20: And Life Goes On
This chapter is a bit shorter than most have been, mainly due to life. What with a ton of work, some health issues and another (un)healthy dose of writers' block, I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out. I'm not giving up on the story by any means, I just need to get more time and a bit of inspiration for upcoming chapters.
…
While waiting for the flatbed trailer to be set up as a makeshift stage for the tribute band, Nick tried to make an announcement from the scorer's table.
He began with "Alright, everybody calm down please" but his voice was drowned out by the large fireworks display that was suddenly shot off and the crowd went wild.
"Nick" asks Judy accusingly, watching ing at the aerial display "Did you plan that?"
"Sorry Fluff, I'm sorry to say I didn't think of that one, but I think I know who did" he said, looking directly at his mother.
"What? I can't make a big deal out of my daughter's engagement?" Laverne asked.
"Anyways" continued Nick, quickly regrouping and carrying on with his announcement "I'd like to present my favorite wife" which earned an eyeroll and blush from Judy "with this beautiful trophy which was provided by ZASCAR, courtesy of Dale Elkhardt senior. It reads, and I quote: 'Judy Wilde, winner of the first annual Zootopia International Speedway Challenge Cup'.'
'If Judy would be so kind as to consider this challenge, ZASCAR would be willing to host an annual event featuring Judy against the reigning ZASCAR champion, regardless of who it may be each year. All proceeds of each race will be donated in their entirety to the Nicholle and Aaron Wilde-Hopps foundation.'
'At the current time, with nine races to go, and considering the points lead that the current leader has, it will most likely be none other than Dale Elkhardt senior himself.'
'What do you think Fluff, you up to another challenge?"
Taking the microphone from Nick, it was Judy's turn "First off, I'd like to kick my darling husband's tail for dreaming this stunt up. Don't look so innocent Nick, it could only be you to come up with it." which earns a laugh from the crowd.
"Next, I'd like to thank ZASCAR and Dale senior for the beautiful trophy. And I'll gladly accept the challenge. Dale, I once told you I'd beat you racing, this is my chance to back it up. All ZASCAR has to do is come up with two cars that would make everything equal except the drivers' skill.'
'Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone who showed up to watch and cheer for me today and congratulations to my sister Skye and her fiancé, Josh Hopps. Wait … her fiancé is my brother … well, that was just weird! Ok, for those of you who don't know, Skye is my adopted sister. Umm, never mind, just congrats you both, have fun."
Stepping off of the improvised stage, Judy collects Nick and heads toward the refreshment area.
"I am so getting even with you for all of that."
"I know, but it was so worth it."
…
Leaving the racetrack, Johnny Whinters is absolutely livid.
'That damned slut' he said to himself 'who the hell does she think she is? Hooking up with that damned fox, costing me over one hundred thousand dollars, embarrassing me in front of thousands of mammals. NOONE treats me like that and gets away with it. There's got to be some way to get back at all of them.'
After being dropped of at 'Whinter's Fresh Produce' by his former employers who immediately quit and left to head back to Nick's shop, Johnny stormed into his office.
With nothing better to do for the time being, Johnny went home and searched the internet for ideas to complete his revenge.
Early on Monday morning, as he ponders his options on the best way to get back at Judy, Nick and anyone else who had contrived to humiliate him, he is interrupted by his purchasing agent who informs him that his primary suppliers that he buys produce from have just canceled all contracts with his company, citing his past indiscretions as grounds for their actions. He suddenly realized that those suppliers were not only mainly Hopps Family Farms but Bonnie Hopps immediate family the Thumpers as well. It seems that almost everyone now has learned about his less than stellar past.
To make matters worse, his sales manager informed him that virtually every customer had called and closed their accounts. He was financially ruined. With his business virtually in the toilet he did what any washed-up bunny did in his predicament, he got blind assed drunk.
Driving home, he was stopped by officer Wolford and arrested for driving under the influence.
Tuesday morning, after bailing himself out of jail, the hits just kept coming.
After finally getting his car out of impound, he arrived at his home to find his clothes in several piles on the front lawn. A note on the locked front door informed him that he was being divorced by his wife of nine years (his third by the way) and that papers would be served at his business as soon as they were filled out by her attorney. Now, it seems, EVERYONE has found out about his sordid past and is taking steps to distance themselves from him.
