Lyle and Reggie had been good friends as kids before Reggie’s dad became so wealthy. Lyle still liked Reggie and forgave his attempted vandalism. He tried to bring him into his circle of friends in the hopes that Reggie might clean up his act. A small part of Reggie responded to this kindness. He actually had enjoyed cleaning those parts. The first honest work he had done in many years! But once he got home and saw how dirty he had gotten, he reverted back. He had to get even. He returned to the shop with a contrite act, but with vengeance in his heart. Everyone thought he had changed. Then a few too many little things started happening. Luckily, they caught Reggie in the act of trying to pour sugar into the engine's crankcase before he succeeded. Everyone piled onto him and started pounding him. He was screaming bloody murder! Lyle came to his rescue! Lyle took him to ER where he got several stitches in his face. Reggie began to realize that Lyle really was a friend. He took a few weeks to recover from the beating. He made up a story for his parent about how he had taken a spill on his motorcycle on a gravel road and they believed him. Lyle called him several times to see how he was doing. Gradually, he began to get his mind around the concept that if he really wanted to feel good about himself, he had to change how he treated others. It took him another couple weeks of constant visits to the guys shop, volunteering for the lowliest and dirtiest jobs before he started to win back some of the trust of the others. He also worked real hard to correct all the little things he had done before to sabotage the Vette project that hadn’t been noticed yet. Finally, the day came when they were ready to roll the Vette outside. Lyle and Lance were grinning from ear to ear with excitement as was everyone else. Everything had been checked and double checked. The guys helped roll the Vette out onto the ramp in front of the shop. Reggie stayed inside to finish sweeping up the last of the mess. Lance got behind the wheel and Lyle jumped into the passenger side. The moment they had all been working for came down to this. Lance inserted the key and turned the ignition. The engine's crankshaft made one half a revolution and then...... vvvvrrroooommm! Success! All the hard work and sweat by everyone was rewarded in that single moment. Lance put the Vette into gear and slowly let out the clutch. His head was pushed back into the seat as the car lurched ahead. He gingerly stepped on the footfeed and was rewarded with tire squeal. He glanced over at Lyle and saw a smile as big as his own. They took the Vette out onto the highway and gave it some gas. The car was a demon in disguise. It had incredible power. The boys were ecstatic when they pulled back onto the shop ramp. Everyone crowded around the Vette to listen to the engine's fine, deep throated rumble. The next day, they took it over to Ammon Pfeiffer's and took him out for a spin in it. He was delighted at how great the car looked and ran! He was glad for the boys. It gave him a warm glow inside to know he had been right about them. As for Reggie, well, he still has his moments. But he is working on them. And with Lyle's help, pointing them out to him, he is beginning to feel like a real human being. Maybe there is hope for him after all. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!