So sorry for the hiatus guys! This last chapter really put my through the ringer. Not to mention I live in WV where the water crisis occurred, which kept me from home for quite a while. None the less, as some of you probably already know, I get a little out of hand with my chapters. So this last chapter will be split into three parts. Hope it's a good ending for everyone who's been enjoying this one, and I hope to see you at my next story.
Chapter 52-Convince Me
Ring! Ring!
Leon rolled over with an annoyed groan to silence the alarm clock on the table that read 5:00 AM in red neon lights. As he returned back to his comfortable position, he realized the warm body that he was cuddled up to all night was gone. Sitting up and looking around the quiet hotel room, Leon didn't see any sign of Red's personal items and realized she was gone. Even after the special night they had, it wasn't enough to convince her to stay with him. Leon tossed the blankets from his legs angrily, and stood to yank his boxers on. He headed to the bathroom and stood at the sink, staring straight ahead at the mirror. Images of their night of passion flashed through his head, and though he was hurt that she was gone, he was happy that they had one final night together.
"Maybe it just wasn't meant to be," he said to himself with a sigh.
While stretching Leon felt a sting at his shoulders and turned to the mirror with a shit-eating grin. The sight of scratches covering his back gave him a sense of pride. If nothing else, she left satisfied, and that was good enough for him.
Leon tossed some water on his face and headed back to the bedroom, where he sat on the bed to pull on his slacks and shoes. When he went to reach for his shirt that was previously hanging across a chair, he found it too was missing.
Great, he thought. Now he would have to do his walk of shame from the building in less clothes than he arrived with. He grabbed his cell phone and turned it on to be met with several texts.
"Have fun Le!" from Mia.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do, but if you do, I want details!" from Twinkie.
"We're rooting for you, dawg!" from Rob.
But nothing from Audrina. Not even a goodbye.
Leon pocketed the phone with a bittersweet smile and headed for the door, but the surprise behind it made his smile even wider.
"Ditching me?" Audrina asked with a smirk as she stood in his blue dress-shirt over her dress and two coffees in hand.
"I thought you ditched me first," he replied with relief in his voice.
"Give me some credit, Le. I'd at least leave a note," she grinned and handed over the Styrofoam cups to shrug out of his shirt and hand it over. "Come on, I called us a ride. We can wait outside."
Leon followed Audrina down to the lobby and out of the double-doors to be met with the cool Berlin breeze of the early morning. It was still dark out, but quiet except for a few early birds and stragglers moving in and out of the hotel.
The two found a bench near the entrance and took up to wait for their FBI service vehicle. Leon sat as close as possible, using the cup for warmth as the two sat in a comfortable silence. Red was especially quiet, and it didn't sit well with him.
"So... any regrets?" he asked half-jokingly while taking a careful sip of the steaming brew.
Red hesitated before nodding slowly, "Just one."
Leon looked down sadly. Maybe it didn't go as well as I thought, he reflected.
"Not doing this sooner," she grabbed his hand and interlocked their fingers with a smile. "Last night was great, but my brain's in a fog. My flight doesn't leave until nine, so you still have time to convince me."
"You seemed convinced last night," he said with a smile, turning to remove his shirt and show off his battle wounds.
Red put her hand over her face to hide her embarrassment, "I am so sorry about that. Usually I'm not so rough."
"I'll take that as a compliment then. We could always go up and I can try to persuade you again."
"No way, Playboy. You have a big day. We gotta get you home to Mommy and Daddy," Red stood as the black Crown Vic pulled up out front.
With his adrenaline pumping and still riding a crazy love-high from the night before, Leon felt an urge to say something, anything to convince her to be with him. For good.
"Would it be weird to say I love you after the first date?"
Red's heart nearly skipped a beat as she froze in her tracks. After a few moments, she turned back to him.
"No," she smiled before reaching her hand out to him, "Come on. Let's get you home."
Nursing a warm cup of coffee and a simmering adrenaline buzz, Dom leaned against the counter in the kitchen with his thoughts in a jumbled maze. He was focused on the task today, but he knew he wouldn't be able to get the night before out of his head.
Letty's painful words... her crying... all of it was weighing heavily on Dom's heart and mind at a time when he needed to be clearheaded. At a time when he should've been concentrating on the business at hand, all Dominic could think about was how to fix things with Letty.