Having no choice but to go to his apartment that he kept for certain 'girlfriends', Johnny has become even more despondent and desperate. Suicide was not really an option, mainly because he wanted, no NEEDED to make everyone who had wronged him pay. Thinking over his options he realized that at some point in time, Judy would absolutely drive the Cobra around to flaunt the fact that she had humiliated him and he needed to be ready to act. He decided to do some scouting to see what route she and Nick took to go home and make some sort of plan to enact his revenge.
…
After a not so fun Sunday, mainly comprised of recovering from hangovers, Nick and Judy, both are up and getting ready to get back to the shop on Monday morning.
Sharing a quick shower after getting rid of bad cases of morning breath (among other things), a breakfast of grits, toast and juice for Judy and coffee for Nick is the order of the day.
Arriving at the shop just before seven am, the couple are astounded to see that everyone from the shop isalready there.
"Ok, what's the deal?" asks Nick. "There has never been a time when everyone beats me, let alone us here in the morning, especially a Monday morning at that."
"Well, since you asked so polite like" began a sarcastic Midnight "we all thought that you might be interested to know that… well, Fritz, you give him the news."
"After the show that Judy put on at the track, Dale senior told us that ZASCAR got in touch with him after the race yesterday and has an independent shop ready to begin production of four identical Trans-Am cars for Judy and the winner of this years' ZASCAR Cup. They want to schedule the race as a separate event after the banquet. All you need to do is give them a date that'll work, any time after the presentation."
"Why four cars?" asks Judy.
"They told Dale that when you get ready to race, you'll each pick a ping-pong ball with a number on it and that will be the number of the car that you'll drive. It sets a more even field that way, plus if one or more cars get damaged during a practice session, there'll be backup cars."
"Makes sense I guess" replied Nick. "So, you still didn't answer my question, why is everyone, and I mean everyone here so early? The shop doesn't open up until eight, and we always have mammals straggle in at all times until then. And why are you still here Fritz, I figured you'd be long gone by now."
"Whul, meebe ah cun answer thut fer yuh" came the reply from the entrance to the office.
"Jackie?" replied an astonished Nick and Judy at the same time.
"Thut's mu name, dun't wear it out" Jackie answered with a large grin. Ah managed ta bring a few of the athletes who'll be competing in the upcoming Animalympics with me. They really wanted ta meet you two fer sum reason. Ah din'a think yu'd have a problem wi' it."
"Absolutely they can come" said Judy before Nick could even open his mouth "we'd love to meet them."
Opening the door to the office, Jackie motioned for the mammals inside to come out into the shop area.
"Ah guess ah'll handle the inductions then. To begin with we have Animalympics marathon runners René Fromage (a goat) and Kit Mambo (a lioness). Then thur's Lola and Buggs bunny from the male and female basketball teams.". An' lastly here's Brenda Springer (a springer spaniel) and Keen Hacksaw (American Bulldog), who are both announcers fer the Animalympics
"Ohmygodohmygodohmygod" spouted and incredulous Judy, bouncing up and down excitedly all the while shaking Nick like a one of her old plushies. "I never in a million years thought I'd ever get to meet any famous mammals"
Looking at Nick "No offense dear, but-"
"That's ok Fluff, I get it." replied Nick with his usual smirk firmly in place.
"Actually" began Lola "we wanted to meet you. Overcoming the adversity of your species to accomplish so much."
"And finding true love regardless of their species, and having the courage and conviction to face the speceist attitudes that seem to be so prevalent at times" adds Kit.
"Yes" adds Brenda "while Keen and I don't seem to get any of the hate both being canines and all, we've seen enough of it directed at other mammals to make us sick. That's why we, all of us here today, are going to pledge to your research charity."
"We also have tickets for the two of you to attend the Animalympics as our guests" says René.
"Wait, wat?" interrupts Nick.
"Tha's right" says Jackie handing Judy a pair of tickets "thur's VIM (Very Important Mammal) tickets rite here that 'r good fer all events during the Animalympics."
Tearing up, a grateful Judy hugs everyone "Thanks so much, you have no idea how much this means to me, to us."
"Your research will benefit everyone" a heartfelt Kit reminds Judy "it gives all of us a chance to have young ones of our own, regardless of species" as she looks fondly at René.
"I know you two really need to get to work" interrupts Laverne "but Shirl and I brought breakfast for everyone. If you'll give us a few minutes to set up, you can serve yourselves. Separate tables for pred and prey, but feel free to try whatever tickles your fancy. Coffee, water, a variety of juices and coco are on the end."
"Mom, you were in on this too?" asks a stunned Nick.
