"Sure. Especially when he hears it's your birthday, I'm positive he'll come." He reached and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "So who else?"
Trixie bit her lip in trepidation and her manner did not go unnoticed by her attentive boyfriend as he gazed at her. "Hey baby, what gives? What's wrong, talk to me."
She sighed as she said softly, "I was thinking of asking Gary to come. I know you don't like him but after all he's new in town and,"
She was cut off by Speed's immediate coolness as he leaned away from her and withdrew his arm from around her. Trixie missed the comforting warmth of his closeness as his handsome face faded to a scowl and he gripped the steering wheel morosely.
"Why do ya have to invite him?" Speed asked coldly.
Trixie laid her hand on his arm and was stung as he flinched at her touch. "I told you, he doesn't know anybody in town and I thought it'd be nice for him to meet some people."
The coal haired racer turned and glared at his girlfriend, his cobalt orbs flashing. "Is that the only reason, Trixie?"
She did a double take. "What do you mean, Speed?"
He huffed, "You know damn well what I mean. He's been hangin' around you all week like a mangy mutt and while we're at it, why'd you have to take him up in your chopper today at lunch?"
Trixie bristled as she replied, "I promised him I'd take him up in the 'copter when I first met him. And as you recall, I did ask you if you wanted to come with us but oh no, you were too busy with that red-haired boa constrictor wrapped around you."
Speed retorted, "I told you before, nothing was going on, I don't even like the girl."
Trixie made an unladylike snort. "Yeah, you sure have a funny way to show it. Letting the girl maul you every time you come off the track is a real turn off." She turned and stared out the side window. "Just take me home, Speed."
Dismayed, he asked, "What about our date?"
Trixie turned and skewered him with her stormy sea green orbs. "I don't care. Take me home."
"Fine." Speed started up the Mach 5 with a roar and then he yanked the wheel to turn away from the lake and screeched off.
"So Dad, you and Mom were on the outs for her birthday?" Cam asked
Speed replied to his son. "Nah, we never stayed mad at each other long. I was crazy about your mom and hated when we fought." He smiled tenderly at his wife as he reached and squeezed her hand.
Victori smiled at her parents' show of affection as she asked Trixie, "Mom, did you feel the same way?"
Trixie nodded as she gazed at her husband. "Uh-huh. I hated quarreling with him and when he would beg me to talk to him, I felt like an absolute heel till we made up." She smiled lovingly at him and he winked at her.
"So what else happened?" Cam asked.
"Well, the competition on the track between your father and Gary was nothing compared to the ongoing feud between Grandpops and Flywheel Flatte," Trixie began. . . .
Over on the south side of town was the sprawling industrial park that housed the Flatte Autoworks, a burgeoning manufacturer of automobiles that were coming into their own yet in fierce competition to the well established and respected Pops Motor Company. As the sun was setting, a sleek silver racecar made its way to the main office complex and parked in the nearly deserted parking lot near a stately black Rolls Royce. Gary Lightening exited his vehicle and walked into the building where he was met by a blue clad security guard.
"May I help you, sir?"
Gary smiled politely as he replied, "Yes, you may. I'm Gary Lightening, Mr. Flatte is expecting me."
"Of course, Mr. Lightening. Please follow me." The guard led Lightening through a thickly carpeted maze to an oak portal with double doors. He knocked and at the muffled request to enter, both men stepped inside the lush office of one Flywheel Flatte.
"Ah Lightening, come in." Flatte said amiably as he sat in his immense leather chair behind an imposing but orderly glass topped desk. He dismissed the guard with a regal gesture. "Thank you, you may go."
The guard nodded and exited, closing the door.
Franklin "Flywheel" Flatte was a man of great bearing, of average height yet athletic build, every inch the portrait of the consummate self-made millionaire in puce silk pinstripes. His parents died when he was small so he had grown up raised by an uncle who had him work in his garage from the time he was ten. Then after working his way through trade school, he became a crack mechanic who eventually worked his way up from grease monkey status in a local service station to owning several garages around the county. He made his fortune selling franchises for oil change services and then decided to build high performance luxury cars to compete with the imports. He had a promising start with moderate to high sales his first year in business and decided to venture into the middle price range market by introducing a model designed for the average buyer. Establishing himself again, he then decided to enter into racecar design to compete in Formula 1.
Flatte reached for a cherry wood box on his desk, opened it and withdrew a fine Havana cigar, then offered the box to Lightening who declined the offer.
