Chapter Four

Holley said goodnight to Mater and waited until she saw him disappear along the path to his shack before driving out to the V8 Cafe. "Some Volkswagens are air-cooled," a yellow car said to her.

"Explains the lack of a radiator," she replied. "How's your friend?"

"He's freakin' out, and he's scared. I could tell that much just lookin' at the guy."

"Think someone's after him?"

"He seems to believe so, since he's trying to get to Axle."

"Must be important, then."

"Must be. Axle's the go-to guy for damn near everything in the tuner underworld. Hey, speaking of which, how're the Delinquents? Hear they're under the wings of some good cars now."

"They are. I'd be careful who you mention that to, because even I know that some tuners are extremely dangerous to those who try to leave."

"I know, but I can trust B.I. I know that."

"My personal rule of tread is trust as few people as possible."

Ice nodded. "Caught up with Axle, so I know Electro'll be able to find him."

"Good."

"So, how's your boyfriend?"

"Charming as ever, though possibly a little nervous about the possibility of another date gone wrong."

He shrugged. "Can't blame him. The first couple of tries were jacked up, so I've been told."

"We took care of that issue."

"I should hope so." He looked around and asked, "Where's Finn?"

"In his bed in Sid's cabin, most likely."

"Oh."

Holley scanned the cafe. "Where's Axle?"

"In his cone."

"Oh, of course."

"You should probably get some sleep, too. It's pretty late."

"Let me know of any developments you happen to discover. I'll be waiting."

"Good to know."

Holley nodded and drove back toward Siddeley.

CARS

Finn awoke from another fitful episode of sleep, wondering not for the first time why he was having such trouble sleeping. It wasn't yet ten thirty, but he felt like he'd been fighting this for nearly an eternity.

Finally, he drove down Siddeley's ramp to the outside world and turned onto Route Sixty-Six. Radiator Springs was asleep and, save only a few lights, completely dark. He turned to the left, toward the Wheel Well Motel and Restaurant. The road was as quiet as the town, and he unconsciously glanced to his right. The absence of the familiar lights of CHROME USA unsettled him slightly, and he felt even more exposed in the desert. Still, he drove on, using the cover of his headlights to scan for approaching cars.

The desert was just as empty as it seemed, which made him more nervous. He closed his eyes and shook his hood slightly. Lack of sleep and agent's paranoia, he told himself, letting out a sigh. The world was still dark and empty, the only sound being his engine as he drove down the road, not entirely sure where he was going.

He slowed and turned into a lookout point, facing the cliff and the desert beyond. The light of the crescent moon gave the buttes below a distinctive silver glow that illuminated every distinct shade of the rocks. Finn took a picture of the scene and exhaled softly.

Finally, his eyelids began to droop slightly, so he turned and drove back to Radiator Springs. He pulled into the Cozy Cone and knocked on the door to Boost's cone. After a moment, the half-asleep tuner answered with a groggy, "What?"

"Have you opened the package yet?"

"No."

"Good."

"Why do you wanna know, anyway, and why at eleven at night?"

"I just got around to it. You'd be surprised how time-consuming just listening to tourists talk can be."

"Whatever. Let me sleep."

"Alright, I will." Finn backed up, and Boost shut the door. Much as the Aston Martin wanted to mutter something under his breath, he couldn't think of anything that would suit the situation.

He drove into Siddeley's cabin and settled into his bed, his eyes closing and sleep, for once, finding him easily.