"Of course dear, you're not the only one who knows almost every one ya know" she says, winking at Judy who of course giggles.
…
After everymammal has a bite of breakfast, Nick and Judy give their guests an impromptu tour of the entire shop. When that's finished and all of the guests have departed, Midnight calls Nick to the office. Giving Nick a hug and quick kiss on the cheek, Judy heads to her bay to begin cleaning up her area. Although it's not normally a mess, it was left that way due to finishing the Cobra build and subsequent race the weekend before.
"What's up?" asks Nick.
Boss, you ain't gonna believe the orders for cars we've gotten since the race on Saturday."
"Come again!" says an astonished Nick.
"We've gotten almost a hundred orders for restoring and upgrading cars alone, and another forty something orders for builds, several of which we actually have in the warehouse. I got calls all weekend."
"You're kidding."
"Nope, I'm dead serious. And that includes a monster order for the Superbird that's back there, from none other than 'The King' himself."
"Wait, what?" says a stunned Nick "The King actually found out that we have a Superbird? How the hell did that happen?"
"I dunno, but he's going to send us the specs for us to turn it into the same car that he won Daytona with in '70. Since it was already more less turned into a race car, I figured that it would be a lot better than trying to restore it to factory. Not to mention at least we don't have to find and ruin a perfectly good 'Bird to build a race car. In fact, Lefty's going to run the VIN to find out if maybe it's the actual car that the King used during that time, or at least one from his old shop."
"Complete with the King's special blue paint?"
"Yea. When it gets far enough along to paint, he'll send enough to completely paint it, inside and out."
"Well just … damn. Good job. Make sure that the 'Bird gets on the shop floor as soon as we can make space for it. Any shop builds we have going on need to either be finished by the end of the week or put into the warehouse, customer orders will always come first.'
'While we're at it, I want an honest answer … is Judy ready to be put on any of the builds. Don't worry about hurt feelings, I need to know the truth for sure."
"Boss, I'd trust Squeak to do as good a job as anyone in the shop, myself included. Yea, she's ready."
"Ok then, I want her to join you and anyone else that you want on the 'Bird build. Get Lefty to start looking for the cars we need to get for the customer builds. Then start pulling the cars out of the warehouse that we have for the orders we can fill with what we have on hand. Then get the car hunters on the road looking for ones we don't have.'
'We can integrate customer upgrades and restores along with the cars we have on hand."
Seeing the slightly confused look on Midnight's muzzle he quickly adds "Look, I know I made you a shop foreman, and after the 'Bird build you'll go right back to being one, but this is just too important a build, and you're one of the best wrenches I've got. While you and Snow are the two best, I'm saving her for the next big build, whatever that might be."
"It's ok, I don't mind a bit. Consider it done boss."
"Anything else special as far as builds?"
"Well, there is one slightly off-beat request…"
"And that would be?"
"Ummm, well we have a request from a movie studio for a custom paint job on a semi-trailer and for three black '77 Trams-Am Firebirds."
"Really?"
"Yea, the request came through Mammal Goldburg Mayor studios. Evidently they want to film an action movie starring Burt Reynard, Sally Field and Jerry Red called Smokey and the Bandit. Something about hauling bootleg beer from Texacana to Antlanta with lots'a chase scenes in it. The paint job on the trailers s'posed ta depict a stagecoach robbery back in the old days I guess. I didn't want to commit to that one until I talked to you first."
"Wait, you're telling me that the studio wants to make a movie using two foxes and a bunny as the lead characters?"
"Yup, and they're using Jackie Grayson, a brown bear, as the cop who's supposed to chase them. Which reminds me, they also want a couple of Pontiac Grand LeMans cars for cop cars as well."
"Do they have an artist's drawing of the trailer or do we have artistic license on it, or what? And are there any specifications on the cars?"
"They didsend an artist's concept of what they want on the trailer, and two of the Trans Ams are to be hopped up with roll cages and stuff for stunts, while the third is for close-ups of the actors."
"Budget?"
"Didn't say. I figured I'd let you handle that part."
Any ideas who you might want on the builds?"
"Well, if you're ok with it, I figured Josh could do the paint job on the trailer, and Skye and Bolo could handle the Trans-Ams. If we get pushed for time on the cars, Pete and Charlie can help with the small stuff. You know, sub-assemblies, suspensions, exhaust, brakes and stuff."
"Great. I'll call the studio and let them know that we'll take the project and work out the details."
"And, umm, that's actually not quite all…"
Really, there's more?" Nick asks.
