Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He almost hadn't recognized her. When she entered into the Cozy Cone lobby with Michael.

They had only locked eyes for a moment; before she turned, saying something to Michael, baffling him.

She was gone before they could stop her, leaving them both staring after her.

He hadn't seen her since she was brought in to sign the paperwork, breaking her contract to race in Piston Cup. The contract she had lied in. Claiming to be a man.

She was looking much better than she had been in that meeting. She was clearly moving better with how quick she left the lobby.

His gut clenched.

He really should have fought harder to push back that meeting. No one had realized in almost four years, no one outside the know would have realized it if they waited a few months more.

"Well, she had been fine to stay here before seeing you. You know her or something that she ran like that?" Michael leaned against the counter he was behind.

"Or something. We... we were well aware of each other. I believe she may have spoken more with my brother." He tapped the stack of papers he had pulled out, preparing to put them away.

"Well, that definitely explains it." He tapped the top of the counter. "I'm going to go check on her. I don't like the thought of a young lady like her changing a tire by herself at this time of night."

"Would you mind if I go instead?"

"Do you really think that'd be a good idea?"

"What's the worst that could happen?"

"Do you really want the answer to that?"

"No, probably not. I would like the chance to talk to her though, if she leaves, I might never get the chance to otherwise. Where is her car about?"

He gestured in the direction of her car.

"Couple of miles out of town, opposite way of Wheel Well. Are you sure you want to check on her?"

"I'll be fine."

"I'll send out a search party in the morning if you're not back by then."

He rolled his eyes.

"Shouldn't you be going back out on your patrol?"

"Like you're one to talk Mr. Paperwork-late-at-night."

"It needed to get done."

"Ah huh... you going to go right away?"

"I will once I lock up."

"Alright, good night Erik, and stay safe."

"You too."

It didn't take him long to put away the blank paperwork he had dug out, turn off the lights that needed to be, and lock the doors behind him.

He had a vague idea of where she might be, knowing which road Michael meant.
He slowly drove along the road; keeping a careful lookout, in case he happened upon her still walking out to her car.

He spotted her familiar car before he saw her. She was already in the middle of changing her tire by the light of a large flashlight.

He parked his car in front of hers, facing his headlights towards where she was changing the tire so she might see better.

She stopped what she doing and shielded her eyes against his added light. He turned off his engine, leaving his lights on.

After she saw him get out, she returned to what she was doing.

"I'm not going back to town." She said without looking up.

"I'm not here to convince you to go back to town. Just lend a helping hand so you're not out by yourself for long."

She started at his voice, turning towards him, before glaring at him.

"I don't need any of your help. Feel free to leave."

"It's not something I feel comfortable doing, leaving a young woman such as yourself out here alone," he gestured to the area around them.

"I can take care of myself," she snapped at him, standing up.

"You're not pretending to be a man out here. This isn't like the circuit Miss Hudson," he snapped back, coming around his car door, a bit closer to her, after shutting his door.

She let out a mocking type of fake laugh. "Why do you care? You certainly didn't before, so cut the crap."

"That's not true..."

"Well you sure have a way of showing it."

"I want to help-" he started toward her.

"Stay back Piston! I have protection!" He stopped moving towards her and threw his hands up in the air upon seeing the gun she whipped out, waving it around, glinting in the light from his car's headlights.

"Whoa! No need to be hasty."

"Stay back! Don't come any closer, or you'll lose a kneecap." She pointed the gun vaguely towards his knee.

He softened his tone. "I'm not coming any closer. You can go back to changing your tire. I'll stay right here and not move until you're done."

"No. You're going to back up slowly, get in your car, and leave me the hell alone."

He crossed his arms. "I'm not going to leave you alone out here."

"You will if you don't want to get shot. Get in your car, Piston." She sounded deadly calm. He shook his head.

"You know I can't do that. Especially after everything you've been through."

He saw her sag, dropping the gun from where it had been pointed.

"HA! Everything I've been through?! Everything I've been through, was done at the mercy of the sport. At your hands. I lost everything . I lost my sister, my TWIN sister! I lost my identity! I lost my career! I lost what prestige that I had gained! I lost nearly an entire year of my life. During which, I was thoroughly humiliated! News flash Piston! I'm no longer part of your responsibilities. Stay back!" she pointed the gun at him again.

He decided to start towards her, intent on taking the gun from her.

"Miss Hudson, I'm coming to get your gun. You are starting to sound frantic, I don't want you to do anything you might regret," he still had his hands up as he slowly started forward.

"Stay back! This is my last warning."

He still continued forward, not quite to the half way point between the two cars.

"I'm not going to hurt you-" The shot rang out before he realized what happened.

He wasn't sure if he cried out in pain at all, but he did crumple.

He scooted back towards his car using his good leg.

Only once he felt his car against his back did he check his leg. He let out a hiss as he felt his wound.

When he brought up his hand, it was covered in blood. It seemed like it was just a graze, and not a bullet hole, on the outer side of his lower left thigh, but he wasn't sure. He'd have to see if he had something he could stop the bleeding with.

He glanced back towards her as he got up to open his driver door.

It took him a moment to spot her. She had sat down on the ground in front of her one tire, knees up to her chest, arms on her knees holding the gun between her legs pointed at the ground.

They weren't that far from town, the shot was sure to have been heard. Someone would be coming out to investigate.

It was his lucky night in one way, he did have something he was able to find quickly to wrap his wound in, a clean towel.

He was very shaky, even though he was sitting in his driver's seat.

He was wrapping his wound when Michael rolled up, and came over to him.

"Are you bleeding?" He asked, eyebrows raised.

"I was shot, it was my own fault. I was warned many times to not get any closer."

"Are you okay?"

"I think I will be."

"What in tarnation were you doing to get shot?"

"I'm pretty sure it has everything to do with the fact that I'm a Piston. ...I don't want her charged, I'm sure she thought it was self defence and I have no desire to put her through anything more than she's already been through."

"Okay, but we still have to take her in," said Michael.

He nodded in understanding.

"You going to go to the hospital for that?" Michael asked him.

"I will, but I think I'll just get someone like Ramone to drive me. You'll have to drive me back into town though. I don't trust myself to drive."

"Alright. Has she tried to run at all?"

He shook his head. "No, she's stayed in the same spot. I haven't seen her move positions... I think she's in as much shock as I am."

"So much for being fine. Guess she didn't want to talk to you then."

Chapter Text

She couldn't believe she shot him.

She shot Erik Piston.

It was the only thing going through her mind.

She shot Erik Piston.

Out of all the people in the world, she had shot Erik Piston.

She sank to the ground and leaned back against her one tire, staring at disgust at the gun she held in her hands. Henry never should have given it to her.

She shot Erik Piston with it.

She was going to jail; he was certain to press charges. As if there hadn't been enough things that had gone wrong in her life already.

She didn't know how much she injured him, but he hadn't left yet.

She shot him.

What was she thinking?

Why had she panicked enough to shoot him? She couldn't believe she had shot him. What had she been thinking?

She had only wanted him to leave her alone.

