Need For Speed Fortune Valley Stories

Chapter 21 - High Stakes Part 4

6:43 p.m. Fortune Valley Casino & Resort. Letty escapes from the cops and parks her car by the hotel. "Find out anything?" Letty called. "It'll have to wait. Charlie just called an emergency meeting at his place. I don't know what this is about... Can you rendezvous and let me know what's going on?" The Broker asked. "Of course. Will do." Letty answered. Meanwhile. Newhaven Cabins. "Hey Lee. Don't get pissed, but the Demon Lords made me. I'm getting out of the state. Need to disappear." Underground Soldier called. "What? Hey-." Adena asked. "Stop, stop. Listen, I got something from them. Big, it's the key to bringing down the entire system. You've got to get it to Samantha." Underground Soldier answered. "Samantha?" Adena asked. "Broker... Broker... The data should have just finished uploading to your phone. Everyone's coming for it. Cops and Demon Lords." Underground Soldier answered as he stuttered. She shifted up to 1st gear and accelerated hard when launching. "I'm going. And Soldier... Broker isn't the only one that's pissed off." Adena replied. "This is my duty as the Underground Soldier. See you on the other side, and send my regards to Jordan." Underground Soldier suggested. "What's the update?" The Broker asked. "I got both cops and the Demon Lords on me. Soldier... he found something big. Called it the key." Adena answered as she accelerated as she entered the highway section but got sideswiped. However she shunted him into the wall. "Damn! That's gotta sting!" Adena exclaimed. "Status?" The Broker called. "On my way to the Fortune Valley tunnel with half the world on my tail. Soldier set up help there." Adena answered. Airfield 73. "Wait, so let me get this straight. You're telling me the Demon Lords is augmenting your cars?" Jordan asked. "C'mon! You think these rednecks are really that good at driving?" Joseph asked. "Bruv, that's so screwed up." Jordan answered. "Gotta do what you gotta do to get that dream. You know just what I mean, right?" Joseph asked. "What? Um, yeah, anything for the dream, huh?" Jordan asked. "Good, I got an idea. Next race is going to be at one of my construction yards, you in?" Joseph asked. "Sure." Jordan answered. "First race with the Demon Lords puppets? How's it going, Jordan?" I called. "Weird, Branden. First impression of Dimarco; not an asshole." Jordan answered. "What? Dude's in deep within the Demon Lords." I asked. "I know! I know! Threw me off too." Jordan answered. "Sure, okay. Well, just keep an eye on him." I replied as hung up. Liberty Desert. "Here's the data. I have to know... what's going on?" Adena asked. "Let's see what Charlie had to disappear for. You deserve to know that much. The Collector is just a puppet. His crew, nothing but a pawn. Everything you need to know is in here, the Arkwright Files. End of message." The Broker answered. Adena drove back to Mount Providence to meet up with Letty and the others to prepare for the final battle after Jordan takes down Hazard Company. 2 Hours later. 8:45 p.m. Fortune Valley Resort & Casino. Adena knocked on the door where Letty is in. She opened the door for her and went. "Already done with the missions?" Letty asked. "Yeah, it's dealt with. You're already up still? Those guys must have kept you awake. I'm sorry, I understand you're trying to concentrate. I'm going to start making food soon, am I bothering you?" Adena asked. "No you're good, I just finished already. Go ahead and start boiling the water for the pasta Adena. I'll make myself a panini. I think this is gonna be the last time eating here. It's a little sad. Thank you so much for doing this." Letty answered. "If that's what you want then I'll make it for you whenever. Is the battle going to be tough?" Adena asked as she started boiling the water onto the pasta. "Probably so, but the Collector's bio is very interesting. He's mostly interested in cars along with being a billionaire and then he founded one of the fastest drivers that would be able to race for him. He would also develop aftermarket parts and self driving tech for demo cars to compete for times in the streets and the circuit. His parts are known for high performance. He's a real pro. What's unique about him is he used to compete in other races and win big prizes." Letty answered as she was about to close her laptop. "He sounds tough, the circuit and streets part really creates an almighty air about him." Adena replied. "You're right. By the way, Adena... What's today's pasta?" Letty asked as she closed her laptop. "I'm making two kinds today. Peperonchini and tarako. The drivers though, I wonder where they are." Adena answered. Diamond