19 The Race

XxX

Buckle up everybody, this is gonna be another really long chapter

As Nick and Judy pull into the shop with the rollback, they notice Josh and Skye sitting in the office, both wearing long faces (difficult with Josh being a bunny), along with Laverne and Shirley.

As they enter the office, Laverne immediately begins questioning them of all mammals.

"Did you two know about Skye and Josh? How long has this been going on? Why wasn't I kept in the loop about this? Well, speak up!"

"Mom, calm down, please" interjected Nick when he got the chance. "We suspected something was up after the anime thing but never paid it no mind. Our suspicions were confirmed last night at the Icehouse when we caught them kissing in a secluded corner booth that by some happenstance had the lights out. I'm the one who texted you the picture last night remember?'
'Besides, what the hell difference does it make anyway? They're both grown adults that seem to genuinely like each other. Since Skye initiated everything I don't understand what the big deal is. She and Josh both know how this fox/bunny courting thing goes, especially after everything that Judy and I went through.'
'And now that I think of it, why are you just now making a big deal out of it? I would've though you'd 've been all over it this morning, not waiting until the end of the day to bring it up."

"Well, for your information, things might have gotten a bit more involved since this morning. Go on Skye, tell them …"

"Tell us what, exactly?" asks Judy.

Looking at Skye nervously, Josh spoke up instead "Umm, well, it seems that, umm, Skye asked me to marry her and-"

"She what?" asked Nick and Judy at the same time.

"Come on you guys" interjected Skye "it's not like you went together for very long, and at least I'm not pregnant…"

"Oh, no, you didn't go there" replied a quickly angered Judy.

"Yea, I kinda did."

"You know damned well the circumstances were entirely different, we at least went through the proper traditions to start with" Judy shot back.

"As did I with Josh" Skye shot back "I had no parents to consult with. Even though Laverne's like a mother to me it's NOT the same. And yes Judy, I asked your folks to court Josh and they were happy to consent. It's not my fault if they didn't tell you. Get pissed at them if you want but lay off of us already."

"Look sis, don't get me … us wrong" says Judy, trying to calm things down a bit "We're all happy for you two, it's just a bit of a surprise is all. With the builds and the upcoming race, we're more than a little stressed, ok?"

"Alright everyone" interrupts Shirley "can we just start this over from the beginning please? Being the oldest here doesn't mean I have to be the only adult in the room.'
'Laverne, Skye by no means has to explain any of this to you or anyone else. She's a grown vixen and has followed tradition as closely as she could, given the circumstances. Why she and Josh wanted to keep their romance on the downlow is no one's business but theirs. She did, after all, ask Josh's parents to court him so what's got your tail in a twist anyway?"

"I don't know" Laverne admits "I guess I'm just used to being on top of things and knowing what's going on all of the time. That, plus this being Skye just … I don't know, always having Skye as pretty much my own daughter it kind of hurts a little I guess."

Gathering Laverne into a tight hug "It's ok mom" says Skye "we just weren't sure how things would go right off the bat you know? Sure, Nick and Judy are accepted and doing fine, great even. But after my ordeal with Johnny we just wanted to wait and see how things played out after this damned race thing. We were going to let you all know about it after things got settled a bit. Please don't be mad…"

Hugging Skye back, Laverne confessed "I know sweetie, I know. You're just so close to my heart it really caught me by surprise. I'm really happy for you both, you know that right?"

"Yea mom, I know. C'mere Josh, now's not the time to be shy. Family hug, everybody get in here..."

"Ok" says Nick, finally breaking the hug "enough of this mushy shit. Judy and I need to get home and get a well-deserved shower. Skye, Josh, congratulations, but in the meantime, let's get back to the matters at paw.'
'Skye, is the 'Vette ready to go? If so great, and how's the Cobra progressing?"

"Midnight told me that the 'Vette is absolutely race ready. The Klock brothers have the wiring finished on the Cobra. The only thing left on it as of right now is to finish the interior. Normally it's minimal, as you well know. But since it'll be Judy's soon enough, he told me that it's going to get the same interior that the streetable 289 version got so Judy 'd be comfortable driving it. It should be finished by the end of the day.

"So, basically it'll be ready to drive on Monday?"

"That's the impression he gave me, yea."

"Great." Giving it a moment's thought Nick continued "I was going to call Jackie and tell him not to bring his cars, but on second thought, I'll let him bring then so we can pit one against the other time wise to see just how they stack up against each other, especially the Cobras."

Looking up at the clock on the far wall, Nick notices the time and calls Midnight to the office.

"What's up boss?" he inquires.

"Clock everybody out at five but call them to the main bay please."

Giving Nick a questioning look, Midnight does as he's told.

"Everyone to the main bay please, everyone to the main bay."

As the shop employees gather at the main bay, Nick begins.

"Listen up everybody. I know you've ben working your tails off lately, and our two main projects are all but finished. Put your shit away and head home or to the Icehouse, treats are on me.'
'Oh, and by the way, everyone congratulate Snow and Josh, they're engaged."

"Damn it Nick…" began Skye.

"Paybacks a… well, you know" said Nick as he and Judy head out the door.

