Duality

Danny pulled his black Dodge Charger into the parking lot of Harry’s Hamburgers and Hotdogs. He knew Jake would be here. In a small town like Eastvale there weren’t many places to hang out. Jake’s blue eyes registered shock at first, but he quickly recovered as Danny screeched to a halt inches from him.

“It’s good to see you,” Jake said nervously, pulling his letter jacket straight. “Where have you been?”

Danny punched Jake in the face. The force of the impact slammed Jake against his red Ford Mustang. The crowd in the parking lot gasped. Nobody attacked Jake Sonders, star quarterback at Eastvale High School, especially his best friend. Danny didn’t care. Jake might be half a foot taller and a lot stronger, but he wasn’t going to put up with Jake’s lies any more. “Get off it. I know what you did.”

Jake pulled himself up. “What’s wrong with you? Did the accident damage your brain?”

Danny pushed his red hair out of his face, showing a scar high on his forehead. “You did this!”

“What are you talking about?” Jake stammered. “Look, we all heard about the accident but it’s nobody’s fault. Your brakes went out, plain and simple.
You’re lucky you only hit the side of the school. You should take better care of your car.”

Danny hit Jake again, this time knocking him to the ground. He jumped on Jake to get in more blows, but a girl in a white coat with bouncing brown curls pulled him up.

“Stop! What’s going on?” she shouted.

Danny’s green eyes flared at the intruder. “Who are you?”

“I’m Layla, Jake’s girlfriend. Who are you?”

Danny pointed at Jake. “Watch out for this guy. He’ll be your friend then stab you in the back. His duality can kill you. It could have killed me. My brakes didn’t go out. The lines were cut.”

Jake paled. “What?”

Danny towered over him. “I checked the car before it was repaired. The lines were cut. It practically had your signature on it.”

Jake got up. “Danny, this isn’t the place to discuss this!”

“Discuss what?” Layla asked.

“Discuss the fact that I won a race two weeks ago and my brakes were cut last week. That’s what,” Danny said.

The crowd gasped. Layla glared at them. “Go back to your burgers. This is personal business.” She grabbed Jake and Danny’s arms and lead them across the street, into a vacant gas station. She looked around to make sure the crowd had dispersed, which they did quickly. It was a cold February night, even for South Carolina. The sun had just set and the temperature promised to dip below freezing. She poked a finger at Danny. “You should know better than to mention street racing in public.”

Danny slapped Layla’s finger away. “Your boyfriend should know better than to betray a friend.”

“Look Danny, anybody could have cut your brake lines.” Jake said. “There was big money in that race.”

“Big enough to kill for?”

Jake shrugged. “For some people. I’m going to college next year. I can use all the cash I can get.”

“So could I,” Danny said. “Do you think I want to stick around this stinking little town? Do you think I want to listen to my parents fight every night?”

Jake flinched. “I thought your parents were divorced.”

Danny shook his head. “It isn't final yet.”

“I’m sorry,” Layla said. “I can understand why you’d want the money to get away from this place.”

“Layla!” Jake shouted.

Danny held up a hand. “That isn’t the issue. We all have our reasons for wanting the money. Tell me, was it worth killing for?”

“Will you stop accusing me of trying to kill you? In case you forgot, there are six other people in our ring and from what I hear, they’re getting mad. You’ve won every race since you got that car. They’re desperate and will do whatever it takes to win again.”

“Whatever it takes. Isn’t that our motto?” Danny asked sarcastically.

“It’s the only rule, besides there are no rules.”

“Wait,” Layla said. “Are you saying the guys are mad because he keeps winning and they want him out?”

Jake looked down. “Some of them have mentioned it.”

“Who?” Danny asked.

“Anybody. Everybody. I don’t know! Like I said, anybody could have done it.” Jake stared out the cracked window. “Maybe you should pull out for a while; give them time to cool off.”

“Maybe you should go to hell!” Danny shouted, lunging for Jake. Layla jumped between them.

“Do you have a death wish?” Danny asked.

“No, it seems you do,” she said as she backed off. “Where’s the proof that Jake cut your brakes?”

Danny laughed bitterly. “You don’t know him very well, do you? He’s done it before. I know. I helped him.”

Layla paled. “What?”

Jake looked away. “I don’t know what he’s talking about.”

“Blake Toler. He crashed in the side of the bowling alley a year ago when his brakes went out. I took his place in the racing ring. It’s rather exclusive. You can’t get in unless somebody gets out.” Danny waved an arm at Jake. “My childhood buddy agreed to help me out. Blake’s car was totaled and he couldn’t afford a new hotrod, so he had to drop out.” Danny turned on Jake. “You’re getting predictable. Who wants in now? Or do you just want me out?”

Jake sighed. “I could really use the money for college. That’s all I’ll say.”

Danny pulled his keys out of his pocket. “Clearly there isn’t room for both of us in the racing ring. I guess we’ll have to figure out who stays and who goes.”