She didn't need his help. She could take care of herself.

She could change her own tire. Something that would have just been accepted when she was pretending to be a man. She wouldn't have needed babysitting then, even if it was late at night.

Why of all places for a flat tire to happen, was it where a Piston happened to be. She was trying to hide from anything Piston related, and now she shot one of them.

One of the important ones. Erik Piston .

She didn't hear the car, or notice the flashing lights. She hadn't noticed the crunch of boots on gravel either.

"Miss... Miss... Miss..." He put a hand on her shoulder, making her jump and finally hear what he was saying. "I need you to give me your gun. Will you give me your gun?"

She finally tore her gaze away from the weapon in her hands. Looking at the officer crouched beside her, seeing that he was the same one who come across her earlier. Before looking back down at the gun she was still holding.

She thrust it towards him, pointing the muzzle towards the ground, hand nowhere near the trigger. He gingerly took it from her grasp before bagging it.

"I'm going to need you to come with me Miss. Just until we can get everything figured out."

She offered her hands out to be cuffed.

"What are you doing?"

She furrowed her eyebrows.

"Aren't you going to handcuff me?"

"Are you going to try to run or fight me?"

She shook her head.

"Then if you're going to come willingly, I don't see the need to."

He offered her a hand to help her up and ushered her into the back of his patrol car.

Erik Piston was already sitting in the passenger side in the front.

She didn't speak as she was driven back into this town for the second time tonight, blankly staring out the window.

Piston was dropped off first before she was taken to the jail and placed in a cell.

"Do you have anyone to call Miss?"

"Hudson, Jessica Hudson. My brother is back east."

"Do you want to phone him now? Or wait until it's morning?"

"In the morning."

"I'll let you try to get some rest before then."

She laid down on the cot in the cell she was placed in, but she couldn't sleep.

All she could do was keep replaying the fact that she shot Erik Piston.

The longer and more she thought about it, the more her head hurt.

She doubted that Henry had actually expected her to shoot anyone. Let alone a Piston .

Her thoughts kept her awake, all while tossing and turning, until finally giving up and just sitting on the edge of the cot.

Henry was going to be so disappointed in her.

Why had he thought it was a good idea to give her a gun.

She knew he wanted her to be safe, but she could have been safe without a gun. Without a gun, she wouldn't have shot anyone.

She was exhausted by the time she got to make her phone call.

She was lead into a place that had to be someone's office to make her phone call in private.

She didn't understand why she wasn't being treated harsher, she had just shot someone only hours ago.

She tried Henry at the garage first. The phone rang about five times before he picked up.

"Smokey's-"

"Henry..."

"Jess? What's wrong! You sound exhausted. How long were you driving for?"

"Too long-"

"You can't keep doing that to yourself. Where are you now?"

"In Arizona, in a town called Radiator Springs... Henry... Henry... I shot Erik Piston . In the leg."

"You did what now?"

"I shot Erik Piston . In the leg."

"The full story Jessica, now."

The tears came as she described how the night before went.

How she wound up with a flat tire not far out of town and had been picked up by an officer then taken into town for the night. Only to come face to face with Erik Piston, leading her to immediately turning and nearly run back to her car to change her flat tire not wanting to hang around where there were Pistons.

"He just wouldn't leave me alone, and kept coming towards me... I had warned him to stop, to go away, to get back in his car and drive away, but he wouldn't..."

"Shh, Jess, it was self defence. You felt threatened and you protected yourself. Do you want me to come out there?"

"No... they haven't even charged me yet. They're just holding me."

She didn't know how long of a conversation she had with Henry, but she knew it was much longer than five minutes.

They had let her have a complete conversation with her brother.

She didn't know what to think when she was led back to her cell.

Chapter Text

When he opened the door to the apartment above his mother's restaurant, he was greeted to the phone ringing. He sighed as he picked up the phone rather than ignoring it and going to bed.

"Hello, Erik Piston speaking." He glanced down to his watch, wondering when he'd be able to crawl into bed.

"Hello Emery. I'm glad I could catch you today. How are you? You sound tired."

A bit of a sigh escaped as he ran a hand down his face, pausing a moment to rub his eyes.

"That's because I am , Nanna. I didn't get any sleep last night. So I've been better." He felt like his limbs were weighted down with lead with how tired he was.

"Emery, you weren't doing paperwork all night were you?"

He glanced back at his watch as he shifted, playing with the phone cord.

"No Nanna, I wasn't."

"Then why didn't you get any sleep last night?" He shifted uncomfortably, dropping his one hand near his wound.

"I was- I can't believe I'm saying this... but- I... was shot earlier this morning." He cringed and held the phone away from his ear at the volume of his grandmother.

"You were WHAT! EMERY! You were shot! What happened? Are you all right?"

"Nanna! It's okay, it's not serious. It's just my leg, my own fault, as I was warned multiple times..."

"That makes no difference, Emery. You were shot and you make it sound like it's nothing more than being bumped into at the store. Why was there a gun involved? Where were you? I hope they've been detained-"

He sighed, tugging on the phone's cord a bit.

"Yes Nanna, they've been detained. It wasn't some random thug. It was before sunrise, just outside of town. I was offering to help her change her tire. Help that she didn't want from me. She was feeling threatened by me, so she shot."

"Emery Piston, why would a young lady feel threatened enough to shoot you."

He found himself wincing at how deadly her voice went.

"Possibly because she knows Alex, or simply the fact that I'm a Piston... Nanna, it was Jessica Hudson who shot me. I don't think I had to do anything to make her feel unsafe. She already did."

His grandmother fell silent. He shifted his weight off of his injured leg more and looked at his watch. He hadn't been to bed since the night before which he was regretting. He jumped a little when his Nanna spoke again.

"I'm coming out there."

" What ?"

"Emery, don't sound so surprised. You're injured. I'm coming out to see you."

"Nanna, I'm fine, really ."

"I will see that for myself young man. I also want to speak with Miss Hudson."

"Do you think that will be a good idea? I don't think Miss Hudson is going to want another Piston around."

"Nonsense my boy, I've made up my mind. I'm coming out there to see you."

"Okay, fine. I know I can't change your mind. I'm going to bed now Nanna."

He rubbed his face once he hung the phone back up. He was too tired to think about the trouble his grandmother could cause when visiting. He was finally going to bed.

oOo

His grandmother was studying the stitches he had gotten to close his wound.

" See Nanna, it isn't that bad. It only grazed me. I got a couple of stitches and I'm fine ."

"Yes, I see that. Now tell me the whole story from the beginning Emery." He let out a noisy sigh as he explained everything that he knew from the moment Jessica Hudson walked into the lobby of The Cozy Cone Motel until he came back from the hospital. Including the fact that she was being held for a couple of days until everything could be sorted out.

He huffed after finishing his explanation.

"Nanna I didn't realize..."

"How broken she truly is?"

He nodded. She patted his good leg's knee.

"The poor thing doesn't need the guilt of shooting someone, no matter how threatened she felt. I'm going to visit her."

"I still don't see how that's a good idea."

oOo

"Miss Hudson, you have a visitor."