"Good morning Uncle Dommie," Mia said enthusiastically as she entered the kitchen with her daughter in her arms.
"What are you doing up so early, Princess?" Dom asked softly with a smile for his niece as he lifted her from Mia's hands.
"Couldn't sleep. Daddy's a wild sleeper," Mia answered for her while moving to the fridge. "We decided to get an early jump on breakfast before we start packing."
"I'm guessing you aren't mad anymore?" he asked, taking note of her lighter mood.
"Brian told me about Erik. Sorry about my tantrum," she said with a slight smile. Dom had already forgiven her for her harsh words the night before; he knew how antsy Mia could get with a few drinks in her.
"So I guess you know about Letty too?" he said while cradling his niece close. With her head on his shoulders, Dom could hear her breaths evening out and knew she was already fast asleep.
"Oh yes. Can you blame her for being afraid? The girl's been through hell," Mia said while moving to lean against the counter next to him.
"No. That's all on me. How do I fix it, Mi?"
Mia looked up to her brother, who appeared worried about the woman of his heart. She could see it in his eyes that he wanted to make things right, but didn't know how. Mia knew though. As an expert on love, she knew what it would take to put Letty's worries to rest, but she wasn't about to spell it out for him.
"Big Brother, do you want to be with Letty? I mean really be with her - kids, Pickett fence, the whole nine yards. Without running around like maniacs, do you think you could be with Letty as a normal couple?" Mia asked, leaning up against the counter next to him.
"Of course," he answered with slight hesitation, "With a few dozen million dollars coming our way without a legit way to explain it, it's safe to say we'll never be normal. But yes, I want her."
"Then follow Brian's lead."
Dom's brows furrowed, "Brian's lead?"
Mia rolled her eyes, "Let her know that it's forever. All she wants is to know that she doesn't have to be scared to wake up to you gone again. Let her know that you're here to stay."
"I've been telling her that Mi."
"Then show her, numbskull," Mia scoffed, "Come on. Help me make breakfast."
After a half hour of chatting up his baby sister and helping her with the food, Dom was happy when the others started to file into the kitchen, taking their spots at the island. They all appeared in good spirits, and that was always a good sign on game day. Dom stiffed a little when Erik stumbled in soon after and watched as he moved around the kitchen with ease to pour a mug a coffee. It sickened Dom how comfortable the traitor had become around his family, his son.
"Dom, you got a minute?" Sean asked as he and Jerry approached Dom quietly, taking his attention away from Erik.
Dom nodded and led them out of earshot of the others. Once they were alone in the lounge, Sean pulled a small cell phone from his pocket and handed it to Dom. As he was doing so, the door swung open and Brian's scruffy face peeked in. Dom nodded him inside before turning back to the phone in his hand.
"Is this Erik's phone? How'd you get this?"
"Twink's got a bag full of phones that look just like it. I'll just say I thought it was his," he said with a careless shrug.
Dom slid it open, but the language was in German, so it was useless to him.
"Emails addressed to the same person, but it's not Alvaro," Jerry filled in.
"Then who?" Brian asked.
"His grandfather, Arnie K. With technology these days, it doesn't take much to get into his personal emails. He's been reporting back to him for days," Jerry replied, "I read a few of them. He also told Arnie about Luke. He's sending guys there today to 'take care of him'. We gotta stop them Dom," Jerry said anxiously.
"Makes no sense. He helped Luke in there. Why would he set him up to be killed?" Brian asked.
"Because none of us were supposed to make it out of this alive. They needed eyes inside on us. It's been a game from the moment we stepped in Germany," Dom growled angrily as his blood boiled from the betrayal. He hated nothing more than people prowling on his family's kindness. "Let me break it to Le."
"I'll try to get a hold of Hobbs. He needs to get men to Luke now," Brian said while reaching for his phone.
The men dispersed from the room and headed off into action. As Dom entered the kitchen, he noticed Letty and Julian mixed into the crowd of people. She seemed to feel his presence and looked up from her plate of eggs to give him a small quirk of the brow and a nod. He smiled and moved to scoop Julian up and sat him on the island next to her. Julian's tiny hands went straight for the necklace around Dom's neck as they usually did when he was in his father's arms.
"Sorry about last night," Letty mumbled with a mouthful of food, catching Dominic by surprise. He wasn't expecting much talking out of her that morning, let alone an apology. She fell straight asleep last night without saying much of anything.
