Chapter 18
"Okay, Speed, I'm listening. What do you want?" Trixie asked, her arms started to ache from the weight of the box.
Speed smiled. "Did you notice all the reporters out there?"
"Uh...yeah, as a matter of fact I did," she answered. "I didn't think there would be this many here."
"Really?" He moved closer to her. "I'm surprised to hear you say that."
She instinctively backed up. "Well I mean, this is a meeting about what kind of sanctions they're going to put on you and the team, hardly earth shaking news."
"Oh," he said, "you don't know of any other reason they might be here?"
"I don't," she said shaking her head, "And why should I?"
"LIAR!" he screamed as he grabbed the box from her and threw it against the wall, its contents scattered across the floor. "You know damn well why they're here!"
"N-n-n-no, Speed," she sputtered fearfully, "I really don't."
He grabbed her by the wrist. "You are nothing but a vindictive, lying BITCH!" he snarled, his nostrils flaring.
She tried to pull away; he tightened his grip on her. "Speed, let go! You're hurting me!" she cried.
"Hurt you? You should be freakin' glad you're not a guy, caused I'd KILL you if you were!"
He had her up against the wall. She was petrified; there was very little reasoning with him when he was this angry. "Speed... please, let me go."
"NO!" he shouted.
"Let her go,"a voice from behind him boomed.
"Huh?" Speed flinched and released his hold on Trixie as strong arms grabbed him by the shoulders and spun him around. "Racer X!" he exclaimed.
"Speed, what do you think you're doing?" The Masked Racer asked.
"Trying to get the truth out of her!" Speed replied his voice still filled with wrath.
"Threatening her isn't the way to get answers." He could feel the tension in Speed's body. The younger man was seriously on the verge completely losing control.
"Are you alright?" he asked Trixie, concerned about the red hand print that was starting to swell.
"I'll survive," she replied, rubbing her wrist, "No thanks to HIM!"
"It's your own fault this happened, LIAR!" Speed tried to squirm from Racer X's tight hold.
"Speed, that's enough," Racer X said, trying to keep his voice neutral as he released Speed from his grasp. "Calm down and please tells me what this is all about."
"He doesn't have to tell you anything, you nasty brute!" Dallas said, sidling up to them. "Ah wouldn't be surprised if you put that witch up to it. Ah'll bet you're both plotting against us!"
Trixie grimaced. "Ugh. What is that foul stench?" She turned Dallas. "Oh. That explains it. I think I'll join the others back in the room where the air isn't tainted." She turned to the Masked Racer. "Watch out for her Racer X, she might try to involve you in her little game, too."
"I'll be careful, Trixie," he said.
"Trixie's the one playing the game," Speed commented. "Dallas has done nothing wrong."
"Speed, are you really sure of that?" Racer X asked, noting the smirk on Dallas' face. "Since you have met this young woman you've changed."
"I have not!" Speed exclaimed.
"You have, whether you want to admit it to yourself or not," he said. "She's going to drag you down, Speed."
His face reddened as his ire grew. "You don't know anything about her! If you did, you'd know how sweet she is and why I'm in love with her!"
"You might think it's love you're experiencing, but it's not," The Masked Racer told him. "You're at a very special age, an age where your feelings can become confused.
"Age? Are you saying I'm too young to know what love is? I'll have you know I'm almost twenty, legally old enough to get married. So don't tell me I'm too young to know about love!" he declared, anger again in his voice.
"I wasn't saying anything of the sort. What I meant is that you might be confusing your obvious physical attraction to the girl with something else," Racer X explained. "The strong urges a young man your age feels can create the illusion of love." He cocked his head to the side. "You do know what I'm talking about, don't you?"
Speed rolled his eyes. "You don't have to be condescending Racer X. My father had "the talk" with me when I was twelve. Not only do I know all about sex," he put his arm around Dallas, "I've had first hand experience."
"Yes, so I've heard," he said flatly. He looked at Dallas, his thoughts about the young woman not pleasant ones. "Be careful Speed, you're playing with fire."
