Ch.6: Lightning's Rage

While things were starting to grow hectic in London, back in Radiator Springs depression and worry had posioned the air. All thoughts were on Mater and if Finn and Holley would be able to catch the real crook so they could clear his name.

Lightning and the others were gathered at Flo's when the Shieriff drove up to them with a problem.

"What's a matter Shieriff?" asked Lightning.

"Otis broke down outside the county line again" said the Shieriff " and without Mater here, we have no one around to give the poor fella a tow,"

"Well" said Sally, shyly " there is one tow truck in town,"

Lightning and the others immediately knew who Sally was talking about, and by their narrowed it was all clear what they thought about the idea. Bubba had been after Mater's job the moment he arrived in town, and now that Mater was gone, he would finally have what he wanted.

"No" said Lightning, clearly miffed " no way is that guy taking Mater's place!"

"But we just can't leave Otis out there forever," said Sally.

"We don't have any other choice," sighed Ramone.

To angry to even stick around anymore, Lightning sped off somewhere to cool off, leaving the rest of the residents staring at each other in silence.

"He's going to want something in exchange you know that right," said the Shieriff, looking at Sally.

"I know," Sally sighed.

What Bubba wanted in exchange was cash, and offical documentation showing that he now owned the towing rights to all of Radaitor Springs. Reluctantly Sally granted the orange tow truck's request, and once the papers were signed he went out and fetched Otis.

Lightning kept on watching the enemy tow truck with an eagle eye, still displeased that Bubba had taken over Mater's job. He got even more angry when Bubba checked out of the Cozy Cone and started crashing at Mater's old shack.

All of Mater's personal belongings had been thrown out into the street, as Bubba started moving his own things in. One particular picture, that showed Mater standing in front of the town with all his friends, had been smashed to pieces, along with a little souviner Holley had sent him during one of her missions.

How dare Bubba try to trash his friend's memories! Lightning was enraged! So were the other citizens once Lightning told them about what was going on. But the contract was law. If Finn and Holley didn't manage to free Mater by the end the week, Bubba would be the town's permanent tow truck.

Night soon fell and with it came despair. Lightning was about to make way for his Cozy Cone when he noticed silently sneaking away from Mater's house. Curious, Lightning followed the orange tow truck to see what he was up to.

"You're plan worked like a charm Gear" said Bubba, bringing up a holoscreen showing a black car with red eyes " planting that diamond and getting Mater arrested was the greatest scheme yet. And now the towing rights are mine, "

"Glad you're pleased" said Gear " but with the way things are going you may not be pleased for long,"

"What do you mean?" asked Bubba.

"Because" said Gear, looking behind Bubba " you're about to get busted,"

"What?" said Bubba, turning around, and his eyes widened in shock when he saw McQueen " Oh no!"

Seeing that he had been spotted Lightning McQueen rushed over to the Shieriff's office with Bubba chasing behind him. Lightning was nearing the halfway point when Bubba suddenly threw out his tow line and snagged the speeding racecar.

"You're not going anywhere," said Bubba, dragging McQueen back.

Lightning kicked up speed, but he was alreadly losing ground to the much stronger tow truck. Bubba grinned wickedly at his struggling prey.

"Nothing is going to ruin my plans," yelled Bubba.

Suddenly, floodlights went up illuminating the entire area curtiousy of Sarge. The green army truck stood in the bright light with all of the other Radiator town residents glaring angrilly at Bubba. Shieriff quickly sneaked up from behind and hitched Bubba with a parking boot, as Sally went to unhook the cable.

"How.. how'd you guys know?" asked Lightning, looking at his friends.

"Heh" said Sally " you weren't the only one suspicious of Bubba's actions,"

"I faked the legal papers for the towing rights and Luigi and Guido follow you around" said the Shieriff " once they found enough support evidence, we arranged this little surprise,"

"What?" said Bubba, enraged " you mean you never gave me the towing rights?"

"That's right buster" said Sarge " you've been hoodwinked,"

Stunned at being tricked, Bubba followed along silently with Shieriff and Sarge as they guided him to the impound lot. Lightning immediately turned to Sally.

"I have to talk to Finn and Holley" said Lightning " Bubba was taking orders from some other car, they need to be informed on this,"

"I'll get right on it" said Sally " but first, I say we undo the damage Bubba has caused while he was here. I don't want Mater to come back home seeing his place is a wreck,"

"It was always a wreck" said Lightning " but I wouldn't have it any other way,"