"Always the classy one," Dom replied with a grin, "Don't sweat it. Take all the time you need, Lett. I'll be here. I'll show you that. Just give me 24 hours."
The softness in his eyes and confidence in his words was enough to make Letty agree with a nod, "I'm not the only one you have to convince here," she said while nodding to Julian.
Hobbs woke with a sudden jolt, dangling half-way off the bed he shared with another body. When he lifted his head, he could only see the beautiful naked body of a woman sprawled out on her stomach next to him, a wave of brunette hair around her. He took the opportunity to admire the voluptuous ass that looked even better against the white sheets.
While taking pleasure in her exposed assets, Luke tried hard to remember who the mystery woman was and how she got in his bed. Clearly they had taken things as far as possible, considering he too was naked in only a pair of knee-high socks. The last thing he could remember was watching an English fĂștbol game with Monica while having a drink.
As if on cue, the mystery woman stirred and turned to face him with a pleased moan. When Hobbs finally put a face to the sexy nude body, the news shocked him to the floor with a hard thud.
"What the hell?" Monica groaned after being startled awake by his fall.
Hobbs reached up for the duvets to wrap around his naked body, "What are you doing in my bed? And did you drug me?"
"No I didn't drug you. I didn't realize you were such a lightweight," she said with a roll of her eyes.
"Excuse me?" he scoffed, offended.
She nodded to the beer bottles on his nightstand, "You had like four beers. You're acting like I gave you the date-rape drug."
"And you took advantage of me?!" he exclaimed, ignoring her staring at his bare torso.
"Calm down, Nancy. You jumped me," Hobbs tried hard to remember the time frame between the soccer match and now that led him to wake up next to Satan herself, albeit a good-looking Satan. "You really don't remember?"
"I'm not a lightweight, all right?" he objected, though he wasn't sure he believed himself. "I just haven't had alcohol in a while."
Before she could reply, a rapid knock came at the front door. Without thinking, he hustled to the door still wrapped in the blanket and yanked it open.
"Whoa, Boss," D.S.S Agent Bates said once he was met with the sight of his boss nearly naked. "You missed your alarm. Team's ready to ride out."
"What time is it?" he asked, standing in the doorway to block the agent behind him from sight.
"Almost seven. We're waiting downstairs," Bates said with a grin. "Oh yeah, tell Agent Fuentes that her car is waiting as well."
Hobbs slammed the door and stormed back to the bedroom, where Monica was now dressed in only a black bra and jeans that hugged her curves
"How does Bates know you're here?" he questioned while searching the room for his own clothes.
"No clue," she shrugged while lifting her t-shirt over her head.
"Monica," he demanded sternly, "How?"
"He dropped me off here last night. I told him I'd call when I was ready to go," she shrugged while heading back to the living area where their night started.
Hobbs growled annoyingly while yanking on his track pants that he found hanging over the sofa. He wasn't upset about being with Monica, or even the fact that people knew. Luke was upset that he couldn't remember the surely-sweet night of wild passion with a woman he didn't exactly care for. He couldn't remember a lot of his conquests, but he would've liked to keep this memory, especially after seeing her nude.
After watching him storm back into the bedroom like a brat, Monica searched the living area for the remainder of her belongings. She hobbled on one wedge while searching for the other, as she thought about the surprisingly great night she had with Agent Hobbs. He wasn't her favorite person, but he sure knew how to show a girl a good time.
Of course, he clearly had no clue how to buy beer. The cheap, back-alley beer he settled for was a knockoff that didn't take long to turn the disciplined machine into a horny teenage boy. They went several rounds in the living room before they even made it to the bed, and he didn't disappoint. If he didn't annoy her so much, Monica would even consider doing it again sometime.
She wouldn't tell him that, though.
After finally locating her shoe under a table, she heard the familiar vibration of a cell phone against glass, and searched for it. Monica found Hobbs' phone and decided to answer, in case it was important.
"Fuentes?"
"Why are you answering Hobbs' phone?" the voice on the other end snarled.
Monica could only roll her eyes, "Because he's busy. Can I help you, O'Connor?" she gave the attitude right back.
"Sounds like you're helping yourself. Weren't you just trying to get with his partner?"
"Hey, a girl has needs too. Did you call for a reason, or just to be nosey and annoying like always?"
