Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. I lost my internet for a while, then when I got it back I had no drive to write. Plus, the story was taking a turn I didn't like so I had to rework it and find a different path. Oh well. Here it goes...

DISCLAIMER: I do not own nor do I wish it to appear that I own any works or products associated with Speed Racer/ Mach Go Go Go.

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" I don't like this," Sparky sighed while crumpling up a piece of paper and tossing it toward the trash can. He as well as Speed and Trixie were back in Speed's one room apartment. They had just finished their dinner and decided that for now their investigation had gone as far as it was going to go today.

" You don't like what?" Speed asked while picking up the crumpled paper and taking over Sparky's place, tossed it toward the trash can again.

" Doesn't it seem too simple?" Sparky smirked as he noticed the paper bounce off the can, " This whole mess, I mean, everything points to Carol and well... it all seems to be falling in our laps," Sparky reached down and picked up the paper, " If Carol was a part of all this wouldn't she hide it a little better?"

Trixie chuckled," Carol is not the brightest crayon in the box."

" That's not fair," Speed glanced at Trixie sidelong with a disapproving glare, " she's a wonderful Agent and I have never had any trouble with her."

Trixie stood, " You're just smitten," she walked over to the small fridge and pulled out a bottled water.

Speed frowned, " Is that what you think?" Is that why she so openly flirted with Sparky?

Trixie turned gracefully, " Let's not change the subject. We were taking about Carol and her strange behavior."

Speed tossed the paper and grunted when it bounced off the can's edge, " I really don't think it's a problem, I trust Carol. So, if everything is pointing at her then that means someone is trying to frame her."

Sparky laughed at that, " Whatever dude. I mean, I'm not saying she did it, but I wouldn't just rule her out completely."

Speed twisted his head toward Sparky with furrowed brows, " You were the one who said it was too easy!"

" I know, I know," Sparky flopped down on the full sized bed and ran his fingers through his hair, " I say we just ask her outright."

Trixie sat next to Sparky on the bed and Speed was acutely aware of her closeness. His eyes narrowed slightly and he didn't have time to change his expression before Sparky looked up at him. Their eyes locked and Sparky let a smirk tug at his lips. Speed's anger flared and he graced Sparky with a look so primal that the boy felt the danger. Sparky sighed and stood, he had only meant the slight smile as a joke, however, it would seem Speed didn't see it that way. So, out of respect for his long time friend he walked over to the bathroom and leaned against the doorframe.

Trixie looked over confused, but Sparky merely shook his head in a silent gesture of 'forget about it'. She did with a sigh then spoke, " Do you honestly think she would just hand over information if she was truly involved?"

Sparky shrugged, " No, but it would let her know we were watching and she may try to cover her tracks. Get nervous and slip up."

Trixie smiled, " You know that trick only works in the movies."

Speed snorted, " I still think you both are barking up the wrong tree."

" You would," Trixie stood and threw her empty bottle in the trash can with such force the sound echoed throughout the room, " Listen, I'll talk to her."

Speed stood " What makes you think she would talk to you?"

Trixie groaned, " I don't, but I do know all she would do is flirt with you and ignore Sparky. At least with me there her hatred toward me may roul her up enough to make her have a slip of the tongue."

Speed frowned, " I don't know..."

" Speed," Trixie picked up her purse and glared at him, " just give me her number."

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" I can't believe you called me out like this," Carol was dressed all in black. Black heels, black purse, black pants suit. She was even sipping black coffee from her place at the round café table.

" We're not going to scrap Carol," Trixie voiced, annoyance clear in her tone, " I just want to talk."

" What about?" Carol was about to sip her coffee again, but put the cup down abruptly, " I refuse to fight over Speed."

Trixie chuckled, " That is not what this is about. Besides you seem to be quite content with the Racer brother you chose," she smirked, " Don't tell me you're bored with Rex already."

Carol lifted her cup for a sip. She refused to dignify that with an answer.

Trixie, noticing that Carol wasn't going to speak, asked her question, " What do you know about the Cyclone?"

Carol looked up over the rim of her cup and raised a brow. She then lowered the cup and licking her lips answered, " I know it is a concept car."

Trixie nodded, " What else."

Carol stared at Trixie for a moment, trying to figure out why she felt so threatened by her. Trixie was small and thin, her voice wasn't harsh or overbearing. In fact, this woman was what most people would call a proper lady. Yet somehow Carol felt as though she had to throw up barriers and be on her guard. She felt as if Trixie would suck the life out of her. And she hated her for that.

" Why should I answer you?"

Trixie leaned forward resting her elbows on the hunter green table, " Because you and I both know faxes don't come through all neatly folded. You read it and you know what's up. You owe it to Speed to try and help. Even if your affection for him is purely sexual."

Carol grunted, " You are a bitch."

Trixie's eyes narrowed, " Given the circumstances, I'll ignore that."

Carol sighed, " Recently the owners of Signet Black Automotive and Motorcycle Corporation gave me a call. One of them told me they were interested in the Cyclone, that they were willing to finance the build of car if one of their racers could be the spokesman or the face rather, of the final car. I told he that I was Speed Racer's Agent and had nothing to do with the Cyclone. He apologized, saying that since he was contacted by Mr. Racer he assumed we were all involved with the process. I told him what assuming does and we shared a laugh at that." Carol shrugged and finshed off her coffee, " That's all."

Trixie nodded and rose to her feet, " I thank you."

Carol grunted, " Tell Speed he needs to call me TODAY. I'm trying to set up a radio appearance at KVRS, something I can't do without his input."

Trixie nodded then walked out of the tiny café and deli.

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Okay, I know that ended weird, but I'm nearing the end of this fic and have to space the story in the right place.

For those who don't know what assuming does- it makes an ass out of you and me. Thus the spelling: assume.

Feedback is always welcome. I take them all- good, bad, questions, whatever!

AeryonSun