"So, Lightening," Flatte began as he used a brass cutter on the cigar, then placed it in his mouth. "How's practice for the race going?" He picked up a gold table lighter and ignited the flame.
Gary leaned back and replied, "So far so good. I'm getting some pretty good times on my laps."
"Ahh-huh," Flatte said as he indolently leaned back and lit the cigar, puffing vast aromatic clouds in the air as his steel gray eyes scrutinized his driver through the drifting blue haze. He placed the gold lighter back as he took yet another leisurely puff. "Splendid. And how about the rest?"
"That's going slowly but I am gathering the information you need. I just saw Pops Racer's latest creation."
"And?" Flatte inquired.
Gary answered laconically, "It's quite the engine. If the IRC okays it, we could have problems."
"Hmmm." Flatte drew the cigar out of his mouth and studied the curling stream of smoke from the glowing coal. "It's that impressive, eh?"
Gary nodded as he continued, "It's still in the testing stage but the prototype is stout enough to have them thinking about installing it in the Mach 5 for the race."
"I see," Flatte commented as he drew again on his cigar, puffing out several gray-blue clouds thoughtfully. He pulled it out of his mouth to blow a stream of vapor out and flicked the tip of fine ash in a crystal ashtray. "So we have no other choice."
Gary shook his head as he remarked matter-of-factly, "I guess you'll be summoning the team."
Flatte nodded as he replied, "They are the best at that type of job."
Gary was curious. "Flywheel, if you don't mind my asking, why are you so determined to beat Pops Racer?
Flatte twirled the tip of his cigar in the ashtray as he mused than answered flatly, "It's personal."
Gary examined the man across from him who exuded power and success and saw a flash in his gunmetal gray eyes as Flatte seemed lost in a reverie. Finally he spoke.
"The reason isn't important. Suffice to say that I intend to serve my revenge and as the saying goes it is a dish best served cold but that doesn't make it any the less sweet." He jammed the cigar back in his mouth and re-lit it, puffing energetically and appearing as a laboring locomotive in his agitation.
Gary sighed as he was no more informed than he was before. Noting the other man's coldly incensed manner he deftly changed the subject.
"So you'll pass the information I gave you to the team?"
The millionaire nodded. "That is the next step. How is the other end of your job going?" Flatte wanted to know.
Gary grinned unpleasantly as he replied, "Quite well if I do say so. I'm getting close to Trixie Shimura and with the help of some persistent female fans of Speed Racer's I'll be very successful at driving a wedge between the two, rattling him enough so he'll lose his focus and ultimately lose the race."
Flatte squinted at him through the spreading wraith of cigar smoke. "You sound very confident in that, Lightening. You'd better be right."
Gary smiled smugly as he assured his employer. "Just leave everything to me."
The following week at the track was busy and productive as Speed and Lightening assisted each other with improving their individual passing and drafting skills. They had entered into an uneasy truce as Pops issued a directive, "play nice boys, or don't use the track" Speed being his son making no difference. So both racers swore to be on their best behavior and for the most part, stuck to their end of the bargain.
Their tentative gentleman's agreement, however did not extend to the competition off the track as both men vied vigorously to impress Trixie, each trying to outdo one another in chivalry shown toward the lovely pilot. Although it was established that Trixie was his girlfriend, the argument that Speed had with her at Lake Icy Chill the previous Friday was fresh in his mind as he tried to make amends for his hotheaded impulses and hasty conclusions. But his efforts were hampered as Gary was also trying to woo her and he found chances to placate Trixie as the female fans led by Sally were cloyingly persistent in their attentions to Speed. He found himself getting annoyed by the resolute redhead who no matter how hard he tried to discourage, remained determined to plaster herself to him every at opportunity. And the relations between the couple were not any warmer when Trixie invited Lightening to her birthday party and he eagerly accepted much to Speed's irritation.
Early Friday morning, October 3rd, the Mach 5 roared up to the track garage, pulling up next to Sparky as the crack mechanic was going over his clipboard. Speed cut the motor and leapt out, a grin on his face as he approached his friend.
"Hiya Spark," he greeted cheerfully. "How's it goin'?"
Sparky replied, "Okay." He glanced at his buddy's jovial manner and demanded, "What's got you out here early and so chipper?"
Speed shrugged as he replied, "I guess I believe in carpe diem, seizing the day."
