the invisible villain

Racing cars and pins - 1

Akira was a genius with cars. She was three when she first looked down at an engine, at least the first that she remembered. She was half certain she had always been looking down at engines from the day she was born. She was born at home. Her father owned a garage, like his father and grandfathers did. Their’s was a family that had always married to cars. And ships before cars came to be. If one tale was to be believed, they were originally pirates of the great seas, before they found the same freedom and spirit on land in the form of cars.

Akira was five when she sat behind a steering wheel, and drove. And she wasn’t in someone’s lap. She placed a bucket on the seat, fashioned a pair of sticks into extensions for her legs. And drove. She made it all the way to the town, through their orchard and the estate and the winding country roads, only stopping when the town sheriff pulled her over. And when the sheriff asked her what she thought she was doing, she answered with pride that she was taking the car out for a spin because the car was bored. That was the day everyone knew that she was going to accomplish great things.

Akira didn’t have children. And because she was fortunate enough to have brothers and sisters who all had children, it wasn’t demanded of her to make children to continue the family. But everyone hoped she had children one day, someone to inherit her talents.

And now, she had.

Abe had no intention of continuing with statistics. Too many memories. He considered history. The trip with Ludwig was very enjoyable, and there was so much he liked about the palaces, so much he was curious about. And the fact that he never really tired or got bored definitely worked in favour of the thought. When he discussed it with Ludwig, Ludwig was excited enough to join Alex and him to Akira’s. Ludwig also suggested art. After all, art was his area of expertise, and his greatest love.

Alex said nothing. But Akira laughed it off.

“History isn’t just visiting cool palaces and seeing pretty things,” she said. “It’s about many, many, boring books in quiet libraries. Memorising dates and events. And so much that isn’t exciting. I cannot imagine you with all that.”

And just like that, Abe was dissuaded. Ludwig was disheartened, but he took it upon himself to ensure that Abe didn’t lose that burst of interest for history. And so, Ludwig stayed, to take Abe on short holidays to cool historic places.

And Akira had the perfect idea for Abe.

“How about this?” She said a day after their arrival. “Screw college. That’s where the memories are. Statistics is innocent. So, how about you work with me, and Ludwig occasionally, and get your degree in statistics online? All universities offer online degrees nowadays. You can have your pick.”

Ludwig was delighted. Akira let him in, let him have Abe exactly like he had planned. And that was all he wanted.

Alex wasn’t entirely convinced, but she understood the merits. And more than anything, she wanted to go along with Abe’s wishes.

“I need some time,” Abe said. “A day.”

“Alright,” Akira said.

“Take two days,” Alex said. “Or more, if you need.”

“Yeah,” Ludwig said. “No rush whatsoever.” 0

“And while you’re home,” Akira said. “Want to join? I’m working on a car for a race team. I’ve got five months to get it ready. I promise, it’ll be fun.”

“You’re not racing?” Abe asked.

“No,” Akira said. “Not this race. This one’s the kind that’s on a track.”

Abe nodded. The track, as Akira called it, was what she referred to the championship races as. She’d won the championship when she was nineteen. She was all over the news across the world. The genius nineteen year old who was taking the world of racing by storm. There had been many close races, but she remained unbeaten. It was a surprise to no one when she lifted the trophy at the end of the year. It was a shock to all when she announced her retirement the very next day. She disappeared from the world of racing for a whole year, before suddenly reappearing as the main mechanic of the car that won the next championship. She disappeared again, at least in person. She remained a consultant for the many racing teams, helping with designing their cars and tuning the engines. This wasn’t the first time she was hired exclusively by one team and given the whole responsibility of readying the car for racing.

“Yes,” Abe said excitedly.

“Good,” Akira said, looking pleased. “And there’s also your little friend who’ll be with us.”

“Who?” Abe asked.

Akira only gave him a mysterious smile.

Alex and Ludwig went on a tour of the quiet town. “Get a lay of the land,” Alex called it. Abe followed Akira to the garage, which was actually a corner of her family’s large estate housing a plain building that served as the garage and a stretch of asphalt directly in front, laid out to complete a loop. The road to test drive the car. They walked straight into the garage, where Akira introduced her team.

“Garry and Jerry. Twins. Nephews of mine. The family blood runs strong in them. And also the family madness. Which is why they’re here with me, rather than in their father’s much bigger and nicer garage. They’re helping with the building of the car. And this, you know, of course. Justine. She’s helping with the numbers.”

Justine smiled at him. Came over and hugged him in greeting. The twins pouted. Justine laughed at them.

“Ignore them,” she said to Abe. “You guys should give up now, right?” She said to the twins. “This here is my Abe.”

“Let’s race Abe,” Garry said with a mean look in his eyes.

“No,” Abe said simple.

“Why?” Jerry pushed. “You’re scared?”

Abe looked at Akira who shrugged and nodded. That was all the okay he needed.

“Because there’s only one car,” Abe said.

“We’ll race our cars,” Garry said.

“You can have mine,” Justine said.

“I’m in too,” Jerry said with a scowl.

“They’re good boys,” Akira said. “They just have a crush on Justine. And are jealous of you, because she has a crush on you.”

The twins glared at him as he blushed. And Justine burst into laughter. She leaned in and kissed Abe on his cheek.

“For good luck,” she whispered, her lips so close he could feel them on his ears.

“Stop it,” Abe said, pulling away.

“You win, I’m kissing you for real,” Justine said.

“I’m losing,” Abe said.

“Then I’m kissing you ten times,” Justine said. “Please lose.”

The twins were stunned. Abe was stunned. Akira burst out laughing this time.

“I want to see this,” she said.

The three boys get into their cars. The track was long enough for a race, as long as they were racing a few laps.

