Stunts

Pete took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He could feel his nerves calming as his irritation dissipated. Sam seemed genuine. Was she really?

"I know," he finally agreed. "It's just... hard. It feels like the FBI just wants us out of the way instead of utilizing our skills and letting us do what we do best." He shook his head. "One wrong move with Aaron - if he takes advantage just once - the FBI could shut down the rehabilitation program. That's what Reese lives for, ya know? It's what he believes in. I guess when things happen like today, my first thought is that's it... we're done. So I react." 

He cocked his head, studying Sam's face. "But I guess... somebody's gotta start trusting somebody first, huh?"


Eli chuckled and gave Scarlet a squeeze. "That's what I like to hear." Letting her slide off his lap to take another chair instead, he shook his head. "Not interrupting a thing. We're just discussing how we're gonna make Thunder tuck tail and run."

Zan gave Destiny a thoughtful look for just a second. He wondered if just sitting at home alone was her norm, now that she didn't have her boyfriend anymore. Or... did she spend a lot of time home alone even when she was dating? He wondered. All he knew was that dimness in her eyes needed to go. "Well... we can't have that. Besides... Sunday was starting to feel like an awfully long ways away." He tossed her a wink before waving Thirteen over to make sure the newcomers had drinks. 

Hunter leaned into Ryan a little, just settling back with her under his arm. The couch would have been a little better, but if they had to be around people... this was a nice bunch. "So what are we gonna do?"

Eli pursed his lips. "I envision you guys hanging back til you see Thunder line up with the novices. So far he hasn't entered a "newbie" race against the newest drivers - he's just stuck with the second level to prove he's something."

"Yeah. A jerk," Zan muttered.

"Exactly. I say wait until the last second - maybe even right after the start. Shoot out behind the pack - if you cut a corner sharp, you can't be disqualified since you're not really racing to win anyway. Single out Thunder's car, box him in, slow down, and let the other racers by. They'll have their winner, and Thunder will be a sorry loser."

"Do you think that's really all it will take?" Hunter questioned. 

Eli shrugged. "Don't know. Prolly not. I'm guessing it'll take several races like that to get him to back off."

"What about in the big boy races?"

"Between you two?" Eli looked at him and Ryan both. "He won't stand a chance anyway."

Zan smirked. "Yeah, you two are smart enough not to let him pull the same stunts he has with me."

"Hey," Hunter retorted. "He's given me a bad time too."

"It's gonna take teamwork," Eli reminded. "Whether it just takes one race or ten, the three of you can take him out. Once humiliated, he won't be back."

Conversation settled for a few minutes as the pizza came and Hunter offered a quick prayer before they all dug in. And for the time being, they just enjoyed their food, giving the racing topic a break.

Zan picked a piece of pepperoni off his slice and ate it first before giving Destiny a sidelong glance and nudging her with his elbow. "Have a good day?"