Sparky snorted, "Since when? Last I knew, you liked to stay in the sack till the last minute. Guess it doesn't have anything to do with Lightening getting here bright and early everyday."
Speed's face faded a bit then deciding to ignore the last remark, his grin widened as he reached into his back pocket. Changing the subject he said, "C'mere, I want to show you something." He withdrew a long leather covered box and pulled it open. "I got it for Trixie for her birthday, you know it's today."
"Yeah, I'm all set to come to the party tonight. So what ya get her?"
"This." Speed showed Sparky the contents of the box. Nestled on a bed of royal blue velvet was a delicately wrought gold chain from which hung a gold heart-shaped locket that was polished to a high sheen.
Sparky let out an appreciative whistle. "Gee, Speed I don't know much about jewelry but that's really something. Musta cost you a pretty penny."
"Yeah, but so what. What's the use of me winning all those race purses if I can't spend some on the girl I love?" He flipped the locket to the back. "Check this out, I had it engraved."
On the back of the locket, in lacy Imperial script was the phrase Forever My Girl, Love Speed.
Sparky said softly, "You're sure going all out."
"It's her 18th birthday, a special one. I wanted to give her something she would treasure."
Sparky remarked, "I think she'll have no doubts after seeing this. Good job, Speed."
Speed nodded as he snapped the case shut and put it back into his pocket. "I was thinkin' how right you were when you told me I was taking Trixie for granted. With her birthday here I figured it was a golden opportunity to show her how much she really means to me."
Sparky patted his pal on the back. "I think you're on the right track, buddy. She's gonna love it and I bet she'll show you in many and varied ways." He winked lasciviously.
Speed grinned as he admonished, "That's not the reason I'm giving it to her but I wouldn't mind if she wanted to show her appreciation."
"True. Call it a fringe benefit then," Sparky quipped as Speed chuckled. The roar of high octane interrupted their mirth as the Silver Streak pulled into the garage.
Like a cloud over the midday sun, Speed's mood darkened and his grin faded to a scowl as he remarked dourly, "Here comes that greaseball Lightening. I'm splittin', see ya on the track." And with those words, he leaped into the cockpit of the Mach 5 and roared away.
It was about 7:30 when Speed was in his room, putting on the finishing touches to his attire, tying his tie and then donning his crimson dinner jacket he studied his image in the mirror critically. His kid brother Spritle and ever present chimp pal Chim Chim sat on the bed watching and pouting.
"Aw gee Speedy, can't Chim Chim and I go to Trixie's party? She's our friend too and we want to wish her a Happy Birthday." Spritle whined. Chim Chim chattered as well, mimicking him.
Satisfied with his appearance, Speed reached for some cologne and splashed it on his person, sending a woodsy aroma wafting into the bedroom. He shook his head. "Sorry, no deal, squirt. This is an adults only affair, no kids."
"Chim Chim and I could always sneak on board the Mach 5, you know," Spritle said with a gleam in his chocolate eyes.
Speed whirled and got into the youngster's face. "You'd better not even try or you'll regret it, I'm warning you." He pinned the Racer baby with burning cobalt orbs.
Seeing that idle threats were getting him nowhere, Spritle began to protest when a gentle yet firm voice sounded. "Spritle, stop pestering your brother. You can't go with Speed and that's final," Mom Racer declared as she stepped into the room, a small wrapped box and bouquet of freshly cut white roses from her garden in her arms. She handed both to Speed who smiled in gratitude.
"Thanks Mom, for wrapping Trixie's gift and cutting her these roses. She loves white roses as much as you do."
Mom smiled as she answered, "Tell her the family sends our love. And remind her that she's expected to dinner on Sunday for our celebration of her birthday."
Spritle perked up. "We're having a party for Trixie, too? With ice cream and a cake?" he asked hopefully. "Chocolate cake?"
Mom laughed as she replied, "That's up to Trixie, it's her birthday."
Spritle eagerly responded, "I know she likes chocolate cake and you should just make her cake chocolate." Chim Chim clapped his hairy hands together as he squealed in agreement. "Right, Speedy?"
Speed laughed as he answered, "I don't know but I'll ask her, okay?" He glanced at his alarm clock and said hurriedly, "I gotta get going now so I'll see ya later." He reached and gave his mother a peck on the cheek as he raced out the door. "Bye Mom."
"Bye Speedy, have fun," Mom Racer called after the departing form of her middle child.