Peak. View point. "The view is so beautiful at night." Ellie said as she looked at the view when she was in my car. "Yeah, I guess it will be the last time racing here. Once we win, we'll be in the Outlaw's Rush. Then we win the Rush, it'll be our retirement." I replied. Ellie pushes the button on my radio system that turns on the music. She seduces me as the song was playing and it was by Ariana Grande. Ellie switched seats and sat on my lap. She was riding on me and kissing me on my lips as well when we succumbed to a kiss. "Shall we have some fun?" Ellie asked. "Of course! That will be fun!" I answered as I played along since I had no choice. I felt so happy that I was with her. The song was like her seducing me to love and happiness. Ellie started giggling as she played with me and I blushed as well along with playing with her. It was so fun that I got to have my own fun before the battle starts. ARK Tower. "In two years the Demon Lords can say they got the greatest tower in the Western United States. But for now... enjoy the race." Joseph suggested. Jordan launched off the start fast with his Hemi Cuda that he received. It's an RWD but then it started to drift faster than the FR which gave Jordan the upper hand. But then Joseph called the cops and the cops appeared out of nowhere which interrupted the race and lead Jordan into a trap. "Shit. I'm such a jackass. Should've been more careful." Jordan said. "You two, bit, tea-guzzlin' jackass. I tried to be nice to you, tried to make you a part of the family, but you just threw it all my in my face. The Demon Lords doesn't deserve a racer like you." Joseph replied. "Oh good to hear! There's no way I'd ever race for these corrupt assholes." Jordan said. Fortune Valley Resort & Casino. "Seriously?! Okay, check back within a few." Jovanna called. "Did something happen?" Cordelia asked. "Yeah, Joseph just called the cops on Jordan for winning a race." Jovanna answered. "But why would he do that?" Cordelia asked. "I don't know how to put this. But those guys we're up against has a plan on their sleeves like what Joseph and Gavin did to Branden and Jordan. They lead them into a trap by calling the cops. Why would they do this? I mean if I was in it, I would find it cheating. Would you find that wrong sis?" Jovanna asked. "I agree and I think that's an aggressive tactic the Demon Lords cause they own the cops which is unfair. I don't think they'll do it in the last mountain battle cause that will be our last one and I'm sure they might have a plan but it's nothing to do with the cops. It will probably mean playing aggressive and these guys are rough. I don't know what else to put on this. All I will say is that Branden and Ellie might have a chance to win but there may be a 20 percent chance of victory and an 80 percent of defeat. It's all I could think of for now..." Cordelia answered. Parking lot. The others were standing by our cars checking them. "Branden, Ellie, come over here." Letty said. "As you know, this course is the same but it's physically impossible to practice on everything in one day. So cut it to bare minimum. Find what will become the key to victory as you drive, then expand your scope from there. If you try to do everything, it'll only be half finished. Imagine of tomorrow's dogfight and take a practical useful strategy of knowing what to focus on and what not to do. I'm sure the two of you can do that." Letty explained. "Okay." Ellie and I answered as we nodded. "Then go." Letty replied. We got in our cars. My mom was giving signals for the time to go. I was off first accelerating down hard. Then after me, it was Ellie and then we started to take the practice course. "The course is the same but it will take longer than the usual to complete their objectives. I'm going to let them practice through daybreak, so be prepared." Letty suggested. "On it. I'll get more food than the usual for tonight. Some say you can't win or fight on an empty stomach." Adena replied. "Thanks, Adena. I'm counting on you." Letty said. "Hey Jovanna. You know something, don't you?" Adena asked. "About what?" Jovanna asked. "About Letty, of course. She's acting differently." Adena answered. "Well, it must be because this is the final battle and the drivers are about to retire. I'm assure she's focused." Jovanna answered. "No, that's not what I meant. It's like she's relaxed, like she's smiling more often. Jovanna, if you know something, tell me." Adena replied. "Well, I don't know anything, really. Why don't you ask her yourself?" Jovanna suggested. We were done with the first run and we stopped at the base for fuel refills and tuning setups. "This is stupid. I've never seen so many guys with