Jake pulled out his keys. “Fair enough. Where to?”

Danny pointed to a narrow mountain road in the distance. “Up the mountain to the first overlook. It’s about two miles up.”

“You’re going to race for it?” Layla asked.

“What do you want us to do?” Danny asked. “Rock-paper-scissors?”

“He’s right,” Jake said. “This is how we do it. Why don’t you go in the restaurant? I’ll come back for you in a few minutes.”

Layla shook her head. “If I go in there alone and those people see you both peeling out, they’ll know you’re racing. You’ll have all of Eastvale out here in a matter of minutes, along with the cops.”

“Not if you play it cool,” Jake said. “If anybody asks, tell them we went to settle our differences and it’s none of their business. I’ll deal with anybody that hassles you when I get back.” He ushered her out the door and lead her back to Harry’s parking lot. “Just go in.”

“No,” she said, jumping in the passenger seat of the Mustang, “I’m going with you.”

“Layla, get out of the car,” Danny said. “He’s right; this is dangerous. He’ll be back before anybody notices we left.”

“I won’t be left behind!” she shouted. “If you do this, I’m going. Now get in and let’s finish this!”

Although they were alone in the parking lot, Danny noticed several people looking out the window of Harry’s. “We’re drawing attention,” he mumbled. “We need to get out of here.”

Jake nodded. “We can’t leave her after that scene. Go slow to the base of the mountain road. Once we hit it, race starts.”

Danny and Jake got in their cars and drove away from the restaurant, keeping well within the speed limit. When they reached the base of the mountain road, Danny pulled up beside Jake and took off. The race was on.

Danny’s pulse quickened as the car took off. There were some dangerous curves, which made the race challenging, exciting, and fun. Jake was keeping pace with him around one curve and then another. Danny began to sweat. He needed to win this race for more than the money. It was time to prove to everybody for once and for all that he was the best racer in Eastvale. When the road straightened out, he put the pedal to the floor and smiled as his speedometer topped 90, then 100, then 110. The speed was exhilarating and he felt the rush through his whole body.

His revere was broken by the sight of lights approaching – in his lane. He sped up to pass, but Jake was keeping up with him.

“Come on, let me over.” Danny muttered. Couldn’t Jake see the oncoming car? Of course he could, but Jake was more concerned with winning. He figured Danny could slow down and pull in behind him, which would cause Danny to lose. Whatever it takes, Danny thought bitterly. He pushed the engine harder. He would have activated his nitrogen system but the boost would be suicide on a winding mountain road. This race was all about skill.
Danny was topping 140 when he realized the headlights were not a car but a large delivery truck. Heck with Jake; he wasn’t going to die for his money. Danny pulled his car sharply in the right lane as the truck blasted his horn and slammed on breaks. Danny heard tires squeal and a crash as he sped past the skidding truck. He looked in his rearview mirror but all he saw was the delivery truck sitting across the road, blocking both lanes. Looking ahead, he realized he was about to run off a cliff as he approached the last curve before the lookout. He slowed and regained control; screeching in the parking lot for the overlook. Danny smelled burning rubber as he jumped out of his car, his heart pounding. He won, but at what cost?

“Come on Jake,” he said, checking his watch nervously. The seconds ticked by in agonizing silence. Five minutes later he heard sirens.

“Oh no,” he muttered. The crash must have been Jake and Layla. He looked around nervously and listened. He didn’t hear any cars coming down the mountain. He was curious about what happened, but knew better than to drive by the accident. The police would stop him, and the truck driver would certainly turn him in if Jake didn’t. Then again was Jake conscious, or alive? Danny wanted to know, but panic was taking over. He couldn’t take a chance.

Danny got in his car and headed up the mountain. The road he was on circled around the mountain and came out in Westwind Mountain, another small town about seven miles away. There was a road that lead from Westwind Mountain to Eastvale. He would go home that way. It was longer, but safer.

He shook all the way home. After parking in the garage he went in the house and went to bed.

Danny didn't sleep well that night. Every time he dozed off, the glare of headlights and the sound of screeching tires and crashing metal woke him.




Danny walked in the hospital room a week later. He barely recognized Jake with the bandages wrapped around his head and all of the bruising and swelling. Jake had hemorrhaging in his brain, but the doctors did emergency surgery and gave him a good prognosis for recovery. Jake had just been moved to a room that allowed visitors. Danny didn’t really want to see him, but he had to know how what Jake knew about the accident.

“Jake?” he said, approaching the bed.

Jake opened his eyes. “Speak of the devil.”

Danny backed up. “I can leave.”

“No, it’s ok. I was wondering if you’d come,” Jake said, speaking slowly. “It looks like I’m going to live.”

“You’re on the road to recovery. I’m glad.”

“Are you?”

Danny sighed. “I never meant for anybody to get hurt. Racing is one of the few things I have in life that I can control. I love it, and I’ll fight to keep it in my life.” He sat in a chair next to the bed. “If it means anything, I’m sorry I didn’t come back. I was scared and I didn’t want to face the police. I knew they’d break up the racing ring if they found out about it. It would destroy everything we’ve worked so hard to build.”

“We don’t sell one another out,” Jake said. “You did the right thing. I haven’t told the police anything.”

Danny forced a smile. “The report on the news said the truck driver was drunk when he knocked you off the cliff. They arrested him for DUI.” He shrugged. “The only skid marks they found at the accident scene were his and yours, so as far as they know only two cars were involved. He said he thought he saw a car coming head on in his lane, but he was so drunk that everybody believes he wasn’t seeing straight.”

“Lucky you.”

“Look Jake, I told you …”

“Forget it,” Jake said sharply. “I told you, we don’t sell one another out. We’ve both had a lucky break. You get out of this free and clear, and I’m still alive.” Jake was silent a moment. “How’s Layla? Nobody will tell me.”

“The car landed on her side when you went off the cliff. She died on impact. I’m sorry.”

Jake took in a ragged breath. “I am too.”

Danny didn’t know what to make of that statement. Did Jake blame him for Layla’s death? Would he want revenge? There was no telling what Jake was thinking, but at least Danny knew what he needed to do. “I’ve been thinking. My father moved to a small down about an hour east of here called Woodland. I’m moving in with him once the divorce is final and the school year is over.

“So you’re running?” Jake said, looking out the window. “That might be for the best. We’ve had a close call, and I don’t think our luck can hold if there’s another incident in this small town. The other guys will have to decide what to do with the racing ring once you move to Woodland and I move to Columbia for college, but that’s their problem. It might be best for both of us to start over in a new place.”

Danny nodded. “It’s been fun. I’m going to miss racing with you.”

“Who says it’s over?” Jake said. “New town; new people. We could spread this thing.”

“You aren’t seriously thinking about racing again?”

“Darn right. I love racing as much as you do and I still have plenty of fight left in me. The question is, will we be for or against each other?”

Danny stared out the window blankly. “I don’t know.”




Four months later:

Danny knocked on the door of Miles Auto on Main. It was June, and he had just moved to Woodland. He was looking for a part time job and this was the only auto shop in town. A tall guy with black hair and blue eyes answered the door. “Sorry dude, we don’t open for another fifteen minutes.”

“I’m Danny Elkman. I’m here to meet Mr. Miles.”

The guy opened the door. “Come in. I’m Josh Miles, his son. Are you looking for a job?”

“Yes I am. I love working with cars.”

“Really? I’ve worked with them my whole life. Of course, that happens when your Dad’s a mechanic.” Josh looked out the window. “Is that a Dodge
Charger?”

Danny nodded. “It’s fully loaded. I’ve done a lot of work on it.”

“I’d like to take a look at it. Sports cars are my favorites,” Josh said, opening the door. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” Danny said.

Danny was opening the hood when a metallic blue Sunfire pulled up. Two girls got out of the car. The driver was short with long brown hair and a pink sun dress that bounced as she walked. The other had long, dark hair, striking blue eyes, and shorts showing off long, tan legs. She looked a lot like Josh. He smiled as they approached.

“How’s it running?”

“Great!” the short girl said, giving Josh a hug. “Thanks for fixing it. What do I owe you?”

“Consider it my way of thanking you for helping me through English last year. I would have failed if it weren’t for you.”

The tall girl raised her eyebrows. “My cousin being a gentleman? Unbelievable!” She cocked her head. “Who’s your friend?”

“I’m Danny Elkman.”

The tall girl held out her hand. “Sasha Miles. I’m Josh’s cousin.”

The short girl shook his hand. “Rachel Shull. Are you new in town?”

Danny tried not to blush under the gaze of her dark brown eyes. Rachel looked like a fairy tale princess. “I just moved here from Eastvale. I’ll be a junior at Woodland High.”

“Josh and I are juniors too,” Rachel said.

“I’m a sophomore,” Sasha said. She checked her watch. “We better go. My uncle is all business around here and we don’t want to get you in trouble. Josh, we’ll see you at the Pizza Parlor tonight.”

Rachel smiled at Danny. “I hope we’ll see you around too.”

Danny smiled as they got in her car and drove off. “Does Rachel have a boyfriend?”

“No,” Josh said. “Do you want to go to the Pizza Parlor tonight? It’s one of the big hangouts around here, and it would be a great chance to talk to her and meet some other people.”

“Sure, why not?” Danny said. He couldn’t believe his luck. One day in town and he had already met somebody into fast cars, a pretty girl, and an invitation to meet more people. Woodland might be the perfect place to start over. Things were looking up already.

Or so he thought.

Word Count: 2,948

What will happen to Danny in Woodland? Find out in "Battle Lines" .