"You're the one who should be careful," Dallas sneered. "Because if Speed doesn't take care of you on the track, I will!
Racer X shook his head. "Is this the kind of woman you want to be with, Speed? Look at her. Look what has happened since you began your involvement with her. You've gotten drunk..."
"Drunk? Why would you think that?" Speed asked incredulously, even though he knew it was the truth.
"It was quite evident that you were suffering the after-effects of imbibing alcohol yesterday. In other words, you were hung over," he stated.
"So, I had a couple of drinks to celebrate taking pole. Big whoop," Speed replied, thinking that Racer X probably never drank anything stronger than a Pepsi in his life.
"It's not just that," Racer X said, "You also nearly caused a collision during the race. You forced other drivers off the track which caused you to be disqualified. Not to mention that you went through a stop sign and was given a ticket..."
"A ticket? Were you going through my wallet, too?" Speed demanded accusingly.
"No. But, word does seem to get out when a rookie police officer with loose lips gives a ticket to one of racing's biggest stars," Racer X said. "You're the talk of the local police department."
"Oh great, one more thing for those parasites from the press to rag on me about," Speed said with a groan.
Racer X didn't want to point out the obvious, that Speed had brought all of this upon himself thanks to his involvement the young woman who was latched onto him like a bloodthirsty leech.
"Why don't you mind your own business," Dallas told the Masked Racer. "Speed's a grown man. He doesn't need any of your stupid advice."
"Is that how you feel Speed?" he asked. Speed crossed his arms and nodded. "Yes it is. I'm so tired of you always thinking you can tell me what to do. When are you gonna stop butting into my life? What are you doing here anyway?"
"The Racing Commission requested my presence since I was one of the drivers directly involved in the situation." He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled before continuing. "I heard that representatives from the Alpha Team will also be here this morning."
Speed shrugged. "So what? They can't do anything to me, I have a valid excuse for what happened yesterday."
"You'd better. The officials from the Commission can be quite stern with regards to handing out punishment for drivers who thwart the rules."
"I didn't thwart the rules and there won't be any punishment," Speed said confidently.
"Don't listen to him, Darlin'," Dallas said. "That man doesn't know what he's talking about."
"I think you're right," Speed looked at Racer X and quickly turned away. "Honey, let's go back inside."
Dallas took hold of his arm and together they went back into the room. Racer X shook his head. "Little brother, that young lady is going cause you nothing but grief."
---
Sparky and Janine had arrived just as Speed and Dallas went back into the conference room.
"What's going on?" Sparky asked.
"I was just having a discussion with Speed," Racer X said.
"Looks like it was rather heated," Janine commented dryly as she surveyed the stuff strewn about the hall.
"I suppose you could say that," Racer X said as he took the box from the floor and started putting everything back inside.
---
The Go Team sat together at one end of a large conference table towards the front of the room. Speed made sure he was as far from Trixie, who kept rubbing her arm, as possible. Dallas sat next to him, her hand in his for all to see. Her father was on the other side of her, he talked quietly with Pops. At the other end of table Alpha Team members, Ace Ducey and Skull Duggery, were engaged in conversation. Periodically they would glance down at Speed and snicker. Racer X stood against the wall, arms crossed. Because of the mask, there was no way to read his expression. However, his mouth was set firm. Out of the corner of his eye Speed could see Janine giving him the evil eye.
The door opened and three men, attired in nearly identical black suits, entered the room and sat at a smaller table facing the assembly.
Speed stiffened and started to rise. Pops pulled him down. "Don't stand until they call your name," he whispered.
The man in the middle was the first to speak. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm pleased that you could all make it today. As you know why we are here, I will dispense with the usual formalities. However, I would like to introduce my colleagues and myself. My name is Andrew Coretti, to my left is Jonathan Leadfooter, to my right, Bentley LeMans. We will be presiding at today's hearing to determine what, if any, sanctions should be imposed upon Speed Racer and his Go Team."
Speed shifted anxiously in his seat as he waited for his name to be called. He wondered how hard the commission would come down on him. "It's my first infraction, maybe they'll go easy on me," he thought.