"Whatever," he grumbled and she smiled for the small victory, "You guys need to contact the hospital you sent Luke Hernandez too. We believe some of Koenig's men after going him today to finish the job."
"Why?" Monica asked, her voice now serious.
"Erik Koenig. He's been double-crossing us. Look, there's no time to explain. Get your guys to Luke, and tell Hobbs to call Dominic as soon as possible."
The line went dead, leaving Monica confused and worried.
"Where you on my phone?" Hobbs asked as he entered the room, now completely dressed in his work gear.
"Yeah," she tossed it over to him before pulling out her own, "It was Brian O'Connor. Koenig's men are after the younger Hernandez brother. He said to call Dominic. It didn't sound good."
"What do you mean?"
"Brian always sounds like a whiny, insecure girl, but this was different. Call Dominic. I'm gonna get someone to check in on Lucas just in case," she said as she snatched her purse from the table and left the room with her phone plugged to her ear.
Hobbs dialed Dominic's number while heading out behind Monica, opting to take the stairs instead.
"Toretto, I heard we got issues."
"I tried calling you last night. Erik Koenig's been playing us. Working with his grandfather Arnold Koenig to keep tabs on us. He's going inside for the cases."
"Yeah, I kinda got caught up last night. How are we wanting to handle this?"
"He's betrayed my family. I'm done protecting him."
Dom's ominous tone put a little pep in Hobbs' step.
"I'm on my way."
"You ready for this?" Leon asked Red as they stopped in front of the gated home. He wasn't sure how she was taking his admission, but she hadn't said a word the entire drive to the villa. She wasn't as easy to read as the other women in his life, so he didn't push her.
He would try to be patient for once in his life.
"Of course. After the great night I had, and even better morning, I have nothing to be ashamed of," she smiled proudly and kissed his cheek before stepping out to press the buzzer.
Leon followed suit with a grin and stood next to her while waiting for access. As the intricate gates began to pull open, Red grabbed Leon's hand once again and the two walked happily towards the house. The door opened and Dom's smiling face stepped out.
"Well lookie there. Don't you two look chummy?" he grumbled with a grin for the couple.
"It was nice to get away. Sorry if we worried you," Leon replied with a proud smile that said a lot to Dom. He was happy. Happy was never the word used when Leon woke up to find his overnight company still around.
"I trust you can handle yourself," Dom replied, "Red, Mia saved some breakfast for you guys. And you can use Letty's shower if you want. The boys are already lined up in the guest house."
Red smiled gratefully while sharing a look with Leon, his face screaming 'I-told-you-so'.
"Thanks, Toretto. I don't care what Leon says about you, you're not half-bad," she teased in passing.
"I've been told," Dom responded before stopping Leon from entering after her. "Let me talk to you about something."
Leon didn't like Dom's sudden mood change, "What's up, dawg?"
"It's Erik."
Leon didn't know what that meant but he automatically thought the worst.
"Oh God, what happened?" Leon panicked.
"Nothing happened... yet," Dom tried to calm his brother down. The suspicious look now on his face told Dom this wouldn't be easy. "Erik's been reporting back to his grandfather since he left with his us. He's working with him, not us. He's been playing you, Leo."
Leon was confused. He saw Erik's bruises and scars, courtesy of his family. Why would he be lying? "How do you know? I mean, can you prove it?"
"Letty heard him on the phone with Arnie last night. Jerry ran his cell phone for clues. Found a few dozen emails."
Leon wasn't sure how to feel about the news of the young man he and his brother had taken under their wings. He wanted to believe Dom, but he was finding it hard to accept.
"So what? Are you gonna kill him? 'Cuz I don't know if I'd be okay with that."
"Nobody's gonna kill the kid, Le. We're gonna let him go in with Sean and get what we need. Then, whatever happens, happens."
"I don't know Dom," Leon said, clearly upset by the bombshell. Dom tossed an arm over his shoulder and led him up the steps.
"Come on, I'll explain."
Letty's POV
I was packing up the room I shared with Dom to prepare for our next, and hopefully last move while Julian playing quietly on the sofa with a few toy cars. Looking around the cozy, white-themed room, I knew I would miss the luxury. It was a helluva lot nicer than the places Julian and I were used to, but I was looking forward to moving on.
Whether it was back to Echo Park, or off to a new home, I would miss the colorful country.
