Milt was talking with Barbara as the kids were cleaning the cars, "We're going to have to watch those two. Mark's got a temper and will only be pushed so far."

Barbara saw the concern in Milt's eyes, "Sorry, I got you all into this again. Do you have any suggestions?"

Hardcastle said, "Well, I don't know if they would go for it, but we could do what John Wayne would do. Circle the wagons, face outward and watch for attack."

Barbara's eyes got wide. "You're serious?"

"Yeah, well, I mean bring Kiki's car carrier down here and park it in between these two. We'd be watching all three trailers in one area with more eyes," Hardcastle explained.

"It makes sense, but it'll be more work moving the carrier daily," said Barbara.

Mark and Kiki had come out of the trailer both with wet hair and were close enough to hear Hardcastle's suggestion. Mark spoke up, "It would also give him the satisfaction of letting him know he's got us running scared," then continued with a bit of a glare at Milt, "I'm not scared of him. I won't back up or pack up."

Hardcase gave him a glare of his own.

Kiki added, "Mark's right. We just put the cars up tonight like they were last night. He's got too much to lose by coming at us head on. Given the opportunity he might try something with the cars, again, so we just need to be cautious and not give him the opportunity."

Hardcastle looked from Mark to Kiki, before grumbling, "As stubborn as you both are, you know you both deserve each other."

00000

Just before dark Mark loaded both the Coyote and the new car into the car carriers and locked the back doors on both. As he came out of the trailer housing the new car, Mark also locked the side door. "Judge, we're going to walk up to the drag strip to check on the other car and see what's going on up there. Wanna go?"

"Nah, you two go on," Hardcastle said as he sat down beside Barbara. "We're going to look at this case she's got coming up."

Mark looked at the two in disbelief, "I don't believe you two! This is supposed to be a recreational activity not a legal conference"

Hardcastle shot back, "You relax your way. I'll relax mine."

Laughing, Mark and Kiki headed to the other track.

00000

Barbara said, "What do you think?"

Hardcastle replied, "Well, in Harper v McNeil ..." He paused seeing the look from Barbara. "Oh, you mean those two?"

Smiling, she replied, "Yes. I mean those two. What's the story there? From the few comments about her that Mark made to my dad in front of me, I wouldn't have pictured the scene I'm seeing here."

Hardcastle replied, "Well, we both know how private Mark can keep things, so I don't know a lot either. I think they somehow, worked past a lot of that, when they were together the last time. After Mark raced and beat Sammy, then O'Connell was arrested, Kiki stayed at the house a couple nights. The only explanation I got about her leaving was that they both needed to know that she wasn't on the rebound. I think they have kept in touch. I've seen a couple of post cards, but as far as I know, that was the last time he saw her."

"Milt, I don't want to see Mark get hurt. He's been like a big brother to me for years." Barbara paused, "Do you think she could have possibly changed from the girl that lied to Mark about being pregnant? And, then, married that O'Connell fellow because he won the Championship and Mark didn't."

Hardcastle smiled weakly, "I don't know if I can answer that. McCormick must think so. You do know, that last time, he did risk going back inside for five to ten for breaking and entering to find out about her car."

"Judge that doesn't mean she's changed," Barbara stated.

Hardcastle replied, "I know that, but evidently, McCormick thinks she has." Milt shook his head and sighed, "After all, McCormick isn't exactly the kid I first met, either."

Barbara agreed with that; she too, had seen Mark change. He was still ever bit as full of life and energy as he'd ever been. Of course he still had that same smart mouth he had always had, but now he had seemed to learn when to keep it shut. Mark had also seemed to be more responsible and could now let it show how much Milt's approval was needed. All Barbara said was, "That's true."

Hardcastle added, "Like McCormick told me, 'Distraction can be good.' Maybe he has a point there. It could be she's just a distraction to take his mind off the race and the bar exam. But, then again, it's been awhile since he's been in love."

Barbara had to laugh, "Does he still fall in love two or three times a week?"

"Nah, he's slowed down; he has been busy with school. He's down to once or twice a week," Hardcastle said sarcastically. "Really he hasn't even had his parade of bimbos around much since he started school."

Again, Barbara was laughing. She was remembering that Mark's taste in women used to drive her father crazy. Shaking her head she asked, "Does he still go for the bleached blonde Barbie trophy girls that can't carry on a conversation for more than five minutes?"

Hardcastle nodded, "Usually that is the typical. Though he does surprise me occasionally. But, those two, well they do have a large common ground."

"Racing?" Barbara asked.

Milt replied, "Well, racing, cars, driving, plus quite a bit of history, even if some of it is muddy water."

