Night falls over Blackridge. The nights are darker and colder now that winter has arrived.

Winter brings biting winds and snow. But something sinister lurks in the dark. Winter's Shadow.

Under cover of darkness, a mysterious figure appears at Kim's shop. 

Listen up, I got some inside info a high ticket item is here just waiting for the taking. The [highlight]Bugatti Bolide[/highlight].

Everyone keep it quick and quiet, I want this done right.

Boss, I don't think it's here!

You've gotta be kidding... I'm gonna wring that weasel's neck.

Well we've gone to all this trouble. Take everything you can and let's get outta here. 

We'll regroup and try again another time.

Karl and his crew steal as many parts and cars as they can and clear out, vanishing into the cold night.

Morning, hope I didn't wake you. I've got a fun job for you today.

Believe it or not, I managed to get my hands on a [highlight]Bugatti Bolide![/highlight] Crazy, right?

Mind doing me a favor and getting it to my shop? It's a present for someone.

Although let's be honest, you should be begging me to even let you drive it, ha.

Awesome car, right? Aren't you lucky to work for me.

I shouldn't have to say it but please bring it here in one piece...

Nice work. Bring it inside so I can give it a good look over.

When Kim opens the shop she gasps in horror.

I can't believe it, I've been robbed blind!

This can't be happening! At the busiest time of year too!

Quick, I need you to go get Tyler and Kelly and bring them back here A.S.A.P.

This is urgent, go pick up Tyler and Kelly on the double.

You're not going to believe it, someone cleaned me out! Almost all my parts and cars are gone!

You're kidding me? Kim got robbed too?

We better go check on Kelly, I've got a bad feeling about this...

No time to lose, we gotta get to Kelly!

Oh wow this place is a mess. Was this the burglars or Kelly?

Those bastards! Damn it, damn it! If I ever catch the people that did this I swear...

Kelly, it's not just you, Kim and I got done too! Kim is holding an emergency meeting at her shop, let's go! 

I hope Kim has a plan. I wanna nail the bastards that did this to the wall.

Cool it, Kelly, let's just get back to Kim and go from there.

Alright everyone, we need to put our heads together on this one. Let's come up with a plan.

I don't get it, who would be crazy enough to rob all of us? In the same night, too?

I'll bet it was the Royals... those bastards have always had it out for us.

Breaking news! Reports are coming in all across Blackridge about a series of car-related robberies.

Reports indicate that multiple illegal street racing crews have been targeted in these attacks.

Even the corporate giant Paradyne was among the victims.

Police say they will be investigating the Paradyne thefts but the illegal racing crews are on their own.

Wow, I can't believe it. So this problem is more widespread than we thought.

Hey why don't we talk to Kris from Powerhaus? She's a reliable ally, maybe she has some info we don't?

Alright, I need you to track down Kris and see if she has anything useful for us.

She should be at Powerhaus HQ. Get going!

Powerhaus HQ

Do you have any idea what's going on? Our whole HQ got robbed last night, took damn near everything from us.

You're here to see Kris? You're too late. I sent her out to do some recon and find the scumbags that did this.

You might catch up to her if you hurry.

Hey that's one sweet ride. I wonder if it's any good in the air?

Who the heck is that tailing me? Good luck trying to catch me, loser!

Oh it's just you? You had me worried for a bit. What do you want?

So you're telling me Kim, Tyler and Kelly were all hit too?

All of Powerhaus was hit as well, seems like this is pretty widespread.

Whoever they are have a sick sense of humor. They left a weird note at the HQ.

Karl Klogg is coming to town,

Here to steal everything that’s not nailed down,

But he ain’t no fool and he ain’t no clown,

He’s really here to turn frowns upside down.

Pretty brazen to put their name on it, but I don't know what to make of the rest.

We reviewed our HQ security cameras and noticed a car fleeing the scene at around the time of the robbery.

I recognised the car straight away. It belongs to that idiot, Jack, from Flaming Skulls.

I was just on my way to question the fool, how about you tag along?

I got a pretty good idea where Jack might be, let's go.

There he is!

Damn it, who are these chumps?

Amateurs, you'll never catch me!

So close, we've nearly got him!

Man, you two don't know when to quit, just give it up!

Got you cornered, slimeball. Now start talking!

What do you take me for, some kind of rat? I ain't snitching.

Oh okay, then maybe I'll just get Blake down here and he can have a friendly "chat" with you instead.

Alright alright, cool it.

Look, I can't tell you much but I'll give you the location of the hideout. Just don't tell anyone.

Now can you let me go already?

Yeah get out of here, I'm sick of looking at your face.

