Conflict

Part 3, Chapter 7

Radiator Springs was a decent vacation spot despite its size. It felt nice to spend a couple days at ease, exploring the shops in town, attending the drive-in at night, and milling around the scenic countryside in the daytime. Strip felt every bit as comfortable there as he did in his own hometown. The townsfolk were warm and welcoming, completely down to earth. McQueen had stumbled upon a true gem.

Strip and Lynda spent a few full days there, getting to know McQueen and his newfound friends better. In some ways, it was an excellent start to an extended retirement vacation, but Strip couldn't help but feel his ulterior motive for being there eating away at his conscience. A week and a half had passed since the tiebreaker race and Chick still hadn't shown.

It had taken but half a day for him to say what he needed to say to Lightning, and that hadn't been much. His visit to the town showed his appreciation for Lightning's actions more than words could say. There was little need to mention it further.

The rest of the time Strip kept an eye out for anything suspicious or out of place. There was nothing. The tourists flowed in and out of the town at their leisure. Aside from their quirks, the residents of the town seemed normal, interacting with anyone and everyone freely. There wasn't anything in that town that hinted at the prospects of war in the least, save the surplus shop.

"Maybe you're just lookin' in the wrong place," Lynda told him one night as he voiced his concern. "You never know what Ford's got planned."

"I know. Maybe," Strip sighed. "I just really thought things were gonna start movin', you know? I wanna get this over with so we can enjoy ourselves again. I'm tired of life bein' interrupted."

"Yeah," she agreed quietly, pausing as she thought a little more. "Strip? I have a question."

He looked up at her and found her frowning, deep in thought. "Alright. You know you can ask me anythin', Lyn."

"I believe that you're gonna live through the end of this war, no matter how it turns out," she began, picking her words carefully. "You've survived too much for me to believe otherwise. But it has to end. Rick said it himself – someone has to die. I know you better than anyone does. When it comes down to it, are you gonna do the job? Because I don't think you will."

Strip took a deep breath and faced the facts. He knew himself. He knew the situation. As much as he wanted to end this war – not even win it, just end it – he never saw himself pulling the trigger. Where Izzy wouldn't hesitate to take Chick out, he just couldn't do it, no matter how much he resented the Buick. There'd been enough death already.

Lynda saw the look in his eyes. "Mm-hm. I thought so. What's your plan, then?"

"Protect the kid. I'll do what I have to if it means he stays safe, but no more than that," Strip admitted. "Guess that's not a good way to end this thing, is it?"

"No, but that's what separates you from the others and keeps you from becomin' somethin' you ain't," she said, softening her tone. "I want you to promise me one thing, Strip."

"What is it?"

"You need to protect yourself, too," she reminded him. "When it comes down to it, I need you. Izzy needs you. Heck, I believe Rick does too. And don't get me started on the race fans."

"Okay," he promised. "I don't intend on goin' anywhere, Lyn, I love you. You know that. I'll find a way out."

They left the next evening having called the Dinoco haulers for a lift back home. Driving through the night suited everyone better. There was less traffic for the semis to weave through, and Strip and Lynda got to sleep peacefully while making good time. The sun began to rise as they passed through eastern Oklahoma.