Who's The Boss by Dan Barten

On a brisk Spring day, Danny was on his maiden voyage of his newly rodded out Chevy. It was months and months of hard work and the car was finally finished. With his chick by his side, nothing could be better!

Nothing could stop him! He was very calm, when he pulled up next to a mustang, at the light on the east side of Milner's tunnel. With one simple look from the town's new comer. . . the challenge was on. This was the toughest race in town. You would start by racing into total darkness, a tight curve half way through, and it ended by heading straight into the sun light. In this place, lives were made and lost!

But for Danny, there was no other way! Laurie's voice rang out, "What are you thinking? Snap out of it!" As usual, Danny ignored her and assessed the challenge he had ahead of him. Engines roaring and waiting for the light to change. The monstrous competitive side of Danny started to rise again. Going through the racing sequence, in his mind, for the millionth time. His focus was sharp and on the race. You could almost hear the adrenaline pumping inside him.... (continued below)

Everything shifted to slow motion as the light turned green! And always up for a challenge, he hesitated for a second to give this so called "Boss" a fighting chance. The mustang got a short lead before Danny put the peddle to the metal. His car exploded off the line into the darkness. The engine busted out of it's compartment with flames and smoke filling the air. The hood went flying. The tires dug in. The wheelie bars bent under pressure. Asphalt and sparks were flying everywhere. The power under him was shocking. It was unmatched. The front end lifted off the ground instantly, with his monster taking total control of his car, mind and soul! The engine produced more power than anyone had seen before! ! !

The sound in the tunnel was deafening. The monster was in total control of the beast he was driving, with a peace that passes all understanding.

Still on two wheels, wanting more power, he enthusiastically pressed the nitric oxide button on the dash. Then shifter broke off in his hand leaving the car in full throttle heading into the abyss and straight into tunnel's the deadly curve.

At top speed, sliding into the turn. With inches to spare the monster skidded around the tight curve. . . as if someone pushed the car at the precise moment. . . to make the curve and not loose any speed. Laurie shouted, "NNNoooooooo!! ! ! !" as the mustang screamed pass, within inches of their car, heading straight into the wall. The curve sign was gone! But who would take it!

Refocusing on the sun light at the end of the tunnel . . . "I'm almost there!" he said. He pressed the peddle into the floor as hard as he could. Knowing full well he was going to win this race! Everything started to shake and rattle under the enormous pressure.

"Daniel, wake up, I thought we lost you again! You passed out reading that vintage hotrod magazine. Are you ok? I'll increase your morphine and give you another blanket. If you need anything else, you know the routine, just press the button.", the hospice nurse said, walking out of the room.