" Who ?" Her bewilderment clear in her tone.

She couldn't think of any one who would come to visit her. She had asked Henry to remain in Thomasville. He didn't need to come all this direction for her.

The different policemen didn't count, particularly not Officer Carwood; who was the one who had brought her in.

She didn't include the young woman who brought her meals from her restaurant as a proper visitor either. Flo still had a purpose with bringing her food, though she did try to chat with her.

She hadn't see Erik Piston since she shot him, but wouldn't consider him a visitor either; if he came.

That was the end of the list of who she could think would have some reason to visit her.

The officer; who was not Carwood this time, shifted his weight before answering.

"Mrs. Piston."

Her stomach dropped.

Was it his mother or had he gotten married since her accident had happened. She didn't like the thought of either option.

As far as she had been aware though, he hadn't been married when she was racing. He never brought a plus one to the banquets and she couldn't remember seeing a wedding ring, let alone hearing about a wife.

She was lead back to the same room that she always phoned Henry in; with the same big wooden desk and the same clunky phone on it.

The only difference in the room was the older lady sitting behind it.

Her white hair perfectly coiffed, wearing pearls around her neck, with white gloved hands folded delicately on the table.

This wasn't his mother or a wife; it might be someone even worse- his grandmother.

How could she forget about his grandmother?

She sat on the edge of her chair, feeling underdressed in comparison.

She held her hands on her lap, looking at them, unable to meet the other woman's gaze. She could feel her staring what felt like daggers into her soul as she tried not to squirm under the scrutiny.

"I hear you shot my grandson? You know, the other one probably could have used it more than Emery."

She jerked up her head staring at the older woman with wide eyes, trying to not let her jaw drop open.

Did she just say that Alex could have used being shot? She must have misheard. Right?

"You- you're not upset?"

"Oh, I'm very upset. First I was extremely worried over Emery having been shot while he's brushing it off, wanting to make sure the person who did so was caught. Then as he explained, still leaving out your name, that he had been shot because you felt threatened, well, I was quite upset with him for putting a young lady into a position they felt threatened. Then finally after he explained why you could feel threatened by him, he finally told me it was you, and I became quite worried over both of you."

She slunk down in her chair, unable to meet her eyes again. She couldn't sit still.

How could she still be concerned over her? She had hurt her grandson, turned her out of her home when she dropped by after she learned she was a Piston, rather rudely too.

Yet, here she was again, checking on her, worrying over her, when she didn't even know her.

"Why? Why would you worry over me when we don't know each other?"

"My dear, you have lost your sister, been in a terrible accident, lost your career, which you can not claim as your own anymore, within a span of two years. That is not easy to handle. I just want to give you the support that you need. Besides, you've always been my favourite racer who was out there. Men need to be taken down a notch at times, whether they know it or not."

Chapter Text

Officer Carwood opened her cell and led her in a different direction than the office she had made her phone calls home in.

"Where are we going?"

"To get your possessions. We're releasing you today. You're not being fined and you'll be free to leave town, as everything has been figured out."

"Really?"

She didn't know what to think. In a way it felt fitting that it would be Officer Carwood to release her. He had kind of started this all.

But it hadn't quite even been a week and they were releasing her. It just didn't make sense.

Maybe it could be explained because the Piston's had deep pockets?

"I have no reason to lie to you Miss Hudson. You are free to go once we get you your belongings back. It was perceived as self-defence and Erik didn't want any charges put against you. In his words, 'she's been through enough already.' He's never explained further than that, but it's enough."

She watched him go and get her things from where they were being held. He placed them on a counter for her to pick up, showing that everything that she had on her was there.

She couldn't help but stare at the gun.

Laying there, innocently on the counter.

As if it wasn't a weapon used to injure someone.

"We towed your car into town so that it wasn't left on the side of the road. Erik made sure you had a brand new set of tires put on. So if you wanted to, you could leave right away, but I would at least suggest stopping at Flo's and getting something to eat first."

She nodded, gathering her few things off the counter. Giving the gun as wide of berth as possible.

Not wanting to touch it.

No longer wanting to look at it, as it made her head pound.

"Don't forget your gun."

"I- keep it. I don't want anything to do with it anymore."

"If you're sure Miss Hudson..."

"I am. ... I don't ever want to shoot someone again."

"Alright..." He took the gun and put it back where he took it from. Locking it away.

When he came back out he offered to take her to her car and point her in the direction of Flo's.

"I can't take you directly to Flo's as I have paperwork I have to do before lunch, but I will probably see you there, before you leave."

He lead her out of the building and to her car, giving her directions to Flo's Cafe, where all her meals had come from during her stay.

She drove the short distance to the cafe. Turning off her car, she sat in dread. Her head was still pounding.

How many people knew about her shooting Erik?

Would they start to talk or look at her in contempt when she entered?

They couldn't know what she looked like, could they?

She wasn't even that hungry, but she didn't know where or when she'd be getting her next meal.

She wasn't sure she could face a crowd, let alone Erik if he was in there.

If she went in, she could probably keep her head down and eat quickly, hopefully getting out of there without much fuss.

She was just going to have to get it over with.

She was a little surprised when she entered and the only reaction she got was an acknowledgement from Flo.

"I'll be there to help in a moment sugar, find a spot to sit and make yourself comfortable."

She sat in the corner that was out of the way from most people.

"Now, what would you like honey? Something you've had before or something different?"

Flo had surprised her again. She still was treating her no different than anyone else.

As if it didn't matter that she shot Erik and was getting away with it. Eventually she decided on one of the meals Flo had brought her before and quietly thanked her when it was brought out.

The meal smelled good, but with how her head was pounding still, she only picked at it, not feeling like eating.

She slunk down in her seat when she noticed Erik coming in with Officer Carwood.

She really hoped that they didn't come over her direction. She was ready to go if she had to face Erik again.

Why did he always have to be there in some of the worst moments in her life. As soon as she caught Flo's attention, she got her to bring her a to go container for the rest of her food.

"Sure thing sugar."

She paid and tried rushing out the door as she saw Erik getting up from where he was. Only for her to have to stop as a wave of pain came over her.

She felt herself lose the colour in her cheeks as she swayed in place.

The next thing she knew Flo, Officer Carwood, and Erik were by her side.

"Let's sit you back down honey. Are you alright?"

She shook her head as she was guided back to a booth seat.

"No. I need my pain medications."

"Do you want me to get you some Tylenol for the time being."

She shook her head.

"It won't be enough." Her eyes were starting to water. She closed her eyes to try and help her breathing remain steady.

"Where are they sugar?"

"Glove box in my car."

"I'll go get them." Erik offered, quickly leaving to grab them.

He passed them to Michael when he brought them in, whom let out a low whistle upon seeing what they were.

"You won't be driving anywhere, while on these."

"I know."

She swallowed the pills that she needed.

"How quick do they work?"

"Not fast enough for me..."

"Let's get her to a cone before these kick in for her."