As I zipped up the last suitcase, I realized that Julian was being too quiet for his own good. I turned quickly to see him staring at the cross that hung low down to his chest. Normally, I'd gripe at him about fooling with jewelry, but he looked too adorable with the silver hanging from his neck. Instead, I moved to sit next to him and pull him into my lap.
"Whatcha' got, Jules?" he held the cross up to show me.
"Daddy's chain," he replied while twirling the pendant between his fingers. "Are we 'eaving again, Mama?" he looked up at me with those big almond eyes and my heart broke.
"I'm afraid so, love," I replied solemnly. I knew it wasn't easy for him to be on the move as much as we were, and I hated dragging him from one dangerous place to another.
"I wanna stay," he pouted with his eyes downcast to the floor.
"I know, sweetie. I'd love to stay myself but this isn't our home. We have to find our own place to live, then I promise we won't ever have to move again."
"Papa come too?" he asked with hopeful eyes.
"If you want," I obliged. I just hoped Dom didn't make me a liar.
This seemed to make up for the fact that we were moving again, and my boy was left smiling happily once more.
"Go take your things to the purple car, okay? Aunt Mia's out there with Brooklyn," he jumped down from the sofa and grabbed his small suitcase. I stopped him at the door, "Jules... the necklace, please."
He sauntered back with a roll of his eyes before handing over the neck. I laughed at his attitude that mimicked mine as he bounded out of the room. I looked down at the cool metal in my hands and smiled.
The cross that was a symbol of our relationship, a symbol of hope for a better day together. Throughout our rocky relationship it had changed hands several times, but still kept it's shine and sturdiness. I could only hope Dom and I could one day be that durable.
I put the necklace on and gathered the last of my things before leaving the room. I stopped across the hall at the bathroom for a last once-over of anything left behind, but instead I was blown away by a different kind of surprise: Red brushing her teeth in a grey bra and matching boxer-brief shorts.
"Shit, sorry girl," I apologized. I was slow to leave as it was hard to take my eyes off her toned body. Cop or not, the girl had killer thighs.
"No worries," she replied and leaned down to spit out the paste, "Since you're in no rush to leave, can I ask you something?"
I smirked and leaned against the door frame, "What's up?"
"It's about Leon and I..." I trailed off.
"Listen girl, I'm flattered and all but I'll have to pass on the threesome. I'm not one for sharing," I teased to help lighten the mood. It was clear her head was fogged by something, and I was never good at being consoling.
"Yeah, I get that, though that wasn't what I was gonna ask," she smiled and sighed heavily before turning to lean against the sink, "Has Leon ever had a serious relationship? I mean, has he ever been in love?"
I snorted at the question, "If he has, I've never known about it, and I know the guy pretty well. Leon is more into getting to know the parts under the mini-skirt, not the woman inside it," I explained.
"Sounds like our guy," she smiled but it didn't reach her pretty eyes, "He told me he loved me earlier... I think."
My jaw dropped, "Damn girl, what'd you do to him?"
Red smiled again, "I don't know but it scares the shit out of me."
"Do you feel the same?" I asked nervously. I didn't want to be the first to find out she was playing him.
"I'm about eighty-five percent positive that I do feel the same," she began ranting while dressing in green cargo pants a black camisole tank, "but because of his reputation and my long hiatus from the opposite sex, I was terrified to tell him that. I don't really know how to be with someone like Leon."
I didn't like the words she was saying, but the woman looked genuinely clueless about how to handle Le.
"What did you do your date?"
"We danced and had a few drinks. Talked all night, then... well," she trailed off but I quickly picked up her point.
"Then you already know how to be with him. He just wants a girl he can be himself with and still have a good time. He's used to girls being after his infamy, his status. As far as I know, he's never had a girl with brains and beauty. I'm sure he's just as terrified as you."
"What if something happens? What if he cheats? Or I do? Oh God," Red panicked and paced the room.
"Love's about taking the risk," I closed the distance to get her to relax, "Sometimes you just have to fall into the deep end because you know he will be there to catch you. The fall might hurt, but the adrenaline rush is like nothing else. You just have to stick it out, find out if it's worth the fear of getting hurt."
"Wow," she let out a sigh of relief, "Wasn't expecting that from you."
"I tend to surprise," I shrugged, "If you feel the same, he should know."