stopwatches before. Is there anything else that they can do besides this?" I asked. "Speaking of which, we aren't that different, coming all the way from the Tri City Bay only to race in Fortune Valley." Letty answered. "Well, that's true. They're timing my section times pretty closely." I replied. "I don't like them trying to figure out our strategy." Adena said. "Should I add another camouflage pattern?" I asked. "No, just don't. Do your usual. I'm afraid you won't finish practice if you try to do it differently. At this point, we don't have to modify our style." Letty answered. "I got that. I'll let them watch and learn the style of the Drifting Hazards, the best of the Tri City Bay Area." I replied as I drank a sip of my water bottle and walked to my car. "Yup, that's exactly what I meant." Letty said. "What do you want me to do boss?" Nicole asked. "Set the Suspension to pattern B, and then give it 10 liters of gas along with the downforce adjustments to a little top speed." I answered. Nicole started grabbing the equipment to start tuning the R34. Ellie returned as well and she got out of the car and walked to my mom. "Did you notice a huge number of scouts throughout the course? Branden told me about them, and tons of stopwatches, too. Here you go." Adena asked as she handed Ellie a water bottle. "There're quite a lot of people out there, but they aren't pushing the buttons. I noticed those who were keeping time and taking notes from the first round in a Palmont. I'm sure they're the same people. I remember some of their faces. But today none of them pressed the buttons on their stopwatches." Ellie answered. "Are you sure, Yajima?" Letty asked. "Yeah, I'm sure of it." Ellie answered. "She noticed such small details while she was driving. That's what makes her so great." Adena said in her mind as she looks at Ellie's sense of details. "But what's the meaning of this, Letty? It contradicts what Branden said." Adena asked. "That's okay. Both of them are telling the truth and I know they will never lie. It's going as planned." Letty answered. Minutes later. After escaping from the cops. Jordan stopped his car by the tower and his phone was ringing. "What?" Jordan asked. "Whoa, whoa, hey. This ain't Joseph." The Hazard Company Racer answered. "Who are you?" Jordan asked. "Just someone from the crew. Look, we're not your biggest fans but what Joseph's doing with the Demon Lords... it just doesn't sit right." The Hazard Company Racer answered. "What is it?" Jordan asked. "Racer, I got some info for you, a sign of good will. Marco's hanging around the city storm drains, workin' on a new course there. You wanna challenge him? Head there." The Hazard Company answered. "Hey thanks. You didn't have to do that." Jordan replied. "Ah, don't mention it. Like seriously, don't mention it to anyone." The Hazard Company Racer suggested. Minutes later. Boomville. "Who tipped you off?" Joseph asked. "Doesn't matter. Your crew isn't into your dirty tricks." Jordan answered. "You wanna see dirty tricks? I'll show you dirty tricks." Joseph replied. They launched off to a fast start and Jordan was ahead. They were approaching the storm drain and there were plenty of jumps and ramps because the sections are narrow. Jordan almost lost control but regained it during the after moments of the big jumps. "You and your little crew are really starting to piss me off." Joseph said. "Aww. Are your feelings hurt because I didn't drink the Kool-Aid?" Jordan asked. "After the Demon Lords is through with you, you'll wish you woulda. You're digging into some real dirt here, kid." Joseph answered. Jordan took the jump and headed for the 2nd lap. He shifted up to 4th gear and down to 3rd gear with a 4 wheel drift on the 1st corner. "Gonna call the cops on me again Joseph?" Jordan asked. "Just you and me this time. I promised my old friend the Collector I'd take you out myself." Joseph answered. "You're old friends? Man, I would hate to go to your parties." Jordan replied. Meanwhile. Fortune Valley Resort & Casino. "Five seconds to start! 