The three of them shuffled her out the cafe, bypassing the office for the cones while Michael ran in and grabbed a key with the promise of filling out paperwork afterwards. Getting her settled onto a bed in the one cone.

"What do you need such heavy medications for?"

"Was in a bad wreck 'bout a year ago... nearly died..."

"Just how is it that you know each other then?"

Erik answered. "It's, a bit- ah... a bit complicated..."

She just glared daggers at him with her arms crossed.

He let out a sigh. "You've heard of Jesse Hudson..."

Flo and Michael turned towards Erik.

"The Piston racer?"

"Yeah..." he said in a heavy sigh. "He doesn't exist... never did..."

"What d'you mean?"

"Clearly he did exist. How else would he have won so much."

"Jesse Hudson was a charade. The talent was real, the wreck was real, but the person behind Jesse wasn't a man, but a woman-" he gestured to her, "named Jessica... Something that wasn't learned until after the wreck..."

"Oh."

"Well that certainly explains a lot."

oOo

He was sitting in a booth at Flo's with paperwork strewn across the table. A basket of fresh French fries was by his left elbow and a soda was near the edge of the table on his right.

Most people left him alone when they saw he was working, but there were exceptions.

When he was tapped on his head, he held back a scowl by pursing his lips as his brother slid into the seat across from him, stealing a fry from him.

"What are you doing here Alex."

His brother reached over to pinch his cheek roughly.

"I heard that ' ittle baby Emery got himself in trouble and Nanna had to come and kiss it better." Alex said in a sarcastic baby voice.

"Right." He drawled out, rolling his eyes. "It's slightly more complicated than that. I didn't ask Nanna to come."

"What?" Alex dropped the voice. "Does dad not know that you got yourself shot?"

"We've discussed it." He let out tersely.

Alex eyed him with his eyebrows raised.

"You've discussed it? You get shot by the side of the road by a woman, and I'm the one who's constantly criticized? How is that fair?"

"Life isn't fair Alexander." He rolled his eyes again. "My getting shot has nothing to do with the criticism that you get. I got shot for trying to help her. You get criticized because you can't keep track of your money or keep your eyes only on your wife."

Alex leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.

"Well done Emery. She obviously wasn't interested in your help," Alex said, ignoring the criticisms of himself.

"How did you even hear about this anyway?"

"I heard grandmother speaking of it." Alex shrugged his shoulders, digging into his fries again, dipping them into the ketchup he had on the side.

He crossed his arms and leaned forward.

"Did she happen to mention it was just a graze? Or did you overhear our phone conversation? It doesn't need to be made into such a big problem as it has been. I'm fine."

"Be-cau-se" Alex drawled out the word, pointing a fry at him. "You were still shot, as in with a bullet, from a gun . You're the only one trying to pass it off as nothing. Were there, or were there not stitches involved?"

"It'll heal." He said dryly.

"Has whoever shot you at least been charged?" Alex asked as he waved a couple of fries around before eating them.

"No, and there will be no charges made. An investigation was done, the young lady left the gun and is well on her way. It's not that exciting and the world doesn't need to know that I had been shot."

Alex gave him a weird almost wary look. He didn't need to know that Jessica was currently recovering in a Cone from a flare up of her injuries, leaving her in town longer than she wanted to be.

"You do realize that none of this makes sense, right ? You almost sound like you're defending this  woman who shot you."

"It makes sense to those of us involved, that's all that matters. Besides, it was my own fault."

"I don't think I've ever seen you so cagey about something." Alex pointed a fry at him again before popping it into his mouth.

" Maybe - that's because I don't want to talk about it. Or, I don't know, it getting out that I was shot by a woman. It's an embarrassment in the making if the papers were to get a hold of it." He paused a moment before smirking at a thought.

"Almost worse than being out raced by a woman. How is Miss Nash racing this season?"

Alex slid out of his seat, stuffed a last few fries in his mouth, and stood at the end of the table.

"If you stuck around the track instead of hiding out here in Arizona you might know. Might not've gotten shot at all."

"I'll remember that for next time, but I just might have to root for Miss Nash; the next race I am at. Pay for my fries as you leave, since you ate them all on me."

"Pff, not likely." His brother turned and quickly left the building.

He sagged a little once his brother was gone. He caught Flo's attention next time she went by to get new fries, as the few that Alex did leave behind were cold.

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since she and Henry had been to the offices. She had been in so much pain since then.

Before they had been forced to go to the Piston administration offices; after hours so she wasn't seen by anyone, she had only been home from the hospital for about a week.

Why they couldn't have waited until she was better healed to discretely dissolve her contract, she couldn't understand.

It had been a humiliating.

Making her feel like a disgrace to go in. Her makeup hardly covered her bruises like she would have preferred, plus she had hardly been able to move.

She couldn't look anyone in the eye.

The chairs had been uncomfortable and she had just wanted to go home.

Henry hadn't wanted to leave her alone after the stress of it.

The day after they made it back home, she had cried hot tears while trying to not sob too hard.

She cried from the pain, heartbreak and disappointment.

They had the air conditioner on to try and help her breathe; while Henry held her, trying to not aggravate her injuries more than they were.

Henry stayed the next couple of days, until she asked him to give her some space. Space which was well needed.

She was dressed in the comfiest clothes she had, while wrapped in a robe to try and combat the cold air from the air conditioner.

She hadn't done anything with her hair, not having wanted to touch her head unless it set off a headache. She hadn't even run a brush through it. Not that it was really long enough to do so yet.

She had been enjoying her peace and quiet when the doorbell rang.

She groaned and whimpered as she got up and cautiously shuffled her way to the front door.

She wasn't expecting anyone, nor any mail, at least she didn't think so. Her brain was always in a foggy blur when on her pain meds.

By the time she got to the door she almost expected who ever was there to be gone.

She opened the door only a little at first. On the porch she saw a well dressed elderly woman. Hair done up, wearing pearls, a hat, coat and gloves with a box at her feet.

"...Can I help you...?" She asked. Certainly this elegant older woman was in the wrong place.

"No my dear, I don't need any help. I've come to check on you." The woman said brightly, inviting herself in.

"Now let's get you seated back down and make you more comfortable again. Hm? And don't you worry about that box, I'll take care of it in a moment." Said the woman.

All she could do was let herself be herded back towards the couch with a gentle hand ever so slightly resting on her better shoulder. The woman plumbed the cushions before allowing her sit herself down again.

"There we go. Make yourself comfortable and don't be ashamed to lie down just because I'm here. Your comfort is paramount. Since you are healing. While you do that, I am going to go and retrieve the box that I brought."

She hadn't a clue who this whirlwind of a woman was and was grateful for the short break from her. Whomever this older woman was, certainly knew who she was.

She had just sat down when the woman came back in.

"Ever since I heard of your wreck, I wanted to do something for you. I've just gotten the chance to finally put this box together and bring it."

The woman patted the box after sitting in a chair close to her.

"I don't know if you're much into sweets or baking currently, but I did make you a batch of cookies. With how cool it is with that air conditioner going, I'm glad that I did knit you a couple pairs of socks. I do hope that they'll fit. There's a few other things in there that I think I will let you unbox for yourself. My grandson did wonder why I was putting this together. But you don't need to worry. None of my menfolk know I'm here. It will be our little secret." The woman winked at her.