Speed pulled the Mach 5 into the private side road that led to Trixie's cottage on her airfield, the Temptations serenading him from the tape deck as he swung to the front and parked where he usually did, near the front stoop. He cut the motor and then reached on the passenger seat for Trixie's gift and the bouquet of white roses. He slipped the gift in his jacket pocket then checking his appearance in the rear view mirror one more time, climbed out giving himself a last minute peptalk.
Okay Speedy here we go. Speed said to himself We barely spoke to each other till yesterday she was still sore at me but we kissed and made up and she asked me if I was still coming to the party.
Flashback:
Speed pulled up off the track and glanced around for Trixie's trim form, feeling an overwhelming sense of urgency to talk to her. All week they kept their distance, the disagreement at the lake still hanging over them like a miasma that weighed heavy on them both. Their separation did not go unnoticed by others as Grease Lightening made the most of the situation by being around Trixie every chance he got, which served to infuriate Speed but he kept his cool. He was determined to make amends with his girlfriend.
Trixie was over by the blue helicopter making a check of her flight instruments in the cockpit as Speed strode over to her. He leaned in to talk to her.
"Hiya."
She didn't look up. "Hello."
Speed sighed and tried again. "Are you still sore at me?"
"Maybe."
"C'mon, Trix. I said I was sorry. What more do you want me to do?"
She leaned back out of the helicopter and turned to face him. "I want you to trust me, Speed. I want you to trust my feelings for you enough to not feel threatened by Gary."
"Done," he declared.
"You say that but do you mean it?" Trixie asked as her sea green eyes pinned him.
Speed put his hands on her shoulders. "Trixie, I swear to you I trust you without a question." He held up his right hand. "Scouts honor."
Trixie sighed and relaxed. "That's all I ask for, Speed."
He regarded her with hope lighting his cobalt eyes. "So we're okay now?"
Trixie lowered her head demurely. "Uh-huh. I still expect you at my place tomorrow night."
"Are you kidding? I'll be there with bells on," Speed assured her, drawing her to him.
She smiled and nodded then was enfolded in strong arms.
End Flashback
Speed grinned as the memory of their making up was playing in his mind and he climbed up the stoop and knocked twice then walked in as he always did.
"Hiya baby, I came a little early to," he began but his words were stuck in his throat as the tall form Gary Lightening stood up from a chair in the parlor as if it was his home. Dismay crossed over Speed's handsome features as he put the bouquet down on an end table.
"Hey Speed, I see you came early too. Trixie's still getting dressed."
"Is that so?" Speed said as he fought the urge to throttle the self assured jerk. "So how long have you been here?"
"Not long." Gary gestured to the white roses. "Nice flowers."
"Yeah, they're from my mom's garden. I've given Trixie white roses since we've been going together." Speed answered laconically as he looked in the direction of Trixie's bedroom. "So how long before she's ready?" he asked feeling strange asking some other guy about his girlfriend.
"She said she'd be ready soon. So how long have you guys been going together?"
Speed was perplexed. For someone who supposedly was a regular in the racing circuit, he was amazed that the guy seemed to have no idea about him and Trixie. In the realms of Formula 1 scuttlebutt it was common knowledge that he and Trixie were an item.
"We've been going together for about eight months," he replied, not liking the fact that he had to say anything. What business was it of his anyway? He silently fumed.
"Oh, I thought it was longer. Trixie told me you two met when she and her dad moved here just before he died."
So she's told him all about her dad Speed said to himself, feeling put out by the fact. After all he had been her confidante and helped her get through the whole mess with the scum Wiley and the Alpha Team.
"Yeah."
"Poor kid," Gary said sympathetically. "She's really had it tough and now she's all alone."
"No she's not," Speed insisted. "She's got me and my family. She's a part of us."
Gary eyed Speed man to man. "Until someone else comes along," he said casually, tossing a gauntlet.
Speed saw the threat and bristled, "Just what is that supposed to mean?"
"Hi guys."
The two men stood face to face, sizing each other up as a vision in sea green chiffon glided in the room. Trixie entered in her party dress that clung to every curve, showing off her exceptional figure and she had her hair in a chic chestnut bob. Her makeup was subtle but striking, creating a picture of absolute perfection, she was gorgeous. Both men were momentarily struck dumb by the petite beauty before them. . . .
NEXT-HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRIXIE
Sorry for the cliffhanger but if I didn't stop here this chapter would be twice as long.