On the drive home, Judy asks Nick "What do you really think about Snow and Josh getting married?"

"Well … Josh seems to be a pretty good mammal to me, him being your brother notwithstanding. Obviously a hard worker and has his head screwed on straight. As long as Snow thinks it's ok, I'm one hundred percent for it. And your thoughts are… what?"

"Umm… For the most part, Josh has really been pretty much of a loner. Sure, he had some … I think he called them 'dance partners' in his younger days, but never anything serious. It seems like a pretty good match.'
'We seem to have been quite an influence on my family, in a good way.'

"There's just one thing I need to do before the wedding, whenever that is."

"And that would be….?"

"How can your brothers be the only mammals in the shop with no nicknames?"

"Really" you're concerned about that?"

"Hey, I have a reputation to uphold I'll have you know. No one has gone this long at the shop without a nickname…"

"That can wait, right now we have much more important things to worry about."

"Really? Like what?"

"Like a good shower and some supper, then maybe…"

"Enough said, the nicknames can wait."

After spending a leisurely Sunday at home, mainly doing a bit of laundry and catching up on some movies they've been meaning to watch but haven't had the time or inclination to watch lately, Nick and Judy are up a bit later than normal on Monday morning and headed to the shop.

Entering the main bay and headed to the office, they observe Midnight and Jackie in a lively discussion.

"Jackie" says Nick "good to see you so bright and early. You ready to head to the track? Both of the build cars are ready to go, so if you don't mind, Judy and I thought we'd pit the cars against each other just for shits and giggles to see how they do, time wise."

As Jackie and Midnight glance at each other, Judy picks up on a bit of tension "What? What's up? You two seem a bit … tense."

Looking a bit leery, Midnight explains "I got a call as soon as I got to the shop this morning."

"Yea, and?" inquires Nick.

"It seems a certain buyer is headed to the shop to discuss the race."

"WHAT!" exclaims Judy.

"Did you tell him that that probably wasn't a great idea? Especially with Judy and Snow both being here?" asks Nick.

"Sure did, but it seems like he's hell bent on coming, so just be warned."

"And what time is the little prick (Nick couldn't help but suppress a smirk) supposed to get here?" asks Judy angrily.

"Somewhere around nine thirty or ten I think" replied Midnight.

"You'd better go tell Snow so we don't have a fist fight or worse on our paws" warns Nick.

"Jackie" says Nick with a bit of an evil grin on his muzzle "are your cars headed to the track?"

"Aye laddie, that they are. Whut be ye thinkin'?"

"Chase down Midnight and have him load both of the project cars on the long rollback and get them headed towards the track as soon as he can. I'll try to stall doofus with a plausible excuse as to why the cars aren't here in order to buy us some time to road test them and give Judy some track time with the Cobra before she races the little shit."

"Now that sounds like a splendid plan, ah'll be right back."

Looking at Nick worriedly, Judy asks "Do I need to be here or do you want me to go to the track with the cars?"

"Sweetheart, it's entirely up to you. If you're going to be too uncomfortable with him here, by all means go. Otherwise, stay here and confront him, show him that you're NOT afraid of him."

Just as Judy turns to leave, nonother than Johnny Whinters enters the office.

As Judy suddenly breaks to grab a certain buck rabbit, Nick catches and restrains her just in time.

"Oh come on Nick" begins Johnny "Go ahead and let her go. I wouldn't mind owning this little set-up you've got going here."

"The names' Wilde to you Whinters. Friends get to call me Nick, and you ain't on the list."

"Tsk, tsk. Anyway, I'm just here to confirm the details of the race. There's no need for hostility."

"Really?" asks Nick "Raping my wife when she was young and trying to rape one of my employees and I'm not supposed to be hostile?

"Those are serious accusations Wilde, and if you can't back them up-"

"Skye and I can both back them up asshole" interrupts Judy. "I still have access to the lab results from the rape kit and blood samples from when I was in high school, and Skye has the results from the night you drugged her. If you really want to go there, we're both more than willing to send your sorry ass to jail. So, what's it going to be?"

Stepping back from the challenge that the shy soft-spoken doe that he had known years ago had just thrown at him and not knowing that the statement about Skye's drug test was a bluff, Johnny quickly recovered "There's no need for all of that. Let's just get this race business over with."

"What's to talk about? It's pretty cut and dried according to the contract." Says Nick.

"Actually, that's what I wanted to clear up" replies Johnny. I really haven't ever done any racing, so I want to substitute another driver to race in my stead."

"And just who might that be?" asks Nick.

"Emerson Fittipalldi has agreed to drive-"

"So, you're just going to pay me all of that money, never race and end up with only the Corvette?" asks Nick.

"Wh-what?"

"The contract specifically states that you'll race Judy, and only Judy. I see no reason to let a substitute driver in for you, a pro no less, while Judy, who has never raced before, has to race him. Unless perhaps you'll allow a Judy a substitute driver as well, then the answer is a very resounding NO."

"… and who would you have to race for her at this late date?" asks Johnny.

Nodding towards the door just as Jackie enters "Johnny Whinters, may I introduce Jackie Fuelit, Judy's substitute driver. If you want to allow a substitute, he's our mammal.'
'Jackie, Johnny here's wanting to allow substitute drivers for the race. Do you think you could do well against Emerson Fittipalldi on the track?"

"Against Fitts? Ach, ah can beat him paws down. Ah've done it so many times in the past it wasn't even a challenge anymore. Bring it on mon."

"Wait, Jackie Fuelit? How, how would you even know him?"

"That's really none of your concern" replies Nick coyly "what is of your concern is simply this ... who's racing who? Are you and Judy racing, or are Jackie and Emerson racing? Decide now, we've got better things to do that stand here wasting time and energy talking to you all day."

"Fine. I'll race Judy. But I'll need something to drive, to practice with."

"The 'Vette's race ready, you can use it. But … if you damage it or wreck it you pay to fix it or replace it. And regardless of the condition of the car, you still have to race it on Saturday or face breach of contract and lose the money and the cars. Those are my terms. Take it or leave it."

"Ok, but on that note, I have a condition of my own."

"And that is?"

"If I win, I not only get both cars at the agreed to price, but Judy has to sleep with me for no less than a week."

"Now wait a-"

"Deal" interrupts Judy.

"Judy, what the hell …" begins Nick.

"No Nick, this is my fight now."

Addressing Johnny "Since you want to make this even more personal, I'll throw in a condition or two of my own."

"And what might they be?" asks a very confident Johnny.

"When I win, you'll never, and I mean never ever darken my door again. Not here, not at my home and not at the Burrows. If you do, I'll release every document I can get my paws on to everyone you've ever done business with. You'll be lucky to escape the country with your life, and we both know it."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me … please."

"And the second condition?"

"When I win, I get to keep not only the Cobra, but the 'Vette as well."

"Fine" says Johnny. Turning to Nick "When can I have access to my car? I'll need to practice with it at the track."

"We still have a bit of work to do on both cars including road testing them. You should be able to pick it up on Wednesday morning, but it needs to be returned by no later than Friday by closing time. You'll need to have your mechanics check it over before it leaves the shop to be sure it's exactly factory stock. But before we'll allow you to race it, my mechanics will check it over to make sure you haven't tampered with it in any way."

"And the Cobra?"

"According to the contract, there's no stipulation as to how the Cobra's put together. You have to race against it no matter what.

"What?"

"That's the contract. Don't like it, too fricking bad. Read your copy, I know you still have it. Since it's NOT a restoration anything goes. Now, we've got work to do here, so get out, and don't let the door hit your tail on the way out."

After Johnny is finally out of the shop and on his way, Nick turns to Judy "What in the hell were you thinking agreeing to that shit?"

"Why, don't you think I can beat him?" Judy asks now just as angry as Nick.

"Of course I think you can beat him, but that's not the point."

"Then what is the point Nick?"

"Anything can happen on a racetrack. A flat tire, brake fade, a broken oil or coolant line. Anything like that happens and you're stuck sleeping with that douchebag for a week. Doesn't that upset you?"

"I-I never thought about that" answers a suddenly horrified Judy her paws flying to her muzzle.

"Great. Well, what's done is done. Let's get Jackie and … umm where the hell did he go?" suddenly noticing that Jackie wasn't in the room.

As if Jackie had anticipated the question, he reenters the room.

"When things got heated, ah figured it best if ah left ya all ta yuerslves." He announced.

"And rightfully so" agreed Nick. "Anyway, we need to get to the track and get some race time in, so let's get to steppin'."

As Jackie, Nick and Judy enter the pits, they observe that Fritz, Midnight, Skye and Bolo, along with two of Jackie's crew mammals, have all of the cars ready to go.

"Ok, let's get this thing started. Jackie, why don't you get familiar with Johnnie's 'Vette. Then get your best three lap times posted so we know what we're up against. We really don't have the time to pit the cars against each other like we originally planned to.'
'After you're through we need to get Judy some track time in the Cobra. At least get her comfortable with the car, then we can concentrate on getting her times down. If possible, maybe we can get her some practice time with her racing the Cobra against your 'Vette."

"Ah totally agree wi' thot plan" agrees Jackie. Let me get inta me suit, and ah'll get this show on the road."

Watching Jackie pull the Corvette onto the track, Judy glances at Nick with a concerned look "Nick, I'm sorry I put us in this situation"

"I understand Fluff, but it doesn't make it any easier. Let's just do what we need to do and hope for the best."

As Jackie goes past the start/finish line at full speed, they move towards the scoring table to check Jackie's times.

Watching intently as the times posted get increasingly shorter, Judy get more and more concerned.

"How am I ever going to beat those times?" she asks worriedly.

"Not to worry missy" replies one of Jackie's crewmammals. "Jackie's been doing this most of his life, and unless the guy you're racing has been as well, you should have no problem beating Jackie's time. In fact, you'll probably be able to beat his time before we leave today if that Cobra's half the car that Jackie and Fritz say it is."

"Do you really think so?" she asks.

"No doubt about it" he answers.

As Jackie takes his cool down lap, Nick tells Judy "Go ahead and get ready to take your familiarization laps in the Cobra. The first thing you need to do is get familiar with how the car handles at speed on the track. It's going to be a lot different than the stock car you were driving before. Even more power, better handling, better braking. After you get a few laps in slowly, you can get going faster. Please don't try to get ahead of yourself on this. we've got too much to lose for you to overdrive it and break or wreck the car."

Knowing full well that Nick is serious, she agrees.

"Ok, I promise to be careful and take it slow."

"After you get some laps in at a fairly good speed, I'll call you in and you can compare times against Jackie's, ok?"

"Yes my love, now, let's get me going already."

When Jackie pulls the 'Vette into the pit area, Nick gives Judy the go ahead to take to the track.

While Judy accelerates onto the main straightaway, Jackie walks up to the scoring table "Well, whut's me best time?"

"96.524 miles per hour, and one minute, fifteen point eight seconds" responds his crewmammal.

"And me three-lap average?"

"One minute, twenty-eight and three-quarter seconds. Both track records for that class."

"Well now, let's see how well the wee lassie does once she gets goin'."

After Judy finishes her fifth lap, Nick tells her "Fluff, go ahead and pick the speed up a little at a time. Ease into it, nothing drastic just yet, ok?"

"Will do Nick, you were right, this has the stock car beat hands down."

"If you promise not to get a big head, I'll let you know that you were already posting way better lap times than you ever did with the stocker."

"Really?"

"Yup, now turn up the wick a bit and let's see how you do."

"The what?"

"Pick up the speed Fluff and-"

"What did I tell you about the nickname Slick?"

Laughing "Ok, ok, Snips, pick it up a bit. There, ya happy?"

"Sure am. Ok, here we go."

After two more laps, Nick radios Judy "Ok, when you come past the line, give it a bit more for three full laps then one slower lap to cool the car down and then bring it in. We need to call it quits for today. Well have all day tomorrow to tweak anything we did wrong today. Got it?"

"Got it. Ready or not, here I come" she remarks as she makes the final curve before she passes the scoring table powering up into the straightaway.

Watching the lap times carefully and recording them, everyone was suitably impressed with the way Judy handled the car and the track.

Entering the pits after her cooldown lap, Judy parked the car and turned off the motor.

Leaping out of the car and doffing he safety gear, she ran to the scoring table and asked "Well. How'd I do?"

Seeing every mammal there staring at her, she could only ask "What?"

"Fluff, Squeak, Snips, whatever. Judy you ain't gonna believe your lap times."

Looking as worried as a bunny could look "Why, were they that bad?"

"What? No. Not just no, but hell no. you beat Jackie's best time by a full eighteen seconds and his best three lap average by over twenty seconds."

"Wait, what? Really?" looking at Jackie, then Midnight and Bolo "He's kidding, right? I actually beat Jackie's time by that much?"

"Sure did" stated Midnight, with Bolo and Jackie nodding in agreement.

"It wouldn't surprise me if ya beat the blackard by a full minute every lap" intoned Jackie,

"And I wasn't even pushing the car that hard" Judy admitted.

"Well then" commented Nick "lets get the cars all loaded up and back to the shop. Jackie, is it ok if we park your cars at our shop for the night? We can come out early tomorrow and get a little track time in with you and Judy doing some mock racing. You can give her a few more tips on using the track to her advantage better that way."

"Thot sounds like a grand idea" acknowledged Jackie.

When the all got back to the shop Nick gave instructions to Midnight and Bolo.

"I want the oil changed on the Cobra and new tires put on it. We'll load up at six in the morning so we can be at the track no later than eight. Got it?"

"Got it boss" answered Bolo.

"Also, give Jackie whatever help he needs with his cars. He's our guest and I want him treated as such."

"Will do" answered Midnight. And what about the 'Vette?"

Pondering the question for a second "Do the same on the 'Vette. Factory replacement oil and tires. Ground up restoration remember? Everything like it came from the factory."

"Got it boss."

As they head home, Nick notices the concerned look on his bunny's muzzle.

"What Snips?"

"Nick, what are we gonna do if something happens and I lose the race?"

"We'll just have to find a way to deal with it. In the meantime, let's get something to eat. How about this little place I know that-"

"Really Nick? I'm sweaty and I stink from being in that race car. Where could you possibly take me that I wouldn't stand out like a sore thumb?"

"Do you trust me?"

Rolling her eyes "Are we going to play that game again?" Judy asks.

"Yes, yes we are. Now, do you trust me?"

"Yes Nick, of course I do. You know that."

"All right then. Aaaand here we are."

"The Dewdrop Inn? What the hell kind of place is this anyway?"

"C'mon Fluff, follow me and find out."

Entering the bar, Judy immediately notices Fritz, along with Dale Elkhardt and his son sitting at a table talking to Jackie Fuelit and his crew.

Looking around the bar, Judy notices that most of the patrons are dressed in either fire suits or garb that has race sponsors on them.

"Well damn, it's a racer's bar?"

"Yea, pretty much. It's not mandatory that you actually be a racer, but if you're not at least a fan this is definitely not the place to be."

"So I see. Let's sit with Jackie and them. I'm hungry and thirsty."

As they approach the table, they're greeted by Dale senior and Junior, and by Jackie and his crew.

"When Jackie told us about how well Snips did at the track, we figured you'd show up. I took the liberty of ordering a 'Redneck special' for you Nick" remarked Dale Senior "and a house salad for the lady".

"Ok, I'll bite. What's a Redneck special?" remarks Judy

Laughing, Nick told Judy "This should be right up your alley."

"It's a chick'n cord'n blu sammich" replied a grinning Junior.

"Chicken cordon bleu sandwich" translated Nick for a slightly confused Judy "Basically, it's chicken breast with salt and pepper, stuffed with cheese and a few veggies. Just what a hungry race car driver and carnivorous bunny needs."

"Fine, I'll try it instead of the salad, but only if there's red beer around."

Judy, noticing the slightly astonished looks on the faces of most of the crowd at the table "What? I like red beer, so what's the big deal? You think that since I'm a bunny I can't hold my beer? And yes, I'm a bunny that eats chicken, get over it already."

"Snips" admits Dale senior "after what Jackie here told us about your driving, I think you can do just about anything you set your mind to."

"And you'd do well to remember that" Judy shot back grinning, knowing it was all in good fun.

Gathering a bit of a crowd, there were soon twenty or so racers and their families gathered around the table, or tables as several tables had to be pulled together to fit the accumulated animals.

Introductions were made and Judy was astonished to learn the support that she was getting for the upcoming race, even though almost none of those gathered knew the circumstances.

Finally heading home after a bit of a rowdy evening Judy calls for the first shower.

"Ok, no problem" admits Nick.

After Nick gets his shower he asks a very tense Judy "How about a good back massage to ease those muscles after all of that hard work today?"

"Oh god, I thought you'd never offer."

"You know you could ask once in a while."

Starting at her shoulders, Nick gradually works his way down her back.

"Nick."

"Hmm?"

"That's my butt … and my tail!"

"Yea, I know. You want me to stop?"

"Don't. You. Dare. Stop."

Tuesday morning finds Nick and Judy arriving at the shop just before six thirty.

As they enter the main bay, they're amazed to find the Cobra and Jackie's Corvette loaded and ready to head to the track.

"Everything's ready to go boss" volunteered Bolo.

"Oil changed, new tires, everything checked and double checked" added Midnight.

"The laddies went over my cars as well, just for good measure" quipped Jackie as he and Fritz exited the office, coffee in paw.

"Really?" asked Nick. "Just what time did you get here this morning?"

"About ten minutes before you two" said Midnight.

"We had all of this done before we left last night" admitted Bolo.

"What?" you didn't need to do that" scolded Nick lightly "You should've gone home and gotten some rest."

"Boss" said Midnight in a very serious tone "This is as important to all of us in the shop as it is to you two. This isn't just about Judy and Snow, it's about all of us here. We're family, and family takes care of its own. Now. Let's get goin', we've got some racin' to do."

Once at the track, it took practically no time to get the cars unloaded off the rollback and ready to race.

"All right" Nick tells Judy as she readies herself in the car donning her helmet and HANS device "Jackie 'll be walking you through some of the tricks of the trade while you're on the track. I'm going to stay off the radio unless I really need to interject. I'd prefer that you just use the power of the car and your driving skills to run away from this little shit, but we both know you won't. So, listen to Jackie and do the best you can, ok?"

"You know me too well Slick. I promise to listen and learn. I'll see you in a short" kissing Nick on the nose, Judy pulls the car onto the track and waits for Jackie.

After several hours of intense instruction, Jackie calls a halt to the lessons.

"The wee lassie's a fast learner" he admits. "there's no' a lot left ta teach her at this point. In these cars, even ah couldn't beat her on the track, she be that good. There be no use in wearin' her or the car out unnecessarily. ah'd say it's time to pack it in and head back."

"Squeak, Snips, whatever, I know you'd stay out here all day if we'd let you, but Jackie's got a point. Let's head back and let the guys at the shop go over the car again and check every nut and bolt, just to be sure nothings left to chance, ok?"

Letting out a disappointed sigh, Judy has to agree with the logic of Nick's statement.

"Yea, I guess. I don't know what I'm gonna do, not being able to come back to the track until Saturday when we race, but I'm sure there's something to keep me occupied in the meantime"

Suddenly her face lights up "On the other paw, the is something I want to go over with you when we get back."

"And that would be…?"

"You'll see. My turn to surprise you Slick."

Rolling his eyes Nick remarks sarcastically "Wonderful!"

"Come on Nick, it's not that bad."

"You're sure about that?"

"Umm, well-"

"Never mind, I'm sure it'll keep. Let's go."

Returning to the shop, Nick hands out instructions to Midnight "I want every inch of the car gone over, inside and out. Change the oil and tires again. Use the high-speed tires, the ones with the innerliners in them. That way a flat should be one of the least likely things to occur. Pull the oil lines from the pan to the block and replace them and make damned sure they're tightened. Then go over the entire car again and…"

"Boss" interrupted Midnight "we know what to do, now go away and let us do our jobs."

"Fine, I guess Squeak's has got something to show me anyway. And thanks guys. This means a lot to both of us, you know that, right?"

"Yea boss, we do. Now git,"

Joining Judy in the office, Nick asks "Ok, what's this, whatever, that you wanted to show me?"

Taking Nick by the paw and leading him back towards the area of the shop that contains the employees project cars "Come with me. I'm going to need something to keep me occupied even after the race so… I kinda thought … that this might be a great project when I'm not working on something for the shop."

"Oh, the little 'Cuda. And?"

"Well, now t hat you've got me addicted to fast cars, I'd like to build it to race and beat the old Challenger that Midnight and Charlie are working on."

"You know that's an entirely different type of racing, right? While the Challenger 'll do ok on a road course, it's real forte is straight line speed, like quarter mile stuff."

"Yea, I know. Listen, I'll stuff a 426 Hemi in it, rework the entire driveline, upgrade the suspension-"

"Ok, ok, I get the idea. You're sure you want to do this?"

"Am I? yes, yes I am."

Rolling his eyes at the old byplay they've enjoyed for so long, Nick gave in.

"Fine, you can do it. But … only on your own time when there's nothing else going on in the shop. And before you start on the 'Cuda, I want you to go over to the Challenger that Midnight and Charlie were working on and take notes. Lots of notes. Then go over and compare those notes to the 'Cuda and research everything to see if what you're planning will actually work. Then get with me and we'll decide if it's worth the time and effort. Deal?"

"Deal."

Wednesday morning, as Nick and Judy arrive at the shop they observe Johnny and several mammals unknown to them waiting outside the main entrance.

As they exit the pick-up, Judy's cell rings and the caller ID shows that it's Josh.

"'S'up Josh? Nick and I just got to the shop."

"Yea, I know. Skye's up here with me, and if you don't get Johnny the hell gone in a hurry I'm not promising that I can keep her from coming down there and doing god knows what. Get him and the car gone asap."

"We'll do what we can, but he's got a lot of paperwork to sign before we can let him take the car."

"I know already, just speed it up, ok?"

"I heard" Nick tells Judy "let's get this over with. Go around to the side door and head upstairs to help Josh keep Snow occupied."

"Where is everybody? I need to get this car loaded and get to the track-" begins a very angry bunny.

"Hold up there Skippy" interrupts Nick "The shop doesn't open to the public for just over an hour. I'm going to let you take the car early because I don't want you here disrupting my employees or my wife.'
'But first, there's the paperwork you need to sign, acknowledging the condition of the car as required in the contract, that you'll not damage or wreck the car, and that you'll have it returned in the same condition it leaves in by no later than five pm on Friday. If it's not here or it's damaged, either the cops or my lawyers or both will have a field day with your sorry ass. And it had better show up looking exactly like it left or you 'll have to pay for any and all damages. Ya get all that?"

"Yea, yea, I got it already. Show my guys where the car is so they can look it over. Then I'll sign and be gone."

"In the meantime, you can wait in the office. Do NOT leave the office unless it's to go out the front door."

Thirty minutes later, Nick has signed papers in paw and closes the front door with a certain bunny buck no longer on premises.

"Good fricking riddance" says Nick as Judy, Skye and Josh join him in the office. "I'd give the little bastard the 'Vette if he just left and never came back."

"Fat chance" says Josh. "His ego wouldn't let him back out now for all of the money in the Zootopia."

"That" says Judy with an evil grin "is exactly what I'm counting on.

"Really!" says Skye in amazement.

"Yup. As pissed as he'll be by race time, it'll be a miracle if he completes the first lap" answers Judy.

"Be that as it may" interrupts Nick "We still have a shop to run and cars to build.'
'You two get with Midnight and see what he wants you to do for now. Saturday's a ways off and I need to keep you both busy until at least Friday night."

As three heads turn towards Nick he continues "We're going back to the Dewdrop and drum up as much support in the racing community as we can get. How do you think numbnuts will react with the stands full of hardcore racers cheering for my darling wife, and all he has is his handful of mammals?"

"You sir" admonishes Skye "are low down and without pity."

"Thank you, thank you very much" mimic's Nick in his best impersonation of Elvis Priestly.

Friday afternoon, at exactly 4:59 pm, a very exasperated Johnny Whinters shows up at the shop with an extremely dirty and used up Corvette on a hauler.

"What the hell is this?" asks Nick. "I distinctly remember that this car was clean as a whistle when it left here on Wednesday. Now it's dirty as hell, the tires are shot and who knows what the rest of the car is like. You're not going anywhere until my mechanics look it over and assess the condition of the car."

Two hours later, a very pissed Nick is dressing down a downtrodden bunny.

"Ok, here are the damages that I know of. Four tires and two rims need to be replaced. After washing there's a lot of messed up paint. The oil pan is dented. One side mirror is missing, torn off actually, so the door will need to be replaced since it's fiberglass. The brakes are soft from being overheated so the entire brake system will need to be replaced.'
'Question is, are you going to race it like this, or do you want to pay my guys to work all night to fix everything you fucked up?"

"GoaheadandfixitandI'llpaywhateveritcosts."

"That's what I figured. Now, I'll allow one of your mechanics to stay and make sure my guys do what they're supposed to do, but you're leaving and you're leaving right now. Before the car moves an inch in the morning, you'll pay the repair costs or you'll be in breach of contract. You got that?"

"Yes, fine. Whatever. Just let me the hell out of here."

And with that, he was gone.

Saturday morning Nick and Judy arrived at five thirty, with most of the shop crew already there.

"Ok, who just got here?" he asks "and who's been here all night?"

To the first part of the question three mammals raised their paws, and to the second question seventeen mammals, including Midnight, Lefty, Bolo, Sneezy, and Fritz, raised their paws.

"When did you get finished with the car?"

"About a half hour ago" spoke up a very wiped looking brown bear named Chris Brown, who was the mammal that had been Johnny's crewmammal. "And just so you know, your mammals clued me in to Johnny's past. As soon as the little bastard gets here, I'll be looking for another job because I'm quitting. If you're hiring, I'm interested."

Giving the mammal a thoughtful stare, Nick finally spoke "Tell you what. You do your best to help your current boss win, and I'll consider it, regardless of the outcome. I want him to win or lose fair and square. Do we have a deal?"

"Deal. Now let me out of here for a while, I need a shower and every minute of shuteye I can be before he gets here."

At nine am, with the shop fed and somewhat rested, Johnny and the remainder of his crew show up to get the car.

"Alright" says Nick as the two face off in the office. "There were a few other minor things that our mechanics caught while they were working at repairing the damage you did. Look over the itemized bill and pay up. You'll notice that the repair order has been signed off by your mechanic as being accurate."

"Twenty-seven thousand dollars? That's a crock of shit!"

"Really? Eighteen mammals, including your crewmammal worked thirteen straight hours fixing your fuck up. Pay up and pay up now or this little adventure is over, right here and right now. Cash if you don't mind."

"Ok, fine. Here" as Johnny hands over the money.

"Now, load your car up and head to the track, most of my crew is already there, along with Judy and Skye. By the way, I hope you don't mind but I invited a few friends to watch the race."

Pulling into the pit area of Zootopia International Raceway, Johnny is amazed and disheartened to see well over two thousand mammals seated in the grandstand area.

This includes most of Judy's family, the entire shop crew and their wives, husbands, significant others and kits, as well as a lot of ZPD's finest. Add in tons of racers, their families and lot of just plain race fans and you have a really good crowd.

"I thought you said you invited a few mammals, this is a lot more than a few."

"I can't help it if they invited some friends. The track is open to anyone who wants to race or watch."

"How do I know the timing and scoring's going to be on the up and up?"

"Timing and scoring is going to be kept by the operators of the track, with two of your crew and two of my crew to verify that everything here's legit. If you have a problem with that and have an alternate solution, now's the time to say so. If not, get suited up and get your car offloaded and lined up."

Looking at the scorer's table, Johnny decides that everything will work "Fine, let's do this."

As Johnny's crew pushes his car to the designated spot in the pits, the track's chief scorer has instructions for the two drivers and their designated pit crews.

"After reviewing the terms of the contract provided to me by mister Wilde, here are the track rules for the event: when you start off, you will have one lap to get your machines up to operating temperatures and to warm the tires. After you exit the last turn on that lap, you will roll up to the start/finish line at sixty miles per hour and watch the flag stand. The official starter, mister Humpy Wheeler, will wave the green flag to start the race. If anyone jumps the start, they'll be given a five car-length penalty and the mammal who did not jump the start gets to go as soon as he or she gets to the start/finish line. A second violation will incur an additional ten car-length penalty. A third violation will disqualify the driver and their day is over. Are you clear on that point?"

After everyone asserts that they do, the official continues,

"Next, while a certain amount of bumping and banging is expected, any overt attempt to intentionally wreck a competitor will automatically disqualify a driver, and the person instigating the contact will be financially bound to pay for any and all repairs to both cars. Is that understood?"

Again a chorus of 'yes' is heard with no dissentions.

"One last thing. If by chance one of the drivers overshoots a corner and ends up in one of the sand or gravel traps, you'll have to wait until a tow truck is available to winch you out. The track will be under a yellow flag and the remaining driver will slow their pace to no more than sixty miles per hour and follow the designated pace car, but the laps will still count. By all accounts, whoever ends up in one the traps on the last lap, your day is pretty much over. Official scoring is done with the aid of electronic monitors so there's no griping about the timing, and there are cameras set up to monitor every inch of the racetrack. If someone tries to cheat, you will not, I repeat, will not get away with it.'
'If there are no questions or concerns, let's get to it."

As Judy and Johnny head to their cars, Johnny is a bit irritated to see that the Cobra is an absolutely hideous shade of pink.

"Why on earth is my car pink of all colors?" he asks.

"First off" answers Judy smugly "it ain't your car until you win it, which you ain't gonna do. Secondly, I like the color, and thirdly … try not to screw up the 'Vette, I plan to give it to my brother as a wedding present."

"Listen here you fu-"

"Problems here?" asks Nick as he approaches the two.

"No babe" answers Judy, "the one-inch wonder and I were just wishing each other luck for the race" kissing Nick on the cheek, all of which only infuriates Johnny all the more.

"One-inch wonder?" asks Nick quietly.

"That's what the other girls he 'dated' in high school called him" she answered, giggling.

"Damn, that's just …. mean"

As the drivers are strapped in their cars with helmets and HANS devices firmly in place, Nick asks Judy "Ok, just how are you gonna handle this?"

Grinning, she replies "To start with, I thought I'd power away to a comfortable lead, then let him catch up a little at a time, even if it takes almost two laps. After I let him catch me, I'm gonna try to set him up to try to pass on one of the tricky corners Then either power away or let him pass and just pass him back. We'll just have to see what happens on the last lap..."

"Just be safe, and don't lose, ok?"

"Got it. let's get this over with, I hear pizza and beer calling my name. I think the Dewdrop is gonna be rockin' when were done here."

As the cars weave back and forth at a moderate speed on the pace lap getting component temps into operating range and tires warmed, Judy notices Johnny getting closer and closer as they exit the last corner and approach the start/finish line.

Rolling side by side as they get to the start line, the flagmammal drops the green flag and Judy hammers the throttle using the huge horsepower advantage to power from second to third and finally forth gear and leaving Johnny far behind.

Rounding the long sweeping right hand carousel turn, Judy has a full two second lead on the 'Vette and keeps building the lead until she gets to the bus-stop section of the course, where she begins to slow so Johnny can catch up to her.

Crossing the start/finish line for the third time and seeing the white flag which signals the final lap, she finally sees Johnny in her mirrors, gradually catching her.

Heading into the carousel turn for the final time, the 'Vette begins to close the distance rapidly. Knowing that at this point Johnny is as angry as he can possibly be, Judy sets her plan into action.

As Judy applies the brakes to slow the car to a series of quickly approaching S curves, she pitches her forward into her safety harness.

After negotiating the esses, Judy is back on the throttle again for a few seconds, then quickly on the brakes to negotiate the set of two quick 90-degree left hand turns.

Then back on the throttle, she goes through the gears again. Going from almost a dead stop to over 100 in just under a quarter mile, she then quickly down shifts for the dangerous off camber right hand turn.

Just as she enters the turn she sees Johnny pull alongside, and from the look on his muzzle, she knows exactly what he's planning.

Instead of accelerating and trying to fight him off as expected, Judy suddenly slams on the oversized competition brakes, just in time to watch the Corvette shoot across the track in front of her and slide off track into the grass and finally imbed itself in the sand trap.

Coming to a near stop Judy sounds the horn and gives Johnny a middle finger salute, while the radio (which happens to have a killer sound system in it) blasts out "Hey Little Cobra' by the Rip Cords.

Cruising towards the finish line at a moderate 60 miles per hour (yellow flag, remember) behind the pace car, Judy does a burnout after she crosses the line that leaves Nick gaping. Then pulling into the pits as Judy exits the car, Nick asks "Where in the hell did you learn to do that?"

"Dale senior showed me that in the stocker when you were in the bathroom that day" she answered, grinning through the lingering tire smoke.

Bowing to the wildly cheering crowd and waving the checkered flag, Judy can't help but gloat as the Corvette rolls slowly by, on the bed of the rollback. As Johnny glares at the happy couple, he hands Nick the check for the agreed to amount of both builds.

"I'll take my car and go if that's ok" he states broodily.

"Sorry" interrupts Judy "But you ain't taking my car anywhere." As she points a low-pressure water hose at the Cobra.

"What?"

"According to the amended contract which you demanded by the way, I won the race so I keep the 'Vette and the Cobra. You get to pay for them both and leave empty pawed."

"….. what the hell" as Johnny digests the implications of losing the race, he's doubly shocked to observe Judy running water over the ugly pink car. As the pink slowly washes off, a beautiful grey and white pearl paint job with russet red accents slowly emerges.

"Well, I'll be damned" remarks a stunned Nick.

"You like?" she asks.

"Almost as beautiful as the driver"

"Flattery will get you absolutely anywhere my dear, especially today, or should I say tonight."

As the thoroughly defeated buck slowly walks towards his private car, he suddenly encounters yet another problem. His entire crew, including the driver for the transport, has quit after learning of his past.

After Nick quietly encourages two of Johnny's former employees to get the transport to wherever Johnny wants it delivered and a third to follow and pick them up, Johnny is finally gone.

"So" asks Nick "what are our plans for the evening Fluff?"

"Why ask me? I know you already had my victory party planned. Jolene told me that you'd paid Gideon to bring pastries, Big Dummies to bring the beer, and Mel's to cater the rest of the food. Did you really think that I wouldn't find out about almost everything coming from the Burrows?'
'While I'm thing of it, what are they pulling the flatbed trailer onto the main straightaway for?"

"To start with, that was all part of a different plan."

"What plan was that?"

"To throw the best bachelor and bachelorette party ever in Zootopia for Josh and Skye. The flatbed is for the entertainment that's scheduled. Your victory celebration begins at home… when we get there"

XxX

A/N: I hope the race was worth the buildup, I had a lot of stuff come up while I was trying to get to the actual race, and it just seemed to fit. Read and review please….