"Wha- ...Why would your men-..."

The woman leaned over and softly patted her knee.

"They think they know everything. Thinking that they'd put a cap on everything before anything could come out. I had thought I had taught my son and in turn my grandsons better, but I'm afraid they never put any thought in to what you would think of being thrown out of what you've made a career out of. Luckily, out of any of the Pistons I'm not as careless with my actions."

"I'm sorry, you are?" She asked hesitantly.

"No my dear, I believe the apology is all mine. I've been terribly rude with not introducing myself. Margaret Piston, dear. But please, call me Peggy or Nanna."

This couldn't be happening, not a Piston. If she was anyone but a Piston... she couldn't deal with this.

She felt ashy as she blurted out her thoughts.

"I'd appreciate it if you would leave. Please."

Mrs. Piston; she refused to think of her as anything else, spoke softly.

"Of course my dear, I understand completely. I doubt you'd want to see anyone from my family ever again. Do know that if you need anything, EVER, dear, you can phone me. I'll leave my card on the table for you."

Mrs. Piston hesitated a moment turning back around.

"You will always be my favourite racer, showing up those men without any of them knowing. It was rather sly of you. I do hope you recuperate well. I will show myself out. There is no need to rouse yourself."

She could feel the tears building before Mrs. Piston even left the room.

How humiliating was it for someone like Mrs. Piston to see her like this. To see her home when she couldn't take care of it.

She didn't want anything to do with what Mrs. Piston brought. Not at the moment.

Henry found her softly crying when he came to check on her. She didn't know how long it had been since Mrs. Piston left.

"Jess...? What's all this?" Henry asked pointing at the dreaded box.

"Care package... from- Mrs.- Margaret- Piston..." she saw Henry's eyebrows dart right up.

"Margaret Piston?"

"She dropped by to give it to me personally."

"Have you looked through it?"

She just shook her head lightly. "I don't want it."

"I'm going to look through it first, before just getting rid of it. Don't want there to be anything personalized in it."

She didn't pay attention to his shuffling around in the box and pulling things out. Unless Henry asked her questions about the different things in the box.

"Why-? Would she give you a stuffed fox?"

She had to blink hard at the handmade stuffed fox Henry was holding up.

"Because she thinks I'm sly?"

"Is that a question?"

"No."

"Didn't think so."

Somehow, she ended up keeping everything in the box besides the cookies. (Though she thought Henry might've eaten the cookies.) The stuffed fox often seemed to end up by her side.

Chapter Text

He wasn’t sure how much he’d call the family estate home anymore. It was where he grew up, but over the past few years he had spent more time in Radiator Springs. It was where Jess was, and that wasn’t here currently.

Since he had to be back east for business, he made the most of it by stopping in Thomasville before returning to the family estate. That had been an intense trip.

He had stopped by Henry’s to ask for his blessing to marry Jess.

Henry had made him sweat and for a time he really thought that Henry would refuse. Luckily he didn’t though.

Before he left, he was making the most out of his time at the estate by spending some of it in the estate's library.

He was reading there when Alex came across him.

"I passed through Radiator Springs. Looked for you there. When I asked Jessica where you were and she snubbed me! What have I ever said to her for her to treat me like that?"

"Who knows...." he said shrugging his shoulders.

Alex narrowed his eyes at him and crossing his arms. "What have you said to her about me?"

He put his book down with a sigh. "Nothing that she doesn't already know."

"What does that mean?"

"That she's smart enough to have made her own decisions concerning anyone's character. You are aware that you have a reputation that proceeds you?"

"Maybe people just need to mind their own business."

"Good luck with that. As long as you're driving, you're in a spotlight and people are going to be curious."

He watched as a smug smirk bloomed across his older brother’s face.

"I’ve noticed that no one seems to care much about Hudson anymore. Out of sight out of mind I guess."

"Something like that." He picked up his book again as Alex gave him an odd look. If Alex would just leave him alone. This wasn’t a topic he wanted to dive into.

"You don't seem too concerned about your favorite racer."

He flipped through the pages of his book trying to find where he left off. He kept his eyes on his book.

"Last I knew he was healing. It's not like he's any of my concern anymore. He no longer races for Piston. He's smart. I'm sure he'll find something to move onto."

He tried his hardest to not think about the half truth he just spilled, as he certainly still cared about Jess. And soon if he had it his way, she would always be his concern. He could feel Alex's stare, trying to figure him out.

"That doesn’t sound much like you. You’ve been acting odd ever since you were shot, if not since Hudson’s wreck." He could hear the suspicion lacing Alex's voice. He put his book down again. Obviously this was not a conversation that was going to be done quickly.

"What would you have me say Alex? The fact of the matter is the severity of Hudson’s wreck, put me on edge." He crossed his arms. "So no, I haven’t been the same since then."

"That’s not what I mean and you know it. You’ve become secretive since then."

"Am I not allowed to have secrets?"

"Sure, but it’s how you keep them that’s the problem. It’s suspicious."

"Just how am I acting so suspicious?"

"How little time you actually spend at the offices now. That attitude you’ve gained towards Hudson when he’s mentioned. Your apparent disinterest in him now when you used to be such a fan. How little you’ve said about your incident in being shot, and even how tight lipped you are about your little girlfriend out west. What’s so special about her anyway?"

He massaged his left temple.

“We failed Hudson. I’m never going to forget how badly we messed up his life."

"Hudson messed it up himself."

He shook his head.

"No. He didn’t. It was our fault. We should have made sure that beach had been properly raked. It could have just as easily have been you. I thought it was you when I first heard."

"Well it wasn’t." Alex scoffed, like it would have never happened to him. When it easily could have been anyone on that track.

"It could have been. Henry mailed in a photograph of the log that got caught up in the undercarriage. It wasn’t his fault. No one could save it with that caught under their car."

"See, that seems a little more like yourself. Defending him when he doesn’t need it."

"Grow up Alex."

"That’s rich coming from you baby brother." Alex pointed at him.

"I may be three years younger than you, but I’m the one who is more mature and responsible." He hoped if he picked up his book again, Alex might get the hint to leave.

"You never answered my question about what’s so special about your girlfriend."

He sighed and put his book down again. "The fact that we love each other might play a part in it."

"Right," Alex rolled his eyes, "because that explains so much. Where did she even come from?"

"She just showed up in town one day."

"That doesn't answer the question."

"Doesn’t it? "

"Do you even know where she comes from?" Alex was getting demanding in his questions.

"I do-"

"What kind of health conditions does she have, Erik?"

"Health conditions?" That seemed to come out of no where.

"I've heard that she's on fairly heavy medications."

"Because she was in a horrible accident that nearly took her life-"

"Something she and your precious Hudson have in common."

He glared at Alex. "She hasn't fully healed yet. Her injuries flare up at times and cause her great amounts of pain. She’s not on them constantly."

"She’s still on them though. Can she even have kids?"

"Why are you concerned about it?"

"I’m not- unless you’re going to marry her. Because that is a horrible idea." Alex stated.

"Well, I just visited her brother..."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because her father is gone."

"So?"

"So, I am going to ask her to marry me. Not like that has anything to do with you."

"You can’t be serious about that. We know next to nothing about her. How do you know that she’s not just after our money?"

"You might not know her, but I do. I trust her, and that’s all you need to know."

"You’re not giving a straight answer."

"I don’t know when my personal life became so interesting to you-"

"When it effects the entire family it does."

Alex caught sight of their mother passing by the door.

"Oh, good. Mother! Perfect timing. You need to come and talk some sense into Erik."

"Why do I need to talk sense into your brother?" Their mother asked.

"He wants to marry her."

"Who?"

"Jessica. The girl he’s been seeing out west."

"Oh. Her. She has to have known who you were beforehand, Erik. She's only interested in your status. Sure, she's pretty in her own way, but there are more than enough girls your age here in the east who are just as pretty and already come from good backgrounds."

"Mother has a point, you know." Alex said sounding smug.

"The two of you share a like mind, but it won’t change mine about asking her to marry me." He said.

"There are better options. Ones who don’t live in the middle of the country. Ones who we know, and know aren’t after money." His mother tried to convince him.

"She’s not after anything. Nanna and dad like and approve of her."

"Your father and grandmother seem to know more about her." His mother pointed out.

"Why is it that mother and I are the only ones who don’t know much about her?" Asked Alex.

"Does it matter that much? Can’t it be enough that I love her? That she’s the one I'd like to spend the rest of my days with? Have children with? I don’t know that it’d change anything if you did know every little detail about her. So if neither of you would be happy with my choice if you did know everything about her, then why would I go out of my way to tell you about her. I am willing to protect her, even from my own family if need be."

"Protect her from your own family?" Asked Alex.

"Really Erik, she’s muddled your mind," said his mother.

He sighed and picked up his book. This was going nowhere.

"Mother, Alex, no matter what I say about her, you’re never going to be happy with my choice. She’s the only one for me and if you can’t accept that, well, that’s on you. I love her and she loves me. As long as she says yes, I will marry her."

"You can’t be serious. You can’t marry someone who we know so little about."

"I can and I will. It’s not your choice, it’s mine. Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to get ready to go back home. Back to Radiator Springs. Nobody will force you to come to the wedding when the time comes."

He got up and left the library, leaving his brother and mother behind. Perhaps it would be a good idea to catch an earlier flight back west. Get away from their condescending comments about Jess and the life he wanted to create with her.

Chapter Text

She was already regretting that she came with Erik to this Piston event. At least he wasn’t going to be needed tonight.

They had been married for a couple of years already, but this was her first time coming with him to any event as his wife. The first time that she had ever been to a Piston event in a dress.

Her hair was done up, as was her makeup, wearing the sapphire necklace and earring set that Erik had gotten her, that matched the blue of her dress perfectly.

The first event of the weekend was this dinner.

They had been sat down at a round table with several others. One of them being Joe Moore, and a couple of other gentlemen who she recognized and their wives. Other than Joe, none of the others at the table would know who she was.

At least, they shouldn’t.

None of them were a part of the group who were there when she was dismissed from the sport.

Introductions went around the table and she pretended to not know any of the men besides her husband and Joe. There were a couple of surprised comments about her actually being there.

"Oh, what a lovely surprise that we get to meet you Mrs. Piston. We’ve heard such lovely things about you," one of the men said.

"You have, have you?" she asked.

"Your husband is quite flattering of you. He’s mentioned that you’re studying to be a lawyer," said the man.

"I am," she agreed.

"Have we ever met Mrs. Piston? You look familiar, but I can’t quite place where we might’ve come across each other," asked another man.

"I don’t believe so, though I do hear that often. I must just have one of those faces." She shrugged her shoulders. "One of those who can hide in plain sight."

Joe snorted and choked on what she was sure was laughter. She looked over to him in sincere concern, ignoring the look Erik gave her because of her statement.

"Mr. Moore, are you alright? Can you breathe?"

He took a moment to finish his small bout of coughing. "Yes, I’m fine. I believe I took a sip of water at the wrong time. There’s no need to worry."

"Oh, that’s good. I’d hate for my husband’s best man to choke to death right in front of us."

The rest of the evening wasn’t as dramatic as the first introductions, though she had continued to include a few more sly comments about her past. Ones that only Erik or Joe would catch.

There might’ve even been a time or two where Joe caught it but Erik didn’t.

It didn’t take long after they were heading up to their hotel room for Erik to pull her off to a side corridor, empty of people.

"What did you think you were doing tonight?"

"What do you mean?" She didn’t like his tone of voice.

"I mean, playing coy and teasing about who you. When I asked if you would come; I didn’t expect all that."

"YOU asked me to come to a Piston Cup function. You didn’t suspect that I might want to be a little difficult? Given MY history with the sport?"

"You’ve spent the last few years wanting nothing to do-"

"I’ve wanted to do nothing with the sport, because I was FORCED to. Forbidden to so much as acknowledge my time with Piston Cup. That was not my choice. YOU were there. Or don’t you remember how I was forced out?"

"Jess, not right now." Erik started to walk the direction of their room, but she couldn’t move.

How dare he.

"Not now?" A bitter laugh escaped. "If not now? Then when, Emery? Tomorrow in front of a crowd? A week from today? Never?"

"How about not when we’re away at a weekend centred around this whole argument." He hissed.

Her lip trembled. "Fine. Tell your elitist friends that your fragile wife has taken ill once again and won't be able to make any more events this weekend."

She turned and stormed down the hall.

Erik chased after her.  Grasping at her arm, just enough to get her attention and to get her to turn around. "Wait. What are you doing?"

She shook him off. "I'm going home."

"Jessica-"

"No. I’m going home." She felt like she was an inch tall. What was he thinking? What had she been thinking?

A weekend full of Piston Cup events was not a good idea.

To be back where she had so thoroughly been pushed out from. Before she was even healed, because she wasn’t actually a man, but had used that lie to start racing.

Didn’t he realize how hard it was to be back around all of that? To see those people who helped end what she loved to do?

All she wanted to do was have a little fun with being right under people's ignorant noses. She wouldn’t have teased anyone who would have caught on. Joe being the exception. But he already knew who she was anyway.

She caught the first flight back to Arizona. She didn’t want to see him.

What did he think she was going to do the first time back into that realm. It’s not like she wanted to leave. She had been forced out.

If they didn’t want her, then why should she grace them with her presence.

So she could leave herself to be humiliated by them?

Her head was pounding by the time she got home. The plane ride and crying hadn’t helped. She was feeling worse than ever. She might actually be sick with the way her stomach was churning.

The events of the weekend were apparently more important than she was.

She didn’t sleep that night. Mostly tossing and turning. Hitting her pillows in frustration.

In the morning she could tell that a flare up was starting.

All she wanted was a cup of coffee and to not think about all this weekend meant. Did he really not realize how much it hurt to be turned away like she had been?

She banged around the cupboards looking for the coffee, slamming the doors. Which hurt her head.

She couldn’t find any coffee. They were out.

"Of course we're out. Why wouldn’t we be out. We only left town intending to be gone the whole weekend. How smart was that," she grumbled to herself as she grabbed her wallet and headed to Flo’s.

"Whew, Honey. You look rough, what’s going on sugar?"

"Don’t want to talk about it. Just need coffee."

"Are you sure about that? I think a nap might suit you better. What’re you doing here anyway. I thought you and Erik were away this weekend, maybe into next week if things went well."

"Things didn’t go well."

"I’m sorry sugar. Do you want to talk about it."

"No."

"When you’re ready or find yourself needing to, you know where to find me. I’m sure things will get better."

"I do. Thanks for the coffee."

"Anytime honey. You just let me know if you need anything else."

She barely gave any acknowledgment to Flo as she left. Now that she had her coffee, she just wanted to go home. Curl up in bed or on the couch. Maybe she’d pull out some of her textbooks and try to do some studying to try and distract herself from the first big fight she’d had with her husband.

Chapter Text

She was in jail. Why was she in jail?

This wasn't fair.

She needed to get to her race.

Where was Mack, the truck and her car?

Where was anyone for that matter?

She needed to go.

There wasn't time for this. Whatever this was.

It wasn't much later when an old cop came in. He seemed like the classic stereotype. Greying hair and a moustache. A typical old cop, who looked like he'd enjoy a doughnut.

Her confusion quickly soured as the cop explained that he was taking her to face court for the damage she had done to the town last night. Something she wasn't sure she fully remembered. Or had at least thought was a dream when it happened.

How court was going to go she didn't know. Hopefully just with her getting off with a warning. She really didn't have time for anything else.

She was lead from her cell to the courtroom in cuffs. Pausing just outside the room for a moment as the most redneck, hillbilly, hick of a man came towards them.

"Hey there Sheriff. This here, the gal from last night?" asked the hillbilly.

"Yes. Has her car been safely put away in the impound lot?"

"Yes sir-y."

"Good." She watched as the sheriff started patting down his pockets looking for something. He swore under his breath.

"Mater, can you watch the prisoner for a moment? Just don't talk to her."

"I can do that."

She glanced out window at the town in distain. What a poky little place to have landed up in. It seemed rather dumpy and run down as well.

Not any place she would have chosen to come to. It made sense that the hillbilly beside her was from here.

"Where am I even?" she asked.

"Radiator Springs, the cutest little town in Carburetor Canon."

"Great, just great," she grumbled.

"If you think that's great, just wait until you see the rest of the town," the hillbilly said excitedly.

That just might be her key to getting out.

"I'd love to see the rest of the town. You could just uncuff me and we could go touring," she said with faux enthusiasm.

"Really?" asked the hillbilly hopefully.

"Mater! What did I say about talking to the accused?" the sheriff said sharply.

"To not to," the hillbilly said sheepishly.

"Get inside," the sheriff ordered.

She was given instructions on when she'd be entering the courtroom and the basics of what would be happening during her case.

The old cop entered before her and when she heard her cue she entered the room.

The town folk started yelling angrily at her about what she had done to them and their town.

Was anyone in this town not old?

Honestly, the hillbilly might be one of the youngest in the room and he had to be twice her age and now acting as her lawyer. What kind of place was this?

Then the judge entered.

Judge Judy had nothing on the intimidation factor that the Honourable Judge Jessica Piston had.

Clearly she had pissed off the judge before ever meeting her with what she was listing that she wanted done with her. This might not go her way.

The judge gave one look at her as she gave a wary smile.

"I want her out of my courtroom, I want her out of our town. Case dismissed."

"Yes." What a relief. She could get out of here and make it to California in plenty of time before her race.

Before she could get uncuffed to leave, the door to the court room opened and in entered a man, closer to her age.

"Sorry I'm late your Honour," he said.

He was hot.

The man who strode into the room cut a fine figure in a suit. He HAD to be her lawyer.

Only no, he wasn't her attorney, he was the town's. Ruining her chance to get out of here quickly.

Her flirting had done nothing for her. Which hurt more than she was willing to admit.

All due to him, she was being forced to fix the road. It wasn't fair. She needed to leave.

In her rush to try and leave, all she did was make herself more work.

Her displeasure clear, especially after having been tricked into a race by the judge that she clearly knew that she wasn't going to be able to win.

Everything in this town was rigged against her. She was never going to get out of here in time for her race.

Stuck in this po-dunk town until she finished this road. All because she couldn't make a turn on dirt.

Where had she messed up on that? How was turning on dirt that different from asphalt?

After she ran out of asphalt that night, she was granted time to try and figure figure out that turn. With little luck.

She just could not figure out what she was doing wrong.

She couldn't figure out this turn. Couldn't leave until that road was fixed. Chick was going to be schmoozing Dinoco and she couldn't do anything about that.

If only something would go her way.

Her race had better go better than this mess.

Then Mrs. Piston, Judge Piston, whatever you wanted to call her, surprised her by giving cryptic advice that made no sense.

What did she know about racing anyway? It's not like she lived near any big tracks.

She tried the advice anyway and failed yet again.

Time to get back to fixing the road. There was still a lot to do if she wanted to make her race.

oOo

Though the day after her first day she got quite the surprise at her lunch time break. She was sitting in the restaurant away from everyone else when another older man entered and went directly to the judge and kissed the grumpy woman.

"What's happened since I've been gone? It's only been three days," the man asked bewildered.

"Your trip has created more headaches than you could have expected," answered Judge Piston.

She pretended that she was focused on her meal when she was pointed at. A few minutes later the gentleman came over to speak with her.

"Miss McQueen, while I am glad to see that you are safe. How you have acted in town here is not acceptable behaviour. While we will make sure that you reach your race in time, you do need to finish your community service," he told her.

"You- you're Erik Piston!"

"Yes; and you're Lightning McQueen, your point?"

oOo

She couldn't help but watch and see how different Judge Jess seemed to be with her husband around. Still clammed up and was gruff when she was around, but was so much more relaxed in her husband's presence. Coming across domestic even.

Erik Piston was a lot different than she expected him to be too. His business side was clearly kept separate from his private life.

His wife was clearly the love of his life. The two of them were rarely seen apart since he got home. The affection poured off of the two of them.

Though they weren't as showy in their PDA as Flo and Ramone could be. They weren't loud, but they were often sharing little looks and touches. Each one seeming meaningful.

oOo

Now though, it seemed like Mr. Carrera could be flustered. Flustered by her. All she had to do was catch sight of his tattoo and comment on it. A pleased little grin crossed her face.

She wouldn't be sleeping in a jail cell tonight, thankfully. One of Mr. Carrera's cozy cones seemed so much more welcoming than one of those jail cells again. And it appeared that Mr. Carrera could be softened to her charms- or lack there of… and maybe the hillbilly Mater wasn't quite as bad as she made him out to be either.

She was still thrilled by the interesting new twist of the judge's husband being back in town.