Jonathan Leadfooter eyed the team. "Mr. Speed Racer and the rest of his team please approach the committee."
Dallas squeezed his hand tight. "Good luck, sugar," she whispered.
"Thanks, I think I'm going to need it," he answered.
Speed and the rest of the team took their place in front of the committee.
"Is the entire team represented here today?" Leadfooter inquired.
"Yes sir," Pops replied.
"Very good, then we shall get started. During yesterday's race the driver for Go Team, Speed Racer, committed flagrant rule violations. It is because of those rule violations that I asked to meet with you all today. I'd also like to advise you that a formal complaint has been lodged against Speed by the Alpha Team."
Pops groaned. He hadn't heard of the complaint. This was going to be worse than he thought. He glanced over at Speed, "I ought to ring your scrawny little neck," he muttered just loud enough for his son to hear.
Speed flinched, dealing with Pops later might even be worse than dealing with the Racing Committee.
"Mr. Racer," Leadfooter said, causing both men to come to attention. "Sorry, I was referring to the younger Racer. Speed, your erratic actions of yesterday have warranted us to question your mental condition during the race." He rose from his seat, went to the door and admitted a nurse in freshly starched white. Speed watched as she approached him, wondering why she was included in the hearing. She held a small clear plastic cup in her hand.
"No thank you, I'm not thirsty," Speed said as she held it out for him.
Sparky rolled his eyes. "Speed… uh, that's not the kind of cup you drink from," he whispered.
"Huh? Then what….?" he asked as his friend motioned to a sign that said Rest Rooms.
"I still don't know what I'm supposed to…." He blanched as he finally comprehended what was wanted of him. "Is this really necessary?"
"I'm sorry, but the commission needs to know whether you have any illegal substances in your system," Coretti explained.
"I don't do drugs!" Speed said, shocked that that anybody could even consider such a thing.
"Speed, calm down," Pops growled. "You're in enough trouble as it is. You go with that nurse and do what you gotta do."
"This is so humiliating…" he said under his breath as he followed the nurse through the door into the small area that housed the bathrooms.
"What if I don't have to go right now?"
"I'll wait. I've got nothing special to do today," the nurse said in a no-nonsense tone of voice.
"Great…" He opened the door to the bathroom only to have the nurse right on his heels. "A little privacy would be appreciated," he said.
"I'm sorry, but a witness is required to make sure that there is no tampering with the sample."
"Aw come on, give a guy a break," Speed pleaded with her. "I didn't even know they were gonna test me. Please at least let me have a little dignity."
The nurse wasn't immune to his charms."Okay," she said. "I'll wait outside and take the sample when you're through."
"Thank you," he said gratefully as he closed the door. He filled the cup and held it in front of him. "I better not find you for sale eBay," he said disdainfully to it.
---
A few minutes later, a red-faced, sullen Speed rejoined the team.
"Everything come out alright?" Sparky teased.
"Shut up!" Speed hissed.
"The nurse has stated the she has the sample and it will be sent to the medical lab for testing. We should know the results within forty-eight hours," Mr. Le Mans told them. "I will inform the team as to the outcome of those results."
"Now, back to the matter at hand," Leadfooter said as he resumed the hearing. He motioned the team back to their seats before going into the details of the rule infractions and showing videotape of Speed's performance of the previous day. After that, Speed was asked to come before the commission.
Mr. Coretti eyed him sternly. "Young man, you have heard and seen the evidence. Do you have anything to say?
"Yes your honor," he replied with a nod, his voice shaking.
Mr. Leadfooter smiled. "Relax son, this isn't a court of law. You're not on trial."
"Could've fooled me…" Speed said softly as he glanced about the room. "From everything that's gone on today I sure feel like I'm on trial."
"I understand. Please remember that this is only a hearing to determine what fines, sanctions or other compensatory measures should be taken against you and your team. There is not going to be any legal action. Now if you would please give your statement…"
"Um, alright…" Speed said, trying to slow his nervous breathing. "Yesterday I woke up feeling ill, I think it was food poisoning. I was sick to my stomach most of the morning. Had a real bad headache, too. I thought I would feel better once the race started because my mind would be on driving, not feeling sick. But instead of feeling better, I only got worse. Looking back, I realize should never have driven in the race. I should've told my crew what was wrong. Still you have to understand that I didn't intend to break any rules or cause any trouble. Anything that happened yesterday wasn't intentional."