"I'll work on it," she gave a small smile, "Thanks, Letty. I know I haven't been your favorite person, but Leon adores you. I can kinda see why."
"So where you heading off to?" I asked, noticing her packed bag by the door.
"No where yet," she said with a sigh and grabbed her rolling suitcase and followed me out the bathroom and down the hall.
Dom's booming voice interrupted our chat, "All right guys, get this place cleaned up. Back to the way you found it. And hurry up, we have like half-hour before Hobbs shows to transfer you off to Munich."
"Why Munich?"
"That's where it all ends," I said with hope, "Wanna get them and the kids out of the line of fire just in case," I replied anxiously.
"I wish I could get you out of the line of fire," Dom said with his back to us as he watched over the boys in the backyard. He turned around and his eyes went to the necklace around my neck and a jubilant smile spread across his lips.
"Keep dreaming," I returned the grin, "I'm playing with the big boys today."
He groaned and closed in on us, "We need another driver. With these three convoys added to the mix, we'll need another car."
"Are any of these guys qualified for that kind of work?" Red asked, and Dom gave her a strange look. "Sorry, but I've seen Rob and Carlos race. They're good, but not very good."
"She's right. If any of us are jumping on that Humvee, you better make sure they don't become roadkill because of driver error. They need to have precision," I agreed, then a thought came to my head, "I do know a pretty decent female driver though."
"Mia is out of the question," Dom shot down instantly.
"Not her. Her," I jerked my head in Red's direction. Her face changed from indifference to confusion.
"Me?" she said with her eyes bulging from her head, "I don't know about that."
"Know about what?" Leon asked as he approached from behind.
"We need a third driver today. Letty suggested Audrina," Dom said.
Leon pulled her away with a look of concern to talk privately, but it was in my nature to eavesdrop.
"You don't have to do this, Audge. I would never ask you to do something like this," Leon said, "You're a special agent."
"You didn't have to ask, and technically I'm on leave until this case is over," she replied, "I can drive, probably better than you and you know that. I can do this, Leon."
"Totally your choice," Dom said, indicating that he had been listening as well, "We won't be mad if you decline."
"Are you kidding? I haven't seen this much action since I raced your girl," Red laughed and turned back to Leon. She placed her hands on either side of his face, and I almost wanted to look away. Almost. "Le, I'm just driving. Nothing too crazy, and nothing I can't handle."
Leon held her gaze for what felt like an eternity before finally nodding, "The first sign that anything's wrong, I want you to pull back and get to safety, you got it? Seriously Red. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you."
Red smiled happily before pulling his face in for a quick kiss, "I'll be fine... as long as I get something cool to drive."
"You prefer muscle or import?" I wasn't surprised by Dom's question. It was his opener to every friendship he made.
"I can drive anything, but I prefer to race muscle."
"Sounds like a Toretto already," Dom replied proudly, "Take a look at Sean's Mustang out there."
I waited until they were gone to turn back to him, "Poor girl has no clue what she signed up for. A lifetime of mischief with Leon."
"With Leon, or with you?" Dom asked with a grin, "Not even two days here and you've already corrupted her."
I laughed, "She was already corrupted."
As we headed towards the front of the house, Dom stopped in front of me, "You ready for this?" he asked with that cocky grin that I hated and loved at the same time. It annoyed me when we fought because I couldn't resist it, but I loved the shot of adrenaline it gave me.
"Are you?" I returned with a cocked eyebrow.
"Yeah," he smirked with a shrug before turning, "Just don't fall again."
"Game day teams! Hopefully you're getting close to Berlin because it's only one hour until showtime. Remember, to get the win and the money up for grabs you must retrieve the cases by any means necessary and return them to the Kingdom. You have six hours to get them to them back. Once the time is up, your contracts will be terminated and your services will no longer be needed. Your final clue - the Berlin 30th Infantry Regiment. Good luck - we'll be watching."
Dom read aloud the last message from Brandon Slythe to the team packed into a vacant parking garage Hobbs found on the way over. Jerry and Twink were doing a final check on the Daytona, Sean's Mustang and the BMW SL5 that Leon would be manning. Brian was saying his goodbyes to his daughter and wife, and Dom mentally promised both girls that he would bring their man home safe. Letty was standing in front her of Nissan S-14 with the hood up, showing off to Leon and Red while Julian was manning the wheel.