"Well, I got a call from ZASCAR just before you came in."
"And?"
"Seems like they want to talk to you and Squeak about airing her little race with Johnny as a special segment before or during this coming Sunday's race. PR sort of thing to attract a few more viewers I guess. To my understanding, they're willing to pay handsomely to use the footage."
"Really? …. I don't see why not. I'll run it by Squeak and see what she thins, thanks."
…
After working out the details for the movie prop builds with the movie studio, Nick heads to Judy's bay but stops by the paint booth to talk to Duane for a quick second.
"Duane" says Nick "I want to complement you on the paint you did on your sisters' car, it was absolutely killer."
"Thanks boss, nothin' but the best for her." Duane replies. "She's had a rough time of it since she was a kit, so I figured I'd give it my best shot. I can't thank you enough for stoppin' by the station that day and giving her a job here. And thanks for hiring Josh and myself too by the way."
"Don't forget to pat yourselves on the back, I probably wouldn't have even seen her if it wasn't for you two. Umm, I don't suppose you could get a copy of the security camera footage from that day for me could you?"
"I might could, any special reason?"
Grinning like a fool Nick replies "Not yet, but I'm sure an opportunity to use it will present itself in the future. And please don't tell Judy. Whenever I do bring it out, I want it to be a total surprise."
"I'll get ahold of mom and see about getting' you a copy" says Duane trying unsuccessfully to hold back a grin "You know Judy'll kill you for it right?"
"Yea, I know. But it'll be totally worth it, thanks."
…
Approaching Judy's bay, Nick is greeted with a hug and kiss.
"What's up Slick? The talk around the shop is that we picked up a bunch of orders because of the race on Saturday."
"Yea, well, it's true. And you're going to be put on one of the best projects that the shop has ever had."
"Really? Do tell."
"ZASCAR Legend 'The King' has purchased the '70 Superbird we have in the warehouse and wants it totally fixed up to match the car he won Daytona with in '70. Midnight says you're ready for a build of this importance, so you're on the build team."
A huge smile lights up Judy's muzzle and she jumps up and gives Nick the tightest hug ever "Really? I'm on an important build?"
"Yup, you've impressed Midnight to the point that he says you're good enough to be on the team, so you need to be sure to thank him when you get a chance'
'Sorry, but your pet 'Cuda project is gonna be on the back burner for a while. We picked up over a hundred and forty customer orders of all sorts since Saturday and probably still counting, so the shop's gonna be really busy for the foreseeable future."
"That's ok, I know it's there and it's not going anywhere. And thanks Slick, for letting me show what I can do on something this important to the shop."
"Squeak, if I didn't have the confidence in you, we would never have made it as far as we have together. Now, get out there and get busy. As soon as you finish with this van conversion for Ernest and Celestine, you can help Midnight get started on the 'Bird. I know I made him a shop foreman, but this builds too important to screw up. Tiny can help Lefty run the shop in the meantime."
"You never did tell me why this is such an unusual build Nick. What's with the large mammal size driver's area and the really small sized passengers seat anyway?"
Grinning, Nick elaborates "Well, Earnest happens to be an average sized brown bear as you might guess. as a matter of fact, he and his significant other, Celestine, were the stars in a relatively successful move a few years ago that was the result of their unique friendship. The van that was used in the movie sat neglected in a backlot at the studio for years, Ernest found out, bought it and wants it restored. And yes, Celestine is an averaged sized grey mouse. They really make for an adorable couple, about as offbeat as we are.'
'There is one more thing we need to discuss, it should only take a few minutes."
"And what would that be?"
"Midnight told me that ZASCAR wants to use the footage from your race Saturday at some point during this coming Sunday's race as a PR thing to promote the challenge race, to boost ratings I guess. They'll need permission and some sort of release I presume. Midnight also told me that they're willing to pay for it."
Taking a few minutes to think it over, Judy comes up with a proposal.
"I certainly don't mind, and I'm sure you don't or you wouldn't be suggesting it. How about this, they can use the footage with final approval of the edited content ok'd by us. Instead of taking any money from the usage, we stipulate that they donate to the kit's charity foundation, and that they plug the charity on air as well."
"I have taught you well, my young padawan."
"Nick, really? You used senior's line?"
"Well, it works doesn't it?"
"Yea, well…."
…
The race between Judy and Johnny was aired during the next ZASCAR race, with several short clips shown several times in slow motion. The segment was received by the entire ZASCAR community as an, unparalleled success and donations for the Wilde/Hopps foundation poured in.