We better not catch you again or the whole underground's gonna know what you've been up to.

Phew, all this detective work is making me hungry. You wanna grab a sub?

Alright we've got a location, let's head there now!

Let's not waste any time, pedal to the metal!

Looks like this is the place.

This place gives me the creeps. Sure looks like a hideout for scumbags.

Who the hell are these jokers?

Darn it, I think they're onto us boss, we gotta go!

Oi, where do you think you two are going?!

We can't let them get away!

We're closing in on them, don't let up!

Hahaha who do you think you're messing with? I'm the best racer this town has ever seen.

Damn it, he's so fast!

Quick let's go after Dillon instead! 

There he is! Take him out!

Did you really think you could get away from us?

Come on go easy on me, I was only taking orders!

Save it. I lost one of my best cars in that robbery.

Start dishing out the info and maybe we'll take pity on you.

Alright look, the word is that there's going to be another robbery tonight.

I remember the boss saying that we were planning to target Kim again.

This time he was hoping to get his hands on that [highlight]Bugatti Bolide[/highlight].

That's all I know I swear! Please just let me go!

Alright scram, you're embarrassing yourself.

You hear that? You better get your butt back to Kim and warn her.

Get a move on and head back to Kim A.S.A.P.

I'm gonna report back to my crew and let you take it from here for now.

Hit me up if you need help.

You've been gone a while, I was starting to get worried.

What did you find out?

You're kidding? They're planning to hit my shop again?

They're after the [highlight]Bolide[/highlight] this time? Maybe we could use it as a decoy.

Go fetch Tyler and Kelly and bring them back here, we're going to need all hands on deck.

Hey what's up?

Kim needs us all back at the shop? Alright just let me lock up tight and we'll go get Kelly.

Let's not keep Kim waiting. Step on it!

Whoa you two look like you're in a rush, what's going on?

Kim's got a plan, eh? Alright count me in!

Let's all meet back at the shop, last one there is buying a round of coffees.

You're just saying that cause you know it'll be me...

Alright everyone, I've got a plan. Come on in and let's get prepared.

Sounds good, coffees are on Tyler.

Ah man...

Thanks to our intel gathering, we know Karl is planning to strike again tonight.

He's after the [highlight]Bugatti Bolide[/highlight] so I say we use it as a decoy.

We'll leave it out in the open, draw him in, and when he goes for the bait we spring the trap.

I'll hide a tracking device in the car in case he does manage to get away with it.

Good idea. I doubt he'll be alone though so be on guard.

Karl and Suki from Flaming Skulls show up as expected and Karl goes to try steal the [highlight]Bolide[/highlight].

You, Kim, Tyler and Kelly, surround them.

Caught red handed! Give it up, low-life!

Damn it! Someone must have squealed on us!

Let's get the hell out of dodge!

Don't let them escape!

You're gonna have to do better than that!

Suki, keep them distracted, I'm out of here!

You got it, boss!

That Karl guy is so slippery!

Never mind him for now, go after Suki!

You're hot on her tail, don't let her escape!

Damn it, you just don't let up do you?

Kelly notices Suki has a tattoo on her arm that says "The Frostbites." 

That's a nice tattoo you got there. [highlight]The Frostbites[/highlight], huh? You want to start explaining yourself?

Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have gotten this on my arm.

Look, Karl leads a secretive crew called [highlight]The Frostbites[/highlight] and I'm a part of it.

If you want more answers you're going to have to go higher, I don't get told much.

I heard Karl is going to a local metal gig tomorrow night, that'd be your best bet.

So this guy Karl likes metal gigs, huh?

According to Suki's info he should be at one tonight.

I'd suggest getting in contact with Kris, you might need backup on this.

So this Karl creep is gonna be at a gig tonight?

You can count me in, I want to take this guy down just as much as you do.

Meet me at Powerhaus HQ and we'll go from there.

Sweet, you're here, let's get prepped for tonight.

Let's head to the venue and we'll park nearby.

Hopefully we can catch him off guard as he's leaving.

We're here, keep a low profile and get in position.

This place sure is a dive. It's even called "The Rat Nest", seems pretty fitting for this creep.

Suki better not have given you fake information to throw us off.

Wait a minute, is that him? He's not alone either, I think that's Ramirez with him!

You two again? Can't a man have a little down time in peace?

Aren't you ever gonna learn? Guess I'll have to teach you another lesson.

Quick, get after them!

You'll never catch the boss. The guy is a true speed demon.

Get ready to eat my dust, rookies.

Look I'll admit you two have got skills but you're just not on my level.

Get ready to eat those words, go get him!

I'm out of here, I've had enough fun for today.