They were only twenty minutes from the airport, and less than seven hours away from new lives. Needless to say, some of them were anxious to get started.
"Has anyone seen my phone? I haven't seen it all day," Erik spoke up while checking his pockets for his device. "I need that phone guys. We have to go back."
"Calm down, dude, I got your phone," Sean spoke up after peeking his head into his car. He reappeared and tossed the device over to Erik. "I dropped mine in the pool last night. I got one of Twink's burners last night, but I must've picked up yours this morning by accident. My bad."
Everyone stood quiet and patiently to see how it would play out next.
"You've had my phone all day and didn't bother giving it back?" Erik asked, his voice shaky as he slid it open."What? We just go through each other's personal shit, now?"
"Whoa, whoa," Leon spoke up from the Nissan after hearing the yelling, "Watch your mouth. What's your problem?"
"This asshole has had my phone all day and didn't bother mentioning it," Erik snapped again, stepping up to Sean for a confrontation.
"Hey, you little shit, I said it was an accident," Sean didn't back down from the younger boy, and Dom was ready to intervene, but Leon beat him to it.
"Cut the shit, Erik," Leon stepped in between the two, pushing the boys away. "You got your phone, so quit whining. We don't fight each other, especially over frivilious shit. Save that energy for the ride. You two are partners today, so you might as well get used to each other. Erik, go take a walk."
To everyone's surprise, Erik backed down as he was told and headed towards the opening of the garage.
"Toretto," Hobbs called out to Dom from his Gurkha, where he was chatting with a few of his men, and Elena. She only looked at Dom with a smile before turning and taking a walk with the others.
"Take ten guys," Dom moved off to speak with Agent Hobbs privately. When she was out of earshot he grilled Hobbs, "Why is she here? Are you trying to piss Letty off? Or you just like to stir up shit?"
"She works for me. I need her here," Hobbs replied while leading him to the back of his truck.
"Do you?" I questioned his intentions.
"Don't worry about Neves. She got a stern talking from the Captain about professionalism. She won't get in the way today," Hobbs said honestly while popping the trunk. He opened a large case in the back that contained three rifles, gas masks, and two militia uniforms. "The less dead bodies, the better. These two are M16 assault rifles. They have a M234 attachment on the front. Non-lethal, normally they're used for riot control. Ring Airfoil projectiles with tear gas. Trying to contain the mess I'll have to clean up."
"Thanks but no thanks," Dom declined while lifting his shirt to show his gun tucked away, "These guys will be gunning for us. I'm not letting any of my men get killed because you don't want a mess."
Brian heard their disagreement and made his way over, his face smiling at the sight the weapons, "You didn't tell me it was Christmas already. I know these guns. We busted a few bangers in Compton with these, minus the attachment. We using these?"
"No," Dom answered quickly.
"Yes," Hobbs demanded, handing over the weapons, "Gas masks to protect you, and uniforms for Sean and Erik. Also, this," Hobbs handed Dom a small Ruger .357 pistol.
"We get one real gun?"
"It's for your snitch. Blanks, in case he tries to off one of you," Hobbs snickered while shutting the hatch.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Dom took the Ruger and tucked it away as well, before heading back over to the crew with them in tow.
The loud sound of heels clicking against the concrete got their attention and they turned to find Agent Monica Fuentes heading in their direction.
"Good morning everyone," she said politely but didn't get the warm welcome she was expecting. A few nods and quiet hellos went around, but she went mostly ignored. Even Hobbs had a distasteful look on his face but tried to hide it. "Model citizens and polite? Luke, how did we get so lucky to meet such a group?"
"You have anything of importance to say?" Letty snarled while leaning across the hood of her car. Dominic couldn't help but laugh. It was clear Monica didn't like being ignored.
"To Leon, yes," Monica bit back before turning to Leon, "Lucas is okay. He wanted me to tell everyone good luck."
"You talked to Lucas?" Erik asked as he reentered at this time, "How's he feeling?"
"Better," she kept it short, "He's actually being transferred to a more private facility as we speak. One that'll better suit his medical needs."
"Where to?" Erik asked coolly while tinkering with his phone.
"That's not important right now. Just know that he's safe and well," Monica replied.
"Thank you so much," Leon said sincerely, "Come on guys. Let's saddle up."
Everyone began moving for the trunks for their vests, weapons, and accepted the gas masks from Hobbs. All except Erik.
"Wait, