If anyone likes listening music while reading, I wrote the Cotter Pin scenes with the song I'm going back to Indiana in mind. I know Thomasville doesn't have anything to do with Indiana, but the general feel of the song fits.
The next morning dawned bright and early. The sleepy little town of Thomasville glittered as the sun cast it's bright rays on the dripping pine trees. The fact there was a giant plane on the speedway track also added an additional shine to the town as Siddeley shook the water off him so it went dripping onto the ground. Most of the citizens of the small town started business as usual, and while the strangers definitely caused a stir among them, word had spread that a rescue had taken place and that Smokey would offer an explanation as soon as he was ready.
Sheriff was fast asleep against the side of the barn as was the Dinoco helicopter. Luke had climbed into the chopper at one point and was snoozing away. Mack and Gray were parked by their trailers, snowing lightly. Marshall was inside of the Dinoco trailer and Luigi and Guido were leaning against each other in the Rusteze trailer. Sarge, feeling a little lost without Fillmore, ended up in the Rusteze trailer as well. Finn and Holley were fast asleep in Siddeley.
Inside Smokey's house, Weathers was completely dead to the world. Lightning was as well, but he'd always had a thing for sleeping in late. At least, that's what Doc thought when he woke up. Lightning was slumbering in the corner, the sunlight coming in through the window just landing on his bonnet. The Hudson Hornet smiled slightly and quietly crept out of the door. He'd let Lightning sleep in just this one day. The kid had had a rough few days and a late night.
By the time he reached the kitchen Doc had figured it was about 7 in the morning, which meant he'd slept for about six hours. He wasn't surprised to see Smokey in the kitchen, already drinking a can of oil.
"Hey Hud," the old truck said, not even looking around. He nudged a can of oil Doc's way.
"Mornin' Smokey."
Doc accepted it and took a sip.
"Hasn't changed a bit," he commented, enjoying the warm feeling washing through him.
"There was no need for it to," Smokey replied, swirling the can with his tire. The two cars sat in companionable silence, Doc enjoying the quiet but sturdy presence Smokey always offered. He glanced into the living room and saw Weathers still sleeping.
"Where's Dinoco?" He asked, remembering that the Texan had stayed in the living room the previous night.
"Went out earlier," Smokey replied. "Said somethin' about billionaires not gettin' any sleep."
Doc made a low 'huh' sound in response and finished his oil. Without saying a word, him and Smokey left the house, knowing a slow drive around town would be good to clear their heads. The racers would be safe at Smokey's house. They drove mostly in silence, except for Doc occasionally asking a question about the town or Smokey giving a comment. They reached the barn and saw Finn McMissile coming out, just having checked on the prisoners. Sheriff startled awake and Doc grinned as he saw the law car say something about just nodding off quickly to rest his eyes. The two eventually reached the road leading to the racetrack and saw that Siddeley was no longer parked in the middle of it.
"Probably went off to check the compound," Doc commented. Smokey made an agreeing sound and the two leisurely drove down to the track. The two cars both entered the gate together and Doc felt a little shiver travel through his engine block. The rain made the old track glisten and while the fog the previous day allowed the Hudson Hornet to remember the track during it's glory days, the bright sun made it look far more cheery than it actually was.
"Go on," Smokey said from further off, and Doc looked to see the truck had positioned himself in his old crew chief position. Smokey nodded towards the starting line and Doc found himself driving towards it, like an unseen hook was pulling him in that direction. He would always be a racer at heart.
Once on the line Doc positioned himself and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and reopened them, staring straight at where the flagman would usually be. He glanced towards the turn and revved. Then he looked back at where the flag would be. It dropped. Doc shot forward, the dirt behind him flying in all directions. Smokey broke into a wide smile as Doc took the first corner with ease.
"Watch them back ones," he said quietly as Doc's back tires skidded just a little due to them not being dirt tires. He recovered quickly and sped through the next turn, allowing his rear tires to swing back on purpose, just for the heck of it. With a determined look on his face the Fabulous Hudson Hornet sped down the straight of the track and Smokey watched him, eyes glued to his pupil. Upon reaching the last left turn Doc's tires shifted right and he drifted along the dirt. It wasn't completely flawless, most likely due to him wearing the wrong tires, but it was enough to send a huge, proud smile over Smokey's face.
Doc grinned before racing across the finish line. The grin was still plastered over his face as he screeched to a halt. He let the dust settle around him as he glanced at the old track, almost feeling it shiver underneath his tires.
Smokey drove up to him just as a shout caught Doc's attention.
"Woah!" The cars turned to see McQueen rolling through the gates with Tex and Sheriff behind him. Finn McMissile was hanging back, talking with Marshall.
"That was amazing!" the red race car exclaimed. "This is where you used to race, right?"
"Says so right on the sign," Doc nodded to the old thing which could just be seen from the track.
"You had a sign?" McQueen was practically jumping up and down on his front tires.
"Kid, this used to be my Radiator Springs," Doc said.
"So Smokey was like my you?" Lightning asked. Smokey shot Doc a confused look before Doc nodded.
"He sure was, kid. And best darn crew chief I've ever seen."
"Well, you needed a firm hand," Smokey grinned.
"What was he like when he was younger?" Lightning asked eagerly.
"Younger?" Doc sounded offended.
"Come on, Doc," Lightning rolled his eyes knowing Doc wasn't actually offended. "You know what I mean."
"Well, seeing as I owe you my thanks for getting Hud here to come visit in the first place, I guess I'll have to tell you all about it," Smokey finally had a good look at the car who had gotten his friend back into racing. It was strange to hear other cars referring to Hud as Doc but he liked this kid already. He went round to inspect the track and started telling the story of how Doc first rolled into Thomasville. Lightning followed him, hanging onto every single word.
"It was good for you to come back." Doc looked round at Sheriff who was looking proudly at his friend.
"You think so?" Doc asked. Sheriff nodded firmly.
"Absolutely. It's doing you a world of good."
Doc knew Sheriff was right but left that unsaid as he overheard Marshall talking with Finn.
"So you'll extradite them back to the UK?" He was asking.
"Yes," Finn replied. "Seeing as that's where Axelrod was apprehended, that's where their trial will take place. Their resources will most likely be frozen but that's not exactly my department. Holley will be able to tell you more about what happens in that area."
"By resources you mean that oil supply of Axelrod's?" Tex asked, sliding into the conversation.
"Yes," Finn nodded. "I'm not sure how much of it will be released on the news but you should be able to see the trial."
"By when will their assets be frozen?" Tex asked, and Doc heard something in oil baron's voice. He didn't know what it was but it made him curious.
"Probably not until we have them booked," Finn said. "It's rather a long process."
Marshall noticed the look as well, but while Doc was curious Marshall seemed to be dreading it.
"Huh, that's right interesting," Tex nodded.
"Any special interest?" Finn asked casually.
"Well... Not officially," Tex said. "But let's just say I keep to keep my eyes open."
"Understood," Finn heard the sound of familiar engines above them. Glancing up at the sky he saw Siddeley about to prepare for a landing. "Perfect timing."
The cars moved out of the way so that the airplane could land, Lightning and Smokey still at the far end of the track.
"What's the plan, Dinoco?" Doc asked the Texan as they made their way back to the barn so that Finn and Holley could transport the prisoners. "Shouldn't you be heading back to Dallas soon with Weathers?"
Doc was a little worried about the veteran racer and wanted him to get to a hospital as soon as possible to scan for any internal injuries.
"Oh, I called Trixy for us," the Texan said. "She's my personal pilot. Enough room for all of us to fly back in comfort. Only thing is we'll have to drive back to Atlanta later today and there's no room for the trucks."
"That's awfully generous of you," Doc commented.
"Best to stick together after everything that's happened." In all honesty Tex wanted to make sure everyone got back to safety and that Douglas was put behind bars for good. "Rotor'll take Strip back early along with Luke and Marshall. He could also take any of your crew that need to make their way back earlier.
"Well, you'll have to ask them."
They reached the barn just as Strip came out looking for any sign of life. Sarge, Luigi, Guido, and the trucks had also woken up by this time in order to watch the scene unfold.
"Not used to being the last one up," Strip joked with Rotor as he saw the other cars driving towards them.
"Quite understandable considering the circumstances," Holley assured him. She was waiting with Grem and Acer for Finn to help move them safely to Siddeley.
"Well," Doc turned to Finn as he addressed him and McQueen. "It's been good to see all of you again. Tell Mater good job and to keep everything as quiet as possible."
"Will do, Mr. McMissile," Lightning chuckled.
"Will we be seeing you again at Radiator Springs soon?" Sheriff asked.
"I think we're due a vacation after this," Finn glanced at Holley who nodded and pushed the two cars towards the plane, taser visible and ready for use. They grumbled about having to drive all that way.
"It's not our fault you had to choose this place for your base," Holley scolded them. "If you had chosen somewhere more flat Siddeley could have landed much closer to you."
"McMissile," Tex rolled up. "A word with the prisoner if you don't mind."
Finn and the others were a little taken aback by this request but the spy nodded. "Just to the plane," he said.
Grem looked extremely confused as the oil baron sidled up along side him. He had no idea what this car wanted, he just knew Monroe had some sort of grudge against him.
"Mr. Grem is it?" Tex said as the two cars made their way towards the track, a confused Acer being prodded along by Holley.
"Yeah?" the Gremlin car asked.
"I couldn't help but notice you've got yourself in a bit of a pickle situation here. Now, I know things don't look too good for you right now, but I happen to know some of the best darn lawyers in this country and others. You might be looking for some quick cash and I just happen to know about the oil platforms you have..."
Except for Holley and Finn the others cars looked on in utter disbelief as the Texan oil baron drove off with the international criminal, prattling on as if they were old friends.
Marshall shook his head.
"Unbelievable."
Strip also shook his head but with a fond smile on his face.
Doc looked on, expression tilted. Tex really was a smooth business car. Like a gap in a race, he had taken his opportunity and went straight for his chance right between the other cars. Business was like racing in that regard. And maybe that made Tex a racer at heart... One side of the Hudson Hornet's mouth twitched up into a grin.
"Son of a gun."
"Well, Strip," Tex announced when he came back to the barn and the veteran racer was comfortably settled inside of Rotor. "If I'd have known your abduction would have landed me with the biggest oil deal of the century I would have arranged it a whole lot sooner!"
"Anything for you, Tex," Strip grinned ever so slightly.
Lightning, who was trailing behind the billionaire next to Doc, slightly envied the way the two friends could just pick up where they had left off. Every time he looked at Doc he was reminded about having to jump out of that helicopter. He turned his attention back to where Tex was assuring Marshall that he would be fine, and that it was time for the security head to get back to Dallas.
"20 billion dollars, Tex?" Strip asked, overhearing the number he'd agreed to pay Monroe for the oil-patch. "Isn't that a little steep?'
"It's a bargain!" Tex exclaimed. "Just you wait, Strip. That money will pay itself back within two years!"
Strip shock his head at the insane amount of money the billionaire dealt with on a daily basis. He was paid rather well of course, but nowhere near that amount. Besides, the perks of the job came in the form of benefits... Like a helicopter.
"Whatever you say," he said as Marshall climbed in on the other side of Luke.
"Watch it," Luke mumbled as he was squished in between the two cars.
"This is why you're the race coach and I'm the CEO," Tex responded. "Just you focus on your job and I'll focus on mine."
"Alright, Tex."
Rotor started his propellers and Tex rolled back to give him room.
"See you back in Dallas," he called out.
Doc spoke as soon as the helicopter was far enough away so that the cars could hear themselves.
"So, when's that fancy plane of yours going to land in Atlanta?" He asked.
"About three hours," Tex shrugged. "Which gives us another hour or so in this place. You show that rookie of yours the Cotter Pin yet?"
"What's the Cotter Pin?" Lightning asked, ready for anything that Thomasville presented. He wanted to know nothing short of everything about Doc's old base.
"Just a bar," Doc mumbled.
"With the best darn company I've had in years," Tex cut in. "I met all of Doc's old racing buddies."
"Racing buddies?" Lightning exclaimed. "Can I meet them Doc? Please?"
"Alright," Doc sighed. "I guess they can't tell you too much in only an hour."
Smokey grinned in the background.
Doc might have been right but Lou, River and Moon used the hour they had to the best of their abilities and told Lightning every single embarrassing story about Hud that they could think of.
"Hey, that's stretching the truth," Doc protested as Moon told the story about how he'd gotten stuck in a ditch.
"I don't know, Doc," Sarge said from the side. "It sounds pretty accurate to me."
"It's true! Every word of it!" Moon chorused. The Radiator Springs crew had ended up crowding around outside along with the locals. It was such a nice day everyone had taken their drinks into the sun and in that way they were able to keep Mack and Gray company as well. All the cars were listening to Doc's old friends eagerly, except for Luigi, whose attention was otherwise occupied by a pretty forklift.
"He reminds me of you," Smokey said quietly to Doc, just as Lightning demanded to know what stupid rookie mistakes Doc had made.
"You think?" Doc muttered, half-sulking at his friends' merciless teasing.
"Yeah," Smokey nodded. "You just had a bit more attitude."
"The kid had attitude alright," Sheriff said quietly, having overheard them. "But Doc got rid of that pretty fast when he came into town."
"Glad something I taught you stuck."
"You taught me a whole lot more than that."
There was a moment of silence before Smokey asked quietly,
"You will come to visit again?"
"Yeah," Doc was surprised at how easily the answer came to him. He didn't hesitate or feel threatened at the thought. "Kid'll enjoy it. Once the season's over."
"We'll be here."
They stayed longer than an hour, and it was Gray who had his eye on the time that said they had to leave.
"Aww, just a few minutes longed?" Lightning asked.
"Yeah, Hud, you're always in such a hurry," Lou scolded.
"Hey, McQueen's got a girlfriend waiting for him," Mack reminded. "And Gray and I gotta haul those trailers all the way back to Dallas!"
"We'll pack you a supply," Moon offered and hurried back into the Cotter Pin. He came out with several cans, and Sarge took one, fully planning on giving one to Fillmore. He'd say it was natural. The look the hippie's face would be priceless.
After goodbyes were traded in front of the bar, the two trucks led the way down the dirt road with the rest of the crew trailing behind. Doc went first with Sheriff. They were followed by Luigi and Guido, the former talking rapidly in Italian, clearly head over tires in love with the forklift. Guido simply nodded and listened. Sarge drove behind them and made sure Luigi didn't drive into a ditch or a tree.
Lightning took up the rear with Tex.
When he reached the top of the road he turned to have a look at the sign. The fact that it was old and that the paint was peeling off didn't make Lightning smile any less. It actually made him like it more. Because it was rough around the edges just like Doc. The Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Lightning sighed deeply and looked across the little town until his eyes settled on the speedway. He heard Tex roll up behind him.
"I wish I could have stayed longer," he admitted. Being in Thomasville had given him the opportunity to get to meet the cars that he'd only known in history books and to see Doc's past in a whole new light.
"Well son," Tex started, and there was a hint of an almost mischievous secret smile in his tone. "I have a feeling we'll all be back here very soon."
"Why do you say that?" Lightning asked, tearing his gaze away from the track.
"Oh, just a feeling," Tex grinned.
The plane wasn't huge but it was comfortably furnished and the cars from Radiator Springs were glad for the easy trip home. Sarge, Luigi and Guido busied themselves with the television and some articles in the newspaper while Tex excused himself to go make a few calls. This left Lightning and Doc sitting in the middle of the plane, both of them staying quiet as they heard the low chatter from the three in front of them. Doc glanced out of the window, watching the clouds flutter under them. His mind was far away, processing everything that had happened at Thomasville and how he felt about it.
"Hey Doc?" He turned as Lightning asked. The kid looked a little torn, and Doc realized that he was also trying to process the same emotions. But while Doc would sort everything out in his head and compartmentalize, Lightning did better when everything was out in the open.
"Thanks for coming," the Hot Rot said, a hint of a grateful smile on his face.
"You're welcome, Kid," he said, and the rare warmth with which he said it put Lightning at ease. Doc turned back to the window and Lightning turned towards his across the aisle. They'd be ok. They always were.
"McQueen! Doggonit, I knew Finn would rescue you!" Mater greeted as Lightning made his way down the ramp of the plane. They had landed safely in Dallas and their friends were waiting eagerly for their return.
"Thanks Mater," McQueen laughed. "Although," he looked around as if suspicious and said in a low voice, "I don't think he would have wanted you to say anything."
"Oh," Mater clamped his mouth shut. "Sorry 'bout that," he muttered.
"It's alright, Mater," Doc sighed as he came beside the rookie. "McMissile told us everything."
Lightning didn't have much time to respond as Fillmore and Ramone swamped him from where they had been impatiently waiting behind the tow truck.
"Hey, Lightning man! You got yourself some scratches there."
"We were so worried about you."
"Alright, coming through," Sally pushed her way in between the two cars, causing them to roll back.
"Hey Sally," McQueen greeted, expression softening at the sight of his girlfriend.
"Stickers," Sally smiled. "You don't look as bad as I thought you would."
"Aw, nothing I couldn't handle," Lightning shrugged.
"You mean nothing Finn couldn't handle," Doc cut in.
"As I recall, Strip said something about you saying please don't hurt us," Tex jumped on board the 'tease Lightning ship' as he came off the ramp.
"Hey," Lightning was just about to defend himself but Sally kissed him on the cheek.
"I'm sure you were very brave, Stickers," she said, and Lightning melted."Other than the screaming for help."
Lightning shot her an annoyed look.
"What? I know you too well!"
Mater was about to remind McQueen about the time he ran away screaming from an anthill but got sidetracked by Sarge and Fillmore.
"Here, have some," Sarge pushed an oil can towards Fillmore. "An old friend of Doc's made it. It's organic."
"Thanks, man," Fillmore took a sip, while Sarge leaned forward with a gleeful expression.
"What's organic?" Mater asked, just before Fillmore's eyes widened and he started choking, coughing and heaving all at once.
"That's... NOT... organic," he spluttered as Sarge grinned.
"Made right at home to!" He said enthusiastically.
"Cool! Can I have some?" Mater asked and before waiting for an answer reached for a sip of the can. Lightning spotted him and raced forward.
"Mater, no-" But it was too late.
"WAA HOO!"
And as Lightning watched Mater jump three feet in the air and land on the ground with wild eyes and tires spinning, he knew that he was back. Right back with his family, where he belonged.
Would shine count as organic? Just something for you guys to think about while waiting for the next chapter.