"Speed, if you were feeling so ill, why didn't seek out medical attention?" Leadfooter asked.
"I don't know…" Speed answered with a sigh. "I thought it would go away with time. And it did, eventually…"
"Yes, but not soon enough," Mr. Leadfooter remarked.
"Yeah, I know," Speed said. "Um…I also want to apologize to Racer X and the Alpha Team." He turned to face them. Racer X now sat at the table, a discreet distance away from Ducey and Duggery. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I'm very, very sorry."
"Sure he is," Duggery said in a sarcastic aside to Ducey. The other man laughed derisively.
Leadfooter cleared his throat, letting the others know that he wouldn't tolerate any disruption of the proceedings. "Please continue, Speed."
"That's all I have to say."
Leadfooter nodded. "Thank you. You may return to you seat."
Speed walked back to the table. He sat down, letting out a heavy sigh.
"You okay, baby?" Dallas cooed into his ear.
"I will be after this nightmare is over," he said softly. She smiled and patted his leg. He was about to lean in and give her a kiss when his attention was drawn back to the committee.
"Now I would like to address the complaint that the Alpha Team has filed," Leadbetter said. "Their spokesman, Mr. Ace Ducey, claims that Speed purposely drove him off the track during the race causing damage to his vehicle. From what the video shows, it would seem that he has a valid complaint."
Ducey smirked. "Gentlemen," he said rising from his seat. He walked around the table and faced the commission. "This young man has been a menace since the day he first started driving in professional races. He is young, and while he might have talent, he isn't emotionally mature enough to handle the stresses that racing brings. It's of my opinion that the boy," he added extra emphasis to that last word as he cast a disparaging glance in Speed's direction, "be barred from driving in any more races until he has sufficient maturity to complete with grown men."
He strode across the room as if he was an attorney stating his case. "I also have to question the validity of his car, the Mach Five. As you well know, that vehicle has added features that give any person driving it a clear advantage. If it wasn't for those features I doubt that Speed would have won half the races he has. Plus, you've already seen that he can barely handle the power of the car. His inability to control the vehicle properly makes him a threat to the other drivers."
Speed seethed, he knew Ducey's words were false. Irately, he jumped up. "I can handle my car just fine! And I have never used any of the features to take advantage of anybody. I won my races fair and square!" He couldn't help letting some of the rage seep through his words.
"Sure you did kid!" Ducey sneered. "And my old lady is the queen of Egypt!"
"I have never cheated in a race and you know it!" Speed countered furiously.
"See what I mean?" Ducey addressed the committee. "The boy cannot even control his temper at this hearing. Do you honestly think somebody with his childish mind-set should be allowed to race professionally?"
"Shut up!" Speed shouted.
"Nice come back, sonny," Ducey said with a smirk. "Not only are you immature, but you're dumber than a stump."
Speed glared him. If it weren't for Dallas' hold on his arm, he would have flown up to Ducey and ripped his head off.
"Alright, that's enough!" Andrew Coretti banged his fist on the table. "Mr. Ducey you have spoken your peace now please return to your seat. And Mr. Racer there will be no more outbursts from you, understand?"
"Yes, sir," a chagrined Speed replied.
Le Mans took over from Leadfooter. "The commission has asked for Racer X to be in attendance at today's proceedings. While he has not filed a formal complaint we would like to hear what he has to say about the events of yesterday's race since he was involved."
Racer X rose, as usual his expression was stoic. "Thank you, sirs. I would just like to say that Speed Racer is a fine young man, an example for the young people of today to emulate. He is humble, earnest to a fault. He has never need used any of the special features of the Mach Five for personal gain. He has always been a gentleman on and off the track. I have to say that Speed is somebody I am proud to call a friend. As for yesterday, I have no explanation for what transpired only that I feel it was aberrant behavior on his part. I hope you will take that in consideration when you review his case. I also don't feel that his team should be punished for any mistakes their driver might have made," his voice showed no emotion. "That's all I have to say on the matter."