Although there was a lot of resistance from Johnny, an agreement was reached (signed by his estranged wife) which further infuriated the now destitute buck.
…
With the Animalympics taking place the next week and the shop being as busy as it was, Nick and Judy had very little time to take in may of the events. They did, however, make certain to take in the male and female finals in basketball with Lola and Buggs finishing with gold medals in their respective divisions. The cheered on Kit and René who finished tied for first in the long-distance marathon event and alternated with Keen and Brenda in the announcer's booth.
…
As the weeks drag on, the time comes due for Judy's next appointment with doctor Cotton much to Nick's dismay….
Entering the shops office, Judy gets Nick's attention "Nick".
"Hmmm?"
"Don't forget, we have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow with doctor Cotton."
"Yea, about that…."
"No Nick, WE'RE going and that's that, no argument."
"But-"
"I said no arguments and I meant it. Yea, I know we've got a lot of projects going on but THIS is more important". The look in her eyes and on her muzzle was enough to let Nick know that she meant exactly what she said and wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Fine, what time are we supposed to be there?"
"Nine, just like the last time."
"Ok, I'll try to be on my best behavior this time."
"If you ever want to have those kits, you'll do well to remember that."
"Yes ma'am."
Grinning to herself, Judy can already imagine the shocked expression that Nick 'll be wearing when she springs her revenge surprise on Nick the next day. 'He really has no idea just what's in store for him tomorrow' she thinks.
…
Early the next morning, Judy awoke to find that Nick was already up.
'What the heck?' she thought 'Nick is almost never awake before me, let alone being up'.
"Nick? Where are you?"
Not receiving an answer, Judy heads to the recently added music room to find Nick at the piano. Noticing Judy enter, he immediately begins to softly play and sing 'You Are So Beautiful' by Joe Cocker.
"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd practice for a bit. Did you like it?"
Tearing up slightly she remarks "You damned loveable idiot, of course I loved it. thank you."
"I told you I'd do anything for you, I need for you to know I really mean it."
"Does that mean there won't be a repeat of you showing out at doctor Cotton's again today?"
"Yes, of course. I know I act like a total ass sometimes, no disrespect to Jose at the shop, but it's a kind of defense mechanism I use sometimes to help counteract a situation that makes me very nervous."
"And you're not nervous this time?"
"Not as much at least."
"I hope that doesn't change when we get there. Let's get some breakfast and get ready to go."
Giving Judy a questioning look Nick asks "What's that supposed to mean?"
Showing Nick a bit of a smirk she answers "I guess you'll just have to find out when we get ready for our 'contributions' won't you?"
…
Arriving at doctor Cotton's office just before nine o'clock Nick and Judy are greeted by the receptionist Nina, a gazelle, strikingly resembling the famous singer.
As Judy opens her mouth to comment, Nina smilingly holds up a hoof and answers the unspoken question "Yes, I know I look just like Gazelle, I've been asked like, hundreds of times. We're actually distant cousins. I've substituted for her at several photo shoots when she's on tour, just to help her meet contractual obligations. There's actually a small disclaimer at the bottom of several ads denoting the fact."
Just then, doctor Cotton steps through the interior door.
"Ok then Judy, we're ready for you now, if you'll just step this way…."
"Actually" began an evilly sounding Judy "if you don't mind, I think Nick should go first this time, I might help him get over his nervousness not having to dwell on what's 'coming' … so to speak."
"Har, har, so funny" deadpans Nick at the bad pun as the ladies giggle.
After a somewhat boisterous session, Nick and Judy emerge from the privacy of the 'collection' room.
At that point, Nick decides to ask "Doc, I've been meaning to ask, just exactly why do you want to do this just prior to Judy's heat cycle?"
"NICK!"
"What? I'm just asking…"
"It's actually a very good question, I'm frankly surprised it didn't come up sooner" responds Dr. Cotton.
"The first step in in vitro fertilization (IVF) involves injecting hormones so mammals produce multiple eggs each month instead of only one. With bunnies of course, this is never a problem so we skipped that part. Judy was then tested to determine whether she was ready for egg retrieval. Prior to the retrieval procedure, she was given a medication that ripens the developing eggs and starts the process of ovulation. Timing is important; the eggs must be retrieved just before they emerge from the follicles in the ovaries. If the eggs are taken out too early or too late, they won't develop normally. We may do blood tests or an ultrasound to be sure the eggs are at the right stage of development before retrieving them. The IVF facility will provide you with special instructions to follow after the procedure."