4, 3, 2, 1, GO!" Adena exclaimed as she started the countdown. Josh and I launched off the start fast. He was leading and I was the chaser of the first run. The Huracan was so fast that I couldn't keep up but I am trying my best to not lose. We approached the first corner. I was keeping my motives up as I was pacing myself trying not to wear out my tires. We were approaching the 3rd corner. "Heads up, here they come." Nicole said. "Amazing." Zandara said. "The Huracan looks much more aggressive than the R34. It hugs the road like a real supercar that it could give me the chills." Nicole replied. "Plus, it's in the front position, which means the R34 has no chance in winning if the race drags on." Dominic said. I noticed his lack of focus from behind when driving. "I don't like his lack of focus. What's on your mind Josh? I see your hesitation from behind." I wondered in my mind as i saw his lack of focus along with his hesitation from behind which started to startle me that I couldn't focus. "Lexi, what kind of driver is Carlos of The Demon Lords?" Luna asked. "I know about their leader, the Collector. But I've never competed with in the circuit against Josh, because he's much younger. They are well-known on the circuit. I remember the Collector guided Josh after his loss to Branden back in Palmont by showing him different various techniques. These guys are fast to boot." Lexi answered. "But they're similar to Disantos and Yajima of the Drifting Hazards." Luna replied. "The cool-headed and logical racing teacher and the passionate young student. You can say of them are alike. Especially the drivers. The guy that is the emotional hot headed driver. Both Josh and Lee both drive a peaky car with precise control and they compete in a fast cornering speed. We were approaching the Braxton turn sections. Josh shifted down and I was still maintaining my concentration. "They passed the second section." Mackenzie said. "The second section huh?" The Collector asked. "From sector 2, there is a mid speed section where the cornering speed can be in the middle. They're coming up on the 3rd section. That's where the Huracan can have the advantage." Mackenzie said. "If we can surprise the R34's driver by picking the pace up there. He'll wear down his tires just trying to catch up." The Collector replied. "If we can keep this up until sector 4. The four wheel drive, twin turbocharged R34 won't be able to keep up." Mackenzie said. "Given the fact Josh chose to be in first position, would be his scenario. The battle will take a new turn there." The Collector replied. We were keeping up the pace. But Josh was slowly trying to pull away from me. "I don't understand. We used to driving is fun but now it's like hard. I'd better stop thinking so hard. I just have to show how fast I normally drive with this car." Josh said in his mind as he accelerated hard. We were approaching the 3rd section. "He's started to show sharper movements. I don't like this. He suddenly pulls away even if I don't make any mistakes... which is what Ms.Disantos predicted. He gives off the same feeling as a certain someone that is familiar with a feeling of love. I'd be panicked if I hadn't anticipated in this. But this isn't where the real battle takes place." I said in my mind. Starting point. "He might be shocked by the Huracan's speed more or less. The hill climb of this vehicle class was always between turbocharged cars." Jovanna said. "The Huracan is the only exception, as far as domestic sports cars are concerned. The expensive V12 engine mounted in the middle of the chassis. It starts to give it a superb handling on a course like this. The high cornering speed of the mid-ship layout. And the fast cornering exit speed of the NA engine's linear response. The super butt kicking acceleration of the NA engine gives better handling on public roads with so many more short corners than circuits have. But I don't think he's upset. Branden is familiar with a driver who has a unique style of using the NA and turbocharged engine's advantage." Letty replied. "You mean Ellie?" Jovanna asked. "I think Josh's Huracan driving style is similar to Ellie's. If you adapt that type of driving to the hill climb." Letty answered. "That's a really difficult opponent to deal with." Jovanna replied. "That's right. But I knew early on that our opponent would be using a Lamborghini. It's not like what Branden and I just sat back and waited for today. We have our own trump card." Letty said. "Branden, use all the skills you've learned up until today in this race." Letty said in her mind. I felt her saying the words to me in my mind. I was starting to fall a little behind even though I'm not making any mistakes in this race. "They passed the 1st hairpin in section 2 and entered sector 3." Mackenzie said. "This is where it begins." The Collector replied. We were approaching the 3rd section. Josh warped through the 2nd hairpin and I knew it was going to begin. "It's begun, I can't conserve the tires from here on because they're starting to give out if it is starting to drag on very long, but I'm counting on you, my R34. Please hold together a little more." I said in my mind as I warped through the hairpin as well. We were pushing it very hard. I accelerated very hard and trying my best to keep up with the Huracan's speed. The battle rages on.