00000

Mark and Kiki were standing at the edge of the track by the fence, talking in between the dragsters doing their burn outs. They were looking and watching the cars that were still qualifying. It looked like this track was going to be a huge success. They didn't notice the older gentleman walk up to them until he tapped Mark on the shoulder, in between races he asked, "Excuse me. I hate to be a bother, but I have to ask. Aren't you 'Skid' McCormick and Kiki Cutter?"

Being dressed in jeans and not a racing suit, this surprised Mark especially. He wouldn't have been surprised if the man recognized Kiki, but to also recognize him. He managed to say, "Yes, we are. Or at least I used to be," while trying to figure out the man.

The man reached in his shirt pocket and took out two business cards, "I'm Jerry Freedman of Freedman Racing. I've been out here scouting all day looking for talent that could help me get my team off to a good start next year. I'm in the process of putting together a whole new team from the ground up. I, of course, have two new cars to bring into production before the next racing season. So I am looking for a couple of drivers that aren't wet behind the ears and know how to drive straight." He paused for a response. By now most of the younger drivers would be drooling on his shoes.

Mark calmly took the business card. He knew of the man and his reputation of having a top notched racing outfit up until a couple of years ago. "Mr. Freedman I can't speak for Ms. Cutter, but I'm hoping by the time the racing season opens to be practicing law. I have just taken the bar exam and am waiting on the results." Mark was reaching the card back to the man.

"Keep the card. If things go well for you, which I hope they do, give me a call anyway. I'll also need a new attorney. If things don't work out, or you want to do some part time racing, give me a call." Freedman turned to Kiki and asked, "Ms. Cutter, will you at least consider my offer?"

Kiki was flattered to even be remembered, "Mr. Freedman, I haven't even raced since my accident. Until today I wasn't even sure I could cut a light..."

"But you did? You are racing here this weekend? I didn't see you on the top fuel line up." he asked.

"Yes, I cut the light just fine and yes I am racing here this weekend, but not Top Fuel. I was recruited out of retirement when my nephew's class built a Pro Stock car." Kiki explained.

Mr. Freedman was seeing dollar signs, "I remember when you raced Top Fuel. The fans, the press, the sponsors, everybody loved to see you race and win. Will you at least consider my offer?"

Kiki let out a sigh, as she looked at Mark, who gave her a look that told her to do what she wanted. "Mr. Freedman, I won't tell you yes or no, but I will consider it. Let me see how this weekend goes and if you are still interested, I will consider your offer."

Looking only mildly satisfied, Mr. Freedman replied, "Skid, I hope things work out for you, but I was really hoping when I saw you two together, here, that I might be on the verge of another Mr. and Mrs. Top Fuel." He held out his hand to shake Mark's hand.

Mark shook his hand, with a brief smile, that hid the pain of the man's last comment, "Thanks for the offers. I'll keep them in mind, Mr. Freedman."

Kiki also said, "I'll contact you in a couple weeks after I've had some time to think about all this."

"I'll be waiting," Freedman replied as he walked away.

When the man got out of hearing distance, Mark said, "Where were those offers when I'd have died for them? The judge is never going to believe this. And to think I was worried about finding legal employment if I don't pass the bar exam."

Kiki replied, "You'll pass, and by the looks of it, you have your first client."

"I don't know. If you go to work for the man, it may be a conflict of interest." He said putting his arm around her waist with a far off look. "Let's head back down. I really don't trust being too far away from the cars." The air of confidence that Mark had displayed in front of Mr. Freedman was gone; he now felt the uneasiness of not knowing how he did on the test. For the past few days he'd did his best to push it back. He knew it would still be a long time before he knew how he did.

Kiki only nodded as she looked at the man who two minutes earlier sounded like he had all the answers. They walked back to the dirt track pretty much in silence.

It was fully dark when they reached the car haulers. Hardcastle and Barbara were still looking over the folder by the light that was strung between the two trailers. It was getting late and the teens had turned in after a full day of excitement. Only the four adults were outside as the noise from Hamiltons trailer began to increase. McCormick raised his eyebrow at the judge.

Hardcastle replied, "I think they are doing a bit of partying."

McCormick smiled, "Good."

"Speaking of which," Kiki said, "I think I'm going to get a beer. Anyone else want one?"

Both Barbara and Hardcastle accepted with a nod.

McCormick, on the other hand, waved her off, "I'll take a Coke, if you don't care."

The looks he received from the three friends bored into him. Mark finally said, "Okay, I'll take a drink of yours, but I'd really like a Coke."

Kiki replied innocently, "Okay, a Coke it is."

Barbara silently asked the unspoken question to Hardcastle who just shrugged his shoulders. Milt thought he knew what the young man before him had planned. He hoped he was wrong.

When Kiki returned, Mark, true to his word did take a drink of her beer, then handed it back to her, choosing to be satisfied with the Coke. Though the cold beer was good and one wouldn't have made him think any differently, Mark refrained from drinking even one beer. He was expecting trouble. Okay, maybe he was planning on giving some trouble!