Test Drive
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No one asked for it, but here is the backstory Allie references to in ”The Duel”
This is an AI-assisted story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write.
Created using NovelAI with very little change.
Let me know what you think (and I am not going to use AI for my other stories, just for these two,
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the small town of Maplewood. As the late afternoon light filtered through the trees lining the streets, it illuminated the bustling activity of the local high school. Students milled about, some lingering by the entrance, while others hurried to their extracurricular commitments. Among them was Tim Jovankah, a tall, lanky boy with striking red hair that caught the light like a beacon. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief, a glint that hinted at the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind.
Tim was known for his easy-going nature, but beneath the surface, he was a boy with ambitions that often clashed with his slacker tendencies. He had a knack for charming his way out of trouble, and his friends often joked that he could sell ice to an Eskimo. However, when it came to school, his grades were a patchwork of half-hearted efforts and missed assignments. Most teachers had given up on him, save for one: Gabriel Armando, his Intro to Business teacher.
Gabriel was a man who wore his sarcasm like a badge of honor. He had a way of pushing students to their limits, but he genuinely cared about their success. He saw potential in Tim, even if the boy was too busy daydreaming to realize it. “You’ve got to apply yourself more, Jovankah,” he would say, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. “You’re smarter than you think. Just stop coasting through life.”
Tim would nod, but the words barely registered. He had bigger plans brewing in his mind, plans that had nothing to do with textbooks or homework. He wanted to break free from the mundane routine of high school and carve out a life that was exciting and full of possibilities. That’s when the idea struck him: what if he could steal a car? Not just any car, but a sleek, powerful Porsche 959. It was the kind of vehicle that turned heads and made a statement, and he wanted to be the one behind the wheel.
His boyfriend, Joey Andrews, was the only person who knew about Tim’s audacious plan. Joey was the embodiment of emo culture, with his jet-black hair falling into his eyes and his wardrobe a mix of dark colors and band tees. He had a unique way of grounding Tim, balancing out his wild ideas with a dose of reality. “You know this is illegal, right?” Joey had said, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. “You could get in serious trouble.”
“Yeah but think about it!” Tim had replied, excitement bubbling over. “I could take it for a test drive, and if I play my cards right, I could just drive away. It’s not like I’m robbing a bank or anything.”
Joey had sighed, a mixture of concern and admiration in his eyes. “You’re insane, but I can’t help but love that about you. Just promise me you’ll be careful, k?”
With Joey’s reluctant support, Tim began to put his plan into motion. He spent hours researching car dealerships, looking for the perfect target.
That’s when he stumbled upon “Imperatore,” a luxurious dealership known for its high-end vehicles and laid-back salespeople. The name itself sounded powerful, and Tim felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought of stepping onto that lot.
The next step was to create fake documents that would link him to a city councilman, risky move, but one he felt was necessary to pull off the heist. He spent nights crafting the documents, using his limited computer skills to make them look as authentic as possible. He even printed them on high-quality paper, convinced that the details would fool anyone who glanced at them. As he worked, he could feel the thrill of the impending adventure coursing through him.
The day of the test drive arrived, and Tim’s heart raced with anticipation. He dressed carefully, opting for a casual yet polished look that would help him blend in with the upscale clientele of Imperatore. As he walked to the dealership, he rehearsed his lines in his head, envisioning how he would present himself as a serious buyer. The sun beat down on him, and he could feel the weight of his plan pressing on his shoulders.
When he arrived at the dealership, he was greeted by the overly plump manager, Mario Lutelli, who wore a bright smile that seemed almost too eager. “Welcome to Imperatore! What can I help you with today?” Mario’s voice boomed with enthusiasm, and Tim felt a flicker of doubt. Could he
really pull this off?
“I’m interested in test-driving the Porsche 959,” Tim said, trying to sound confident. He glanced around, taking in the sleek lines of the cars on display, the polished chrome glimmering in the sunlight.
“Ah, an excellent choice!” Mario exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Let me grab the keys for you. You’re going to love it!”