She should have put it together before. Jessica Piston, was married to thee ERIK Piston. The now retired head of Piston Cup. Piston Cup royalty. A husband that seemed to relax and loosen the judge up a little. Though not a fast track back to her race.

Apparently, Mr. Piston thought it might be good for her character to finish her community service.

He did say that they might have a chance to speak once she got closer to finishing the road. Erik Piston would certainly have an interesting perspective on the sport. One she wanted to hear.

oOo

"Miss McQueen. You shouldn't be in here." She jumped at his voice.

"I didn't mean- I thought something got knocked over. You have Jesse Hudson's Piston Cups in your garage."

"I know," stated Erik Piston, "that doesn't change the fact that you should not be in here."

"Why do you have Jesse Hudson's Piston Cups in your garage?" she asked.

"That is none of your concern. Jess won't be pleased that you've been poking around in here. If you don't want more work added to your plate, I suggest that you leave now."

"Fine. Did you know him?" she asked as Mr. Piston escorted her out.

"Know who?" he asked distractedly.

"Jesse Hudson."

"Hardly-" he scoffed. "Even in the 50's I didn't have much to do with the racers on a regular basis. Not unless you counted my brother. I knew about the racers, but I can't think of one casual conversation with any of them. No one wanted to get to close to the boss's son."

"If you hardly knew him, why do you have his cups?" she asked.

"It's a long story. One that I am not explaining to you because of the complexities involved in it. Including a non-disclosure agreement. Which if you're not aware, means that it can not be spoken about without legal ramifications."

"Even though it's been like, what? Over fifty years?"

"There are more complexities than just an over fifty year old non-disclosure that may or may not have run out. I said that was one of the complexities that plays a part of why it is so complicated."

She huffed at the non answer.

"You know, you remind me of my wife. Stubborn and good at what you do. Your arrogance and cockiness remind me of my brother though. And trust me when I say that is not a complement. Get more of that road done and we can talk further- not about Jesse Hudson though."

That was not how she expected a conversation with Erik Piston to go. It's not like she expected to find Jesse Hudson's Piston Cups so casually in his garage either though.

oOo

"Did you know Mrs. Piston was a race car driver?!"

Michael and Flo shared a look together. This wasn't a good turn of events. They both knew how bitter Jess was about those events.

"Honey, are you sure you aren't confused? Her husband Erik was the one who had a tie to Piston Cup," Flo said.

"No- I mean- I know Erik Piston did. His family's thee name, but Mrs. Piston was Jesse Hudson! The Fabulous Hudson Hornet! She won THREE Piston Cups! Without anyone ever knowing who she was!"

"She was who now?" Michael asked.

"The biggest racer in the sport in the early fifties."

"Even if she was, she's never said anything about such. I suppose she wouldn't want to or be able to talk about it if she was," Flo said firmly.

oOo

"Your wife is Jesse Hudson!" exclaimed Lightning.

"I said that it was a complicated situation. I hope that you haven't been bothering Jess since figuring this out. She doesn't like to dwell on what was amongst the worst years of her lives," Erik said.

"How does nobody know this!? This is incredible! It should be everywhere! It was the ultimate power move!"

"Very few people ever knew. It was kept tightly under wraps once found out. With the non-disclosure written up quickly upon it. These days, Jess has no desire for it to come to light."

"It'd do people good to know about it."

"That is not your decision to make. Until what time my wife and I pass, it is her decision. Our kids likely won't reveal it either. Knowing how it's always effected their mother."

"When did you know the truth?"

"Only after her wreck. Now if you'll excuse me young lady, you still have work to do."

oOo

Why was she doing this? Did she even want to do this? Go back into the spotlight? Even if she showed up without her jacket and other regalia there'd still be questions about her taking over as Lightning's crew chief.

A fuss made about her being Erik's wife and Eli's mother. Would it be that much more if she revealed her past as Jesse Hudson? Eli and Erik could probably have some control over it. Her family wouldn't have to continue to lie about it then.

There'd be so many more questions though, if she showed up in Jesse Hudson's gear. That horrible meeting of her being let go from racing would come up. Not that she remembered much of it. Erik and Henry would have more distinct memories of it- Joe Moore would too.

Mater was making up her mind for her. She was going to go. She'd decide when they got there if she'd put on her jacket. Flo rode with her for support. She appreciated it, as Flo knew how hard this was for her.

"You'll do fine sugar, no matter what you chose to do. Knock their socks off."

She hadn't expected trouble trying to get into the pits.

"Ma'am, the race has already started. I can't let you go in," the young man at the gate said.

"We're here as 95's crew. Phone up to the booth and tell Erik his wife needs into the pits."

"As in Piston?"

"Yes, as in Piston," she said exasperatedly.

"Ma'am, he's not up in the booth-"

"Then tell Eli that he needs to let his mother in and if for some reason you can't get him then tell Joe Moore that he needs to let me in."

"Yes ma'am."

It wasn't long after that that the young man came back and let them in. At last minute she decided to shrug on her jacket and shield her face with a ball cap at first. She wasn't surprised to find Erik with a headset on, trying his best to try and help the kid whose head was not in the race. She came up behind him and pulled off one of the ears so she could whisper in it.

"Maybe you should stick to the office work Emery."

"Jess! You're here, wearing your jacket? You've come to take over?"

"Mater didn't get to say goodbye. And if I'm doing this, I might as well make a splash."

"You always did know how to make an entrance. I'm proud of you. You deserve proper recognition."

"We'll see about that."

"The world's a different place than it was in the 50's. You might be surprised."

"I'll only believe it when I see it."

oOo

"Is that-? Quick, someone get a close up of 95's pit crew, look at the crew chief. Is that jacket-?"

"It is. That's the Hudson Hornet's jacket. That can't be Jesse Hudson though…. It's a woman wearing it."

"What's going on here? She sure seems friendly with Erik Piston."

"Hey, we've got a call from one of the boxes confirming that we're not seeing things. That's Jessica Piston down there wearing Jesse Hudson's jacket. Apparently from what I've been told, she IS Jesse Hudson. It was the only reason she could start racing when she did."

"Where's this coming from?"

"Right from her son's mouth. Mr. Moore is confirming such as well."

"I'd say that's a reliable source. Let's start spreading the news. This is incredible. Talk about rewriting Piston Cup history."

oOo

After the race…

"How'd the two of you even meet?" Lightning asked.

"We knew of each other from our different sides of Piston Cup. But didn't properly meet until she ended up in town," Erik said.

"Can you even call that a proper meeting," Jess scoffingly asked.

"Why do you say that?" asked Lighting.

"Because her entrance into town was about as dramatic as yours. She also spent her first couple nights in town in a jail cell," Erik said lightly.

"Why?"

"A flat tire caused me problems." Jessica said dryly.

"She's still bothered by this story, but she shot me."

"She shot you!"

"Jess only grazed my leg enough to need stitches."

"You shot Erik Piston, and then ended up marrying him?"

"I didn't marry him immediately after that. There was a few years in between. I made myself sick after shooting him."