The camera is seen inside the cozy, dimly lit restaurant in Montreal where Liam and Hope are for their celebration of Liam getting his license. Liam and Hope sit at a secluded table, their romantic dinner interrupted by the arrival of two mysterious figures. The air crackles with tension as Liam and Hope exchange wary glances, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitors. Liam eyes the strangers cautiously unsure of their motives.
Liam: Can I help you?
Stranger 1 steps forward with a grave expression.
Stranger 1: Are you Liam?
Liam nods warily. Hoping nothing is about to go down badly.
Liam: Yeah, that's me. Who are you?
The 2nd stranger ignores Liam's question and speaks.
Stranger 2: We've been instructed to deliver a message to you.
Hope's hand tightens around Liam's, her eyes darting between the strangers and Liam with concern. Hope speaks in a hushed tone.
Hope: Liam, what's going on?
Liam tries to keep his composure as he responds to Hope.
Liam: I'm not sure, Hope. Let's hear what they have to say.
Stranger 1 grabs an envelope from his hoodie pocket and hands it to Liam.
Stranger 1: This is for you.
Liam hesitantly accepts the envelope, his heart racing with anticipation. He breaks the seal and unfolds the letter inside, his eyes scanning the words written in bold letters. Liam reads it aloud.
Liam: "To Liam, the rising star of the racing scene. You have proven yourself worthy of recognition, but there is one final challenge that awaits you before you embark on your journey to the racing world. Meet Arturo at the abandoned racetrack on the outskirts of Montreal at midnight. He awaits your arrival."
Hope's choice trembles as she remarks on the letter.
Hope: Liam, who is Arturo? And why do they want you to meet him at an abandoned racetrack?
Liam frowns, unsure and anxious about the letter.
Liam: I have no idea, Hope. But it sounds like they're challenging me to a race.
Stranger 2 nods in response to Liam's response.
Stranger 2: That's correct. Arturo is a legendary racer, feared and respected in the underground racing scene. He's heard of your talents, Liam, and he wants to put them to the test
Liam feels a mix of excitement and apprehension at the news.
Liam: Why now? Why does Arturo suddenly want to race me?
Stranger 1 responds and shrugs.
Stranger 1: That's not for us to say. All we know is that you've been chosen for this final challenge. It's up to you whether you accept it or not.
Liam's mind races with conflicting emotions as he considers the implications of the challenge. On one hand, he's eager to prove himself against a formidable opponent like Arturo. But on the other hand, the mysterious circumstances surrounding the challenge leave him feeling uneasy. As Liam thinks, Hope places a reassuring hand on Liam's arm.
Hope: Liam, whatever you decide, I'll be by your side.
Liam meets Hope's gaze with determination.
Liam: Thanks, Hope. I appreciate it.
Stranger 2 interrupts the moment between Liam and Hope.
Stranger 2: You don't have much time to decide, Liam. Arturo won't wait forever.
With a final nod, the strangers turn and leave the restaurant, leaving Liam and Hope alone with the weight of the decision hanging over them.
Liam turns to Hope his expression conflicted.
Liam: What do you think, Hope? Should I accept the challenge?
Hope speaks thoughtfully.
Hope: Liam, I know how much racing means to you. And if this is something you feel you need to do, then I'll stand by your side no matter what.
Liam nods.
Liam: Thanks, Hope. I think I need to do this. I need to know if I'm truly ready for the racing world.
As Liam and Hope finish their dinner in silence, the weight of the challenge ahead hangs heavy in the air. But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear-no matter what lies ahead, Liam and Hope will face it together.
* * * * *
Back by an abandoned race track on the outskirts of Montreal, Arturo is seen leaning on his car, looking at the moonlight. His friend comes over and speaks to him.
Oliver: You know Liam is a mean racer right, Arturo. I've seen his skills. He's nothing to mess with.
Arturo simply keeps staring at the moon mysteriously.
Arturo: I've dealt with worse, Ollie. Your friend is nothing I've faced before, yes, but you've shown me his races, and I know his weaknesses. I simply have to concentrate on them to beat him. If I do, it's free sailing from there. My GR Corolla is 10 times better than his little Veloster N. However, he does drive it amazingly well, but so did Arianna and her Chrysler 300, and I beat her. There's a reason that race was a draw. She's the best racer in Ottawa. My plan is coming full circle. I've done so much research it's impossible I fail. If I do, I'll probably hang my hat with this street racing gig.
Oliver looks puzzled at Arturo's remark.
Oliver: You can't lose. You're the best racer in Alaska. No one has beat you. I'm sure it'll be a challenge, yeah, but your car is simply better. There's no way you can lose.
Arturo glances at Oliver.
Arturo: It's not the car. it's the driver.
Oliver: Here we go again. Liam's said the exact same thing. I know it's not true. Why do you think Ferrari wins most F1 races? Their cars are simply built way better.
Arturo chuckles
Arturo: Liam is right. You know nothing about cars. You gotta realize they have the best racers, too. You put the best racer in the best car he's gonna win like it's nothing. That's me. My GR Corolla handles better. It's faster and lighter. Me, I'm an animal behind the wheel. Liam may be a demon behind the wheel. But I am an overlord. And overlords are more powerful than demons.
Oliver: Heh, cool comparison. I'm sure you'll beat him, but it's gonna be the hardest challenge you've ever faced. The best racer in Alaska vs the best racer in Canada. That's gonna be a hell of a sight to see.....