Speed looked up at him. "Thank you," he whispered with gratitude.
The Masked Racer said nothing as he returned to his seat.
"Before we conclude this hearing I would like you all to know that I have received some interesting emails. "Young man," he addressed Speed. "You have some very staunch supporters. I have to say that the I am quite impressed, as are my colleagues."
"Thank you, sir," Speed said, blushing.
"Of course, none of that will have any bearing on the Committee's decision, which will be handed down after we receive the results of the drug test and review today's testimony," Mr. Coretti said.
"Testimony?" Speed said to himself. "I thought they said this wasn't a trial."
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Bently LeMans said as he and the other two men stood. "This concludes today's hearing." Saying nothing more they left the room.
"Oh man, I'm so glad that's over with," Speed said feeling relieved.
"It's not over by a long shot," Pops told him angrily. "That little outburst of yours might have cost the team."
"Sorry Pops, but Ducey ticked me off,"
"Idiot! That's what he wanted to happen," Pops said. "When are you gonna learn to control your temper?"
"How can I when I've got you for an example?" Speed said under his breath.
"Watch your mouth, I heard that!" Pops berated him.
Mom could sense an argument coming on between her husband and son. "Stop it, both of you," she scolded them. "This is not the time or place."
"You're right," Pops stood. "Let's go home." Mom followed him as he left the room.
"Yeah, let's..." Speed took Dallas by the hand and led her out.
Trixie stood with Janine watching them. "They make me sick. Want to bet they're gonna go to the Pines?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," Janine said. "What a couple of creeps."
Sparky didn't say anything. He was not happy about all that had happened, but Speed was his best friend and there was no way he'd turn on him. "I think we'd better split, too."
"Sure, let's just wait a minute or two. I'd prefer that they be out of the parking lot before I go there," Trixie said, sounding weary.
---
"Speed, when we get home I want a word with you," Pops said sternly.
"Yeah, sure. But first I have to take Dallas to pick up her car," he explained, his arm around his new love.
"Really? And how do you propose to do that?" Pops asked.
Speed looked at his father as if he had two heads. "Why in the Mach Five, of course!"
"Oh, no you're not!" Pops said, voice rising.
Speed was taken aback. "Huh? But, it's my car!" he exclaimed.
"No, the car is mine," Pops reminded him. "I own that car. It's in my name. I pay the insurance... I only let you drive it"
"B-b-b-but, I always drive the 'Five!" he sputtered.
"Not anymore. You lost your right to drive that car because all the crap you've pulled. Getting a ticket, causing a near-catastrophe on the track, staying out all night..."
"Aw, please Pops... I need a car. How am I supposed to get around?" he asked.
Pops shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Maybe you can take the bus."
Speed shook his head. "I don't believe this..."
Mom intervened. "Why don't we go home and discuss this like mature adults?" She was worried about the reporters who were sure to show up at any moment. They'd have a field day with this latest development.
"Alright. But discussing it is not going to change my mind," Pops said. He opened the passenger side door and pushed the seat forward. "Get in," he said to his son.
"No," Speed stood with his arms crossed. "I'm not going home with you."
"What do you mean you're not going home?" Pops demanded.
"You heard me," Speed replied. "If I can't drive my car, I will not go home."
"Fine with me," Pops said coldly. "You can go live on the streets with the rest of the losers."
"Better than living in a house with one!" Speed snapped.
"That's it!" Pops shouted. "I don't want you to come home... EVER!"
Mom's mouth dropped open in shock. It was Rex all over again. "No!" she cried facing her husband, "I will not stand for this!"
"He made the choice to go, I was just agreeing with him."
She turned to Speed, taking hold of his shoulders. "Son, please don't do this. I'm begging you..."
"Sorry, Mother, but it's too late," his said in a voice as cold and hard as steel. He put his arm around Dallas and turned away from his parents.