“Three laps,” Akira said. “Simple rules. No crashing. No bumping. No accidents. First one to complete the three laps wins. Ready?”

The three boys stepped on the accelerators in reply.

“Go!”

And they were off.

A half hour later, the three boys were sitting in two corners, the twins in one and Abe in the other, the twins frowning in sorrow and Abe frowning from embarrassment. Abe won by a narrow margin. And Justine did as she promised. She kissed him. On the lips. In front of everyone. Achieving two things in one move. Breaking the twins’s hearts, having them give up on her. And laying claim on Abe. They had been friends for years now. And she made no secret of the fact that she liked him for just as long. The day they met was the day Alex and Abe moved in to the lakeside. That evening, he residents threw a party to welcome their new neighbours. And Justine met Abe. The next morning, Justine showed up at their door with a casserole, and a confession. It was love at first sight, she said to Abe. Falling even more in love watching him blush.

Four years later, she had him. She told him long ago, the day she kissed him for real, and he let her, was the day they were confirming their relationship. They were a couple now. And she couldn’t be happier. And anyone who knew Abe well enough could see clearly his affection for Justine.

“I’m so happy,” Akira said, “being the one responsible for bringing the two of you together.” She beamed at Justine. “Good going girl.”

“Thank you,” Justine said, accepting the praise gracefully.

They went out that evening. A fancy dinner to celebrate Justine and Abe, as well as welcoming Ludwig, Alex and Abe. Alex and Ludwig had seen the restaurant earlier.

“Didn’t think this was the best restaurant in town,” Ludwig said.

Gemma’s was nice and clean and simple. It wasn’t the biggest restaurant in town, or the most popular. But anyone who cared only for food knew Gemma’s was the best. Because Gemma was the best chef in town. She used to be an extremely popular chef, renowned worldwide. She had her restaurant in the middle of the biggest city in the world, which was visited by people from all over the world. Reservations were made months in advance. She was featured on magazine covers. And when she retired, everyone was saddened. She quietly disappeared from the eyes of the world. And came over to the quiet town. Only her dearest friends knew she was here. And they all kept their silence. After settling down in the town, she opened this small restaurant, where she cooked simple and easy meals, dishes that were her favourite as a child and were still her favourite even today. That was one reason why no one recognised her. Because even though the simple meals were indescribably tasty, they were the simple dishes most people had grown up eating. Who would think a chef as famous as Gemma would start a restaurant serving such simple dishes? Gemma had earned enough for a comfortable life after retirement. She didn’t start the restaurant to make money. That didn’t mean she didn’t earn a lot She made decent money from her restaurant, and that was very satisfying. It was as if everyone acknowledged her favourites dishes, and that pleased her greatly.

Akira was one of the few who knew who Gemma was. She had no intention of revealing that even to the people with her, not without Gemma’s permission. But whenever she ate out, it was at Gemma’s. For one, it was Gemma! Her cooking was heavenly. And two, she’d rather give money to her dear friend than someone else.

And since it was a quiet night, Gemma herself came over to take their order.

Gemma was old, and it showed. Her hair was white as snow. Her face was wrinkled. Her feet were slow, as were her hands and her voice. But her eyes still glowed and her back was still straight. It was as if she preserved her strength by sacrificing speed.

“Akira, you’re here, again,” Gemma said warmly. “You should listen to me. The dishes you love so much are the easiest. I’ll teach. I guarantee that you’ll learn in a week at most. Maybe even just a day, since you are so smart.”

“Yes Gemma,” Akira said. “I will learn. Just not now. You know we’re building the race car that will win the championship next year. Can’t afford any distractions.”

“As if,” Gemma said with a snort. “What are you doing here then?”

“Don’t you see? I brought guests. And I’m here to eat. Can’t work without feeding myself.”

Gemma laughed. Patted Akira’s head fondly. And looked at the guests, half of whom she recognised.

“Garry, Jerry, Justine, hello,” she said to the three she recognised. “I’m Gemma. I’ll be your chef tonight,” she said to the other three.

“Alex, Ludwig, and Abe,” Akira said. “We’ll have the simple dinners please.”

“You’ll have the simple dinner,” Gemma said. “The others can order for themselves.”

“But the simple dinner is the best,” Akira groaned.

“Your favourite,” Gemma said. “I’m not so old that I can’t cook. When I am, I promise I’ll close the doors for good. And if you’re so worried, how about joining my kitchen, where you can help and keep an eye. I’ll pay you well.”

“I have a better idea,” Akira countered. “When you’re satisfied and have had enough of the quiet restaurant, how about you come over to me. We’ll get an RV. And we’ll go on a long ride across the country. Tasting all the delicacies, famous and hidden. And then, we’ll take a plane to all the best delicacies across the world. Wouldn’t that be awesome? I can also keep a watch. And you’ll be perfectly fine because you’re not working at all. A leisurely life with food.”

“I’m in,” Ludwig said, raising his hand.

“Us too,” Justine said, throwing up her hand.

“Us?” Gemma asked.

“Oh, yeah,” Akira answered for Justine who was blushing. “She’s got the boy of her dreams. Finally. She’s never letting him go.”

“Abe?” Gemma asked.

Akira and Justine nodded. Gemma studied Abe carefully, and nodded smilingly.

“He’s good,” Gemma said. “You’ve got good taste Justine. I’ve always known that. I’m happy I wasn’t wrong.”

Alex smiled warmly at the embarrassed Abe who didn’t refute anything, which was much better than him expressing agreement vocally.

“I’m going to make special dinners for the lot of you,” Gemma said. “Something nourishing for broken hearts, something celebratory for the delirious with joy, and something warm and welcoming.”

“I’m coming,” Akira said, rushing after Gemma to help in the kitchen, even as Gemma kept refusing.