Test Drive Unlimited Chapter 9

The dimly lit diner buzzed with the low hum of conversation, the clinking of silverware, and the occasional sizzle from the kitchen. Murray slid into a booth at the back, his balding head gleaming under the flickering neon lights. Allie, her blue hair a sharp contrast to the faded vinyl seats, followed him reluctantly, her heart racing with the adrenaline of being in a place where danger not only lurked, but stared into her eyes.

Murray leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper, “The Vipers are looking to recruit you for a worldwide mission.”

Allie narrowed her eyes, skepticism etched on her face. “What are you talking about? Why would they want me?”

“From what I understand, it’s a personal request. Something about Ghost and Fire.”

Allie’s eyes fixated onto Murray. He knew he had her attention.

“They see potential in you, kid. You’ve got the skills and the drive.”

“I’m not going to work for the Vipers. But this could be the lead I need get in with them. Maybe Juliette ism alive after all.”

“Alive?” Murray asked with a sneaky grin. “She’ the head of the snake herself.”

“Herself?” Allie replied, trying not to stammer as her ager grew. “Juliette has nothing to do with this. Whatever it is, she’s being blackmailed or it’s all against her will! No” Allie snapped, her voice rising slightly, drawing the attention of a few nearby patrons. Memories of her sister flooded her mind, the laughter they once shared, the dreams they spun together. She refused to believe that Juliette would be involved in something so dark, so corrupt.

Murray laughed, a hollow sound that echoed in the small space. “You think you know your girlfriend, but she’s been a busy, busy girl.”

The words hit Allie like a punch to the gut. She felt a mix of anger and confusion, her heart racing as she recalled the last time she spoke to Juliette. It had been years since she’d seen her lover, and the memories were a blur of warmth and love intertwined with the cold reality of their separation. “You’re wrong!” Allie shouted, slamming her palm against the table, causing the salt shaker to rattle. “Juliette would never—”

Tim and Joey, seated at the counter, exchanged worried glances before rushing over. Tim’s expression was tense, a storm brewing behind his green eyes. “What’s going on?” he demanded, his voice low but firm.

“Murray’s saying things about Juliette,” Allie replied, her voice trembling with emotion. “He’s claiming she’s involved in some criminal shit with the Vipers.”

Murray’s eyes gleamed with a twisted satisfaction as he leaned back, arms crossed. “It’s all true, Tim. Juliette and the Vipers took over the drug trade that you and your boy toy here destroyed when you took down your old boss. You think she’s just been sitting around?”

“Boy toy?” Joey asked.

Tim slammed his hands on the table, his frustration palpable. He turned away, his back rigid.

“Don’t you think about wanting to kill her, Tim,” Joey said, his voice steady but edged with concern. “Kill Murray instead.”

“Too late,” Tim muttered under his breath, the weight of the world pressing down on him. He felt torn, caught in the crossfire of loyalty to Allie and the lingering shadows of his past life.

Allie’s gaze shifted between Tim and Joey, her heart aching at the sight of their distress. “You don’t understand,” she said, her voice softer now.
“Juliette is a hostage. She’s not in charge of anything.”

Murray smirked, his eyes glinting with the thrill of chaos. “And what if it is the truth?”

“Shut up, Murray!” Tim snapped, the anger spilling over. “You’re just trying to manipulate her. You don’t know anything about Juliette.”

Murray raised an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. “I know more than you think. And they want her to drive for them.”

“Drug running?”Tim spat.

“Yes, no, maybe so.”

“Should have killed you back then, Murr,” Joey muttered.

Tim looked at Allie. “You’re going to join the Vipers.”

Allie nodded.

“Ghost and Fire, sitting in a tree…” Murray mocked.

“Can I kill him, now, Tim?” Joey asked.

“I’m just the messenger,” Murray replied with a smirk.

Tim’s shoulders relaxed slightly as he looked at Allie, admiration mingling with concern. “If we’re doing this, we need a plan. We can’t just rush in blind.”

“Exactly,” Joey agreed, his brow furrowed..”

“We need to find out more about the Vipers and what they’re planning. If Juliette is involved, we can’t just sit and wait.” Allie replied.

“Which is why you’re going to join the Vipers. They need the best driver? They’ll get the best driver.” Tim said as Joey grabbed Murray by the shirt and dragged him out of the diner.

“This boy toy wants to play Red Rover. You game, Boomer?”