As Mario disappeared into the back office, Tim’s heart raced. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the plan. He had the fake documents tucked safely in his back pocket, ready to present when the time was right.
When Mario returned, he handed Tim the keys with a flourish. “Here you go! Just sign this waiver, and you’re good to go. Take your time. Make sure you get her revved up and enjoy the ride”
Tim nodded, trying to mask his excitement. He signed the waiver, his hands trembling slightly as he scrawled his name. The moment he stepped into the Porsche, he felt a rush of exhilaration. The leather seats enveloped him like a warm hug, and the dashboard gleamed with high-tech gadgets. This was more than just a car; it was a symbol of freedom, of breaking away from the mundane.
“Ready to hit the road?“ Mario asked, peering through the window with a grin.
“Absolutely,” Tim replied, forcing a smile as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he felt a surge of power coursing through him. He glanced at Mario, who waved him off with a cheerful nod. “Just be back in thirty minutes!“
As Tim drove off the lot, he could hardly believe what he had done. The wind whipped through his hair, and he felt an intoxicating sense of freedom. He was no longer just Tim Jovankah, the slacker; he was a man on a mission, ready to take on the world. The streets of Maplewood blurred past him as he navigated through the familiar roads, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
But as the thrill of the moment began to settle, a nagging thought crept into his mind. What if he got caught? What if the police were waiting for him when he returned the car? The weight of the risk began to press down on him, but he pushed it aside. He had come this far; there was no turning back now.
Test Drive Chapter 2
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This is an AI generated story with a few embellishments on my part.
I just wanted to see how the application would tell the story.
(I really think it leaves a lot out…)
Chapter 2: Be Prepared for Errors
The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky painted in hues of purple and orange as Tim pulled into a secluded motel parking lot, the Porsche 959 gleaming under the flickering neon sign. He could hardly contain his excitement as he turned off the engine, the roar of the powerful machine fading into an almost eerie silence. The thrill of the drive still coursed through him, but now it was mixed with a sense of impending consequence. He glanced over at Joey, whose eyes sparkled with admiration and disbelief.
“Dude, this is insane!” Joey exclaimed, leaning back in his seat, his black hair falling dramatically over his forehead. “You actually did it! You stole a freaking Porsche!”
Tim laughed, the sound bubbling up from a place of pure exhilaration. “I can’t believe it either. But we have to keep it down. We can’t let anyone know we’re here.”
Joey nodded, his expression shifting from excitement to concern. “What if someone sees us? What if the cops come?”
“Relax,” Tim said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “We’re just here for the night. We’ll park it out of sight, and no one will know. Besides, we’re just two kids having a little fun, right?” He flashed a grin, trying to lighten the mood.
Joey rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “You’re lucky I love your crazy ass. Let’s just get inside before someone notices.”
They both exited the car, and Tim felt a rush of pride as he walked around to the front of the Porsche, admiring its sleek lines and polished finish. It was everything he had dreamed of and more. As he and Joey made their way to the motel office, Tim couldn’t help but feel invincible. This was a moment he would never forget.
Inside the office, the clerk gave them a skeptical look as they checked in, but Tim flashed his most charming smile, and Joey played the part of the supportive boyfriend, leaning in close and whispering sweet nothings that made the clerk visibly uncomfortable. They received their key and headed to their room, laughter spilling from their lips as they pushed the door open.
Once inside, Tim tossed his bag on the bed and turned to Joey, who was already inspecting the small space. “What do you think?” Tim asked, gesturing around the room.
“It’s… cozy,” Joey replied, his tone playful. “But I think we can make it work.” He plopped down on the bed, bouncing slightly. “Just think of it as an adventure. We’re like Bonnie and Clyde, but without the guns and the bank heists.”
Tim laughed, shaking his head. “More like Tim and Joey, the world’s worst criminals.”
“Hey, I’m all for it if it means I get to ride in a Porsche,” Joey teased, leaning back on his elbows. “But seriously, what’s the plan? Are we just going to hang out here until morning?”
Tim paused, considering the possibilities. “I don’t know. I mean I didn’t think I’d get this far, we could go for a drive, maybe find somewhere to grab some food? I just want to enjoy this moment.”
“Let’s do it!” Joey said, his enthusiasm infectious. “But let’s keep it low-key. We don’t want to attract any unwanted attention.”
Tim nodded, feeling the weight of their situation settle back onto his shoulders. The thrill of the heist was still fresh, but the reality of their actions loomed over him like a dark cloud. They quickly changed into more casual clothes, and Tim felt a surge of adrenaline as they stepped back outside, the night air cool against his skin.
They slid into the Porsche, and Tim felt a rush of excitement as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he couldn’t help but grin as he backed out of the parking spot. The street was quiet, the only sounds being the purr of the engine and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
As they drove through the darkened streets, Tim felt a sense of freedom wash over him. The car’s power beneath him was intoxicating, and with Joey by his side, he felt unstoppable. They shared stories and laughter, the weight of the world slipping away as they sped through the night.
But as the hours passed, the thrill began to fade, replaced by a gnawing sense of anxiety. Tim couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched and that someone would catch on to their little escapade. He glanced at Joey, who seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Tim asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.
Joey sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just can’t help but think about what happens if we get caught. This isn’t just a joyride, Tim. It’s a stolen car.”
“I know,” Tim admitted, his heart racing. “But we’re not going to get caught. We’re smart. We’ll figure it out.”
Joey nodded, but Tim could see the worry etched on his boyfriend’s face. “Just promise me we’ll be careful,” he said softly. “I don’t want to lose you over something stupid.”
“Promise,” Tim said, reaching over to squeeze Joey’s hand, grounding himself in the moment. “Let’s just enjoy tonight. We can worry about tomorrow when it comes.”
As they drove back toward the motel, the tension in Tim’s stomach began to ease. They pulled into the parking lot, and Tim parked the Porsche in a spot that felt more hidden, away from the main entrance. They made their way back to the room, the adrenaline still buzzing in their veins.
Inside, they collapsed onto the bed, laughter spilling from their lips as they recounted the night’s events. But as the excitement faded, a heavy silence settled between them. Tim turned to Joey, who was staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Tim asked, nudging him playfully.
“I just… I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over,” Joey replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “What if someone finds out? What if the cops come looking for us?”
Tim felt a chill run down his spine. “We’ll be fine. We just need to lay low until we can return the car. No one will know it was us.”
Joey turned to face him, his expression serious. “But what if it’s not just the cops? What if there are other people involved? You said that dealership was fancy. What if they have connections?”
Tim’s heart raced as he processed Joey’s words. “You think they’re involved in something shady?”
“I don’t know, but it’s possible,” Joey said, his voice steady.
As the weight of Joey’s concerns settled over them, Tim felt the thrill of the night begin to dissipate. He knew they had taken a risk, but he hadn’t considered the possibility of deeper consequences. He wanted to reassure Joey, to tell him everything would be fine, but doubt began to creep in.
Meanwhile, at the Imperatore dealership, Nick Armando sat in his dimly lit office, his sharp suit contrasting with the shadows that danced across the walls. He had received the news of the stolen Porsche, and the weight of his anger simmered just beneath the surface. The car was not just a luxury vehicle; it was a crucial piece of a much larger operation.
Mario Lutelli, the overly plump manager, stood nervously in front of Nick, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “I-I didn’t know he wasn’t the councilman, Summers. I he had the paperwork, so I just let him take it for an extended amount of time. I didn’t think-”
Nick’s cold gaze bore into Mario, his voice steady but laced with menace. “Correct, you did not think, testa di cazzo. That car is linked to a money trail that leads right back to the real Councilman Summers. If he finds out we’re involved, he’ll double-cross us to save his own skin.”
Mario gulped, his eyes darting around the room. “What do you want me to do? I’ll make it right, I swear!”
Nick leaned back in his chair, a calculating look in his eyes. “You’ll find out who took that car, and you’ll bring it back to me.”
As Mario nodded vigorously, Nick’s mind raced with the implications of the theft. He had to find the kid who stole the Porsche, and he had to do it quickly. He would stop at nothing to protect his empire.