"Ok, ok, I think I get the picture, that's plenty of info for now, thanks" interjects Nick.
"Actually, it's not" remarks Judy.
With both doctor Cotton and Nick giving Judy questioning looks, Judy asks doctor Cotton "Doctor Cotton, is there any reason why I can't have Nick in the room observing my procedure?"
"Well, to my knowledge it's not something that's been done before, but I don't see why not. Any particular reason why you might want him to accompany you?"
"Yea" says an aghast Nick "I'd kinda like to know why myself."
Looking sternly at Nick Judy confronts her husband "After you showed out the last time, embarrassing me with your little display, I told you you'd regret it didn't I?"
"Well technically, you said you'd get even, and that I wouldn't like it…"
"NICK".
"Ummm yes?"
"You're going to do this, and you're going to watch. You're going to watch the entire process or I'll have doctor Cotton record it and make you watch it at home, more than once. Do I make myself clear?"
"…."
"That's what I thought. Now, let's get this over with. And if you're a good fox, I'll treat you to lunch at that new restaurant called Black Abby You know, the one on Sidco Drive. Any smart-assed comments before we get started?"
"No ma'am".
"All right then, doctor Cotton, let's do this…"
…
After leaving doctor Cotton's office Judy invites Nick out for lunch before heading to the shop.
"So" begins a smirking Judy "you up for an early lunch?"
Scowling "Hell no, not after that I'm not."
"Don't tell me that you lost your appetite after that little procedure, not after what we did last night."
"That's different, totally different."
"C'mon Nick, it's not that big of a deal."
"You don't think that that's a bit humiliating?"
Looking sternly at Nick, Judy answers "Honestly Nick, with the different procedures that we females have to go through at different times of our lives, what with pelvic exams, cancer screenings, check-ups when we're pregnant and such, this is no big deal. It's just something that we learn to deal with. We're going to Black Abby for lunch. You can come in and have a bite with me or you can sit in the truck, it's your choice. But if you come in, you're going to eat something, and that's that. Got it?"
"Yes ma'am."
"So, what's it going to be?"
"…. I'm guessing BBQ Chicken pizza and red beer?"
"Not a chance, it's going to be a nice sit-down expensive lunch, and I changed my mind, you're paying. After we're finished eating, I guess the next thing is head to the shop so I can start helping Midnight with the Superbird?"
"Yea, might as well. You really do need to get started on the 'Bird build, and I need to work out the particulars with Snow on the movie car builds."
After enjoying a two mammal special of chicken parmesan and wild rice to quell Judy's occasional appetite for meat, Nick and Judy head back to the shop.
…
Entering the shop, Nick finds out from Midnight that there are still a few things that needed to be finished on the project that's in the bay where the Superbird build is to take place. Deciding that since Judy wanted to do some shopping for Skye, he allowed her to take the time to do that rather than just sitting around since her bay was currently being prepped for another customer build.
Giving Nick a quick kiss, Judy sets off in the Cobra on a little shopping trip.
Not long after Judy leaves, Nick is going over the items needed for the movie car build with Skye, Duane and Josh.
"Where's Judy Nick?" asks Skye "I thought she was going to help Midnight with the Superbird?"
"Well, she said she was going to …"
Just then, Nick is interrupted with a call from Laverne. "Hey mom, what's up?"
"Nick, is Judy with you now?"
"No, she's not. After we finished at doctor Cotton's office we went to that new restaurant, Black Abby, for an early lunch before coming to the shop. After we got here, Midnight wasn't ready to start on the Superbird build so she took the Cobra and went to pick up something for Snow's bridal shower. What's wrong, you sound really stressed!"
"A grey bunny doe that was driving a Cobra that looks like Judy's was just killed in a car wreck on Savanna Central Boulevard. I had to check and make sure that it wasn't her."
…
The actual 1970 Dodge Superbird that Richard Petty won the '70 Daytona race was never found, but one of the cars from his stable at the time was. It was restored by a fan and is run every year in an old timers' race every year at Daytona.
For you medical minded folks, I realize that this is NOT an actual in vitro procedure, it just works for the story ok? I claim artistic license.
The reference to the movie Smokey and the Bandit was due in part to the recent loss of Burt Reynolds. Somewhere, Sheriff Justice is still chasing the Bandit and the Snowman. They're just waiting for Frog to show up. And yes, I know the movie was actually released by Universal not MGM, but I don't care, it fits the story better.