Ramirez, you keep 'em off my back!

You got it boss!

How does he keep escaping? Is that guy even human?

Guess we have to settle for scraps. Don't let Ramirez shake us!

Kris spins out and falls behind.

Damn it! Hunk of junk...

You're gonna have to nab Ramirez on your own, I'll be rooting for ya!

Looks like Ramirez gained a bit of ground on you.

Pump that nitro and hunt him down!

Where'd you come from? I swear I shook you back there.

Stop being such a pest and give it up!

Damn it! You caught me off guard.

Don't be a sore loser. Now spill the beans, Ramirez.

I'm just a pawn, muchacho. You're gonna want to talk to the queen if you want the truth.

Oh yeah, let me guess. That would be Ivy?

Si bueno, looks like you've been paying attention after all.

I don't get it, why are the Flaming Skulls involved with this guy?

That's not for me to answer. I've told you enough already, I'm outta here.

So he got away again huh?

Well at least you know who to target next.

I'd say your best bet is to head to Flaming Skulls HQ, Ivy might be there.

Take Kris with you and I'd suggest hitting it at night, might catch her off guard.

Alright let's head out.

If Ramirez's info is correct, Ivy is Karl's right hand.

I'm not settling for anything less than the truth this time.

We're here, let's hope we can catch her off guard.

Come on where is she? I'm getting bored here.

Suddenly a swarm of cops converge on you and Kris.

This is BRPD, we have a warrant for both your arrests!

Under suspicion of involvement with the ongoing automotive thefts in Blackridge!

What? You gotta be kidding!

Hit the gas, we gotta scram!

This is bad, why would they think you did this?

I'm going to do some recon and try find out what's going on.

You just focus on getting away!

What are you all doing? Stop those criminals or I'll have your badges!

This is bad. I think we better split up for now.

I might be able to lead some of them away but you owe me one!

Kris is able to distract the cops and you make an escape for now.

Come get me, coppers, I'm the one you want!

How did we let one of them slip away? I'm surrounded by incompetence!

Stay on the girl with the mohawk. I'll track down the other perp myself.

You need to shake the cops off your trail.

Lose them and then contact me so we can work out a plan.

You're only making it worse for yourself, just give up!

I won't let you escape justice!

Damn it all! How am I supposed to keep up with a [highlight]Bugatti Bolide[/highlight]!

HQ this is Rivera, suspect has managed to escape for now. What's your situation?

What? The girl with the mohawk escaped too?

For the love of... are we a police department or a circus? 

Head back to the station for further briefing.

Nice work, that was some great driving.

I just contacted Kris and she managed to lose the cops too.

I want you both to meet me back at the shop, get going.

Phew, I sure saved your butt back there, aren't you glad we're friends?

Alright come on in, we have a lot to discuss.

I don't think I need to tell you we're in a bad situation here.

I'm going to do my best to pull some strings and try get your names cleared.

For now I think it's best you just continue to track down Ivy.

The sooner we get to the bottom of all this the sooner we can get the cops off your back.

I got word of where Ivy was last spotted, head there on the double.

I hope Kim can sort out this mess.

Let's get a move on to Ivy, chop chop.

There she is!

Ah great, it's the amateur detective duo.

You softies won't keep up with me!

Step on it, we can't afford to lose her!

We're closing in, don't let your foot off that accelerator!

Alright we've closed the gap, time to finish the job!

I'm not going down without a fight! Bring it on!

I can't believe you caught me... that [highlight]Bolide[/highlight] is something else.

It's drivers that win races, not cars.

I've had enough of this running around crap!

You're gonna spill your guts or we're ratting you out to the whole underground!

Alright look. Karl and I go way back. We used to frequent the metal scene back in the day.

One night we got a bit wasted after a gig and I stupidly decided to try drive us home.

I totaled the car and the cops were closing in, I was sure I was done for.

Then he goes and says he'll take the fall for me in exchange for me being in his debt.

I was panicked and agreed but I wish I hadn't.

Every year he gets me and some of Flaming Skulls to help him with his heists.

Alright that's enough, you're coming with us back to Kim's shop.

You, Kris, Kim, Tyler, Kelly and Ivy are all gathered at Kim's shop.

So we know why Flaming Skulls members are helping Karl but we still need to stop him.

I'm telling you now there's no point in trying to chase him down.

He's one of the best racers I've ever seen and elusive as anything.

You won't be able to catch him.

Then where does that leave us? We can't just let this guy get away with it.

Karl has a weak spot for competition. I might be able to get him to agree to a fair tournament.

This is ridiculous, why should we be playing games with this guy?

Because this is your best chance to stop him, trust me.

I'll contact him and get him to organise the meet up.

I'm warning you now though, it's not going to be easy and he'll want there to be stakes involved.

Alright I've got Karl to agree to hold a meeting with everyone.

Come to [highlight]Frostbites[/highlight] HQ A.S.A.P.

You arrive at Frostbites HQ. All members of Frostbites are there including Karl.

Well well, you actually showed up. You got guts, kid.

You've been a real thorn in my side lately but I'm hoping we can settle this once and for all.

I'm a sucker for a good competition so I'll make you an offer.

Beat my [highlight]Frostbites[/highlight] crew and me in fair and square races and I'll give it up and return everything I stole.

If you lose though, you gotta get off my back for good AND I get to keep that sweet [highlight]Bolide[/highlight] you got there.

Sounds fair right?

Oh and don't you worry about that little cop problem.

I pulled some strings and got you and your mohawk friend's names cleared.

Alright, Jack, you're up first. Don't screw up.

Don't worry, boss, I got this.

What was that!? Pathetic.

I uh... my engine must have stalled!

Come on Dillon, I need you to put your mean face on for this one!

I'll do my best. That's a lot of pressure though.

Were you even trying? Come on Dillon...

Sorry boss. I guess I need to be more confident.

Last chance to prove your worth, Dillon. Come on fire up!

Right! Come on I got this, I got this!

That's it kid, I'm pulling you out.

Sorry Karl, I guess I just don't have what it takes.

Not with that attitude!

Don't worry boss, let me handle this.

That's more like it, crush them!

Come on Suki, you may be small but I know your skills aren't!

Shut up! I don't need you patronising me.

Come on Suki, I've seen how good you are, prove it!

Argh come on that wasn't fair!

Take the L Suki, you're on the bench.

Ramirez, you win this for me and next gig tickets are on me, drinks too!

Wasn't planning on losing anyway but I'll be taking you up on that!

Come on man, I've seen you smoke racers twice as good as this chump, focus!

Would you lay off, I can't concentrate with you chiming in constantly!

Well you lost Ramirez. Looks like you're the one shouting next gig.

What?! We didn't agree on that!

I'm not worried, Ivy's gonna take you to the cleaners!

Keep your head in the game Ivy.

We've got a really good thing going here, you gonna let this punk take that from us?

Of course not, they just got lucky.

Ivy, I didn't make you my right hand for nothing.

You're one of the best racers I know, now show them what you're made of!

Alright enough playing around. I'm ending this.

I'm sorry Karl. They're just too good, maybe even better than you...

Oh now you're rooting for this amateur?

[highlight]Sigh[/highlight] Well you know what they say.

If you want something done right you do it yourself.

Bring it on, punk!

You've been getting real lucky but I'm about to end that streak.

You know you might think I'm the villain here but you have no idea!

What I do, I do for the greater good.

You think I steal for myself? You got it all wrong.

I grew up an orphan, I lived on the streets most my life.

I know what it's like to have nothing, to have no one care.

Truth is, I steal from people who live in excess. Do you all really need these expensive cars?

I sell it all off and use the money to help out everyone in need at this time of year.

I don't keep any of it for myself.

That doesn't make it right! There's much better ways to help out people in need.

Yeah well it's been working out fine for years, until you all had to get twisted about it.

I'm not letting you ruin this for me, what I do helps people, my heart is in the right place!

No... I can't believe it.

I failed... all those people I could have helped. Who will help them now?

Look Karl, I get you had good intentions but your methods are too extreme!

You lost, so you better come through and return everything. Do that and it'll be water under the bridge.

I'm a man of my word. I'll return everything and I'll stop the thieving.

Glad to hear it.

There's one last thing I want to discuss. Everyone meet me back at the shop.

You too Karl.

You, Karl, Kris, Kim, Tyler and Kelly all meet at Kim's shop.

Well I can tell you what, I'm looking forward to some time off.

Talk about a hectic holiday season.

So what's this all about huh? You gonna scold me some more.

Well no actually. See I've had a chat to Kris, Tyler and Kelly and we came to an agreement.

We think you had the right idea, there are a lot of people in need this time of year.

We've all decided to pool some of our holiday profits and give them to charities and people in need.

We think it'd be best if you pick which ones need it most.

Wow I don't know what to say... I guess what I did was a good thing after all?

Don't push your luck, Karl.

I'm kidding. I really appreciate it everyone.

One last thing.

You can keep the [highlight]Bolide[/highlight]. Think of it as a holiday gift for all your help with this craziness!

Hey do I get one too?!

Hey now fair is fair, that [highlight]Bolide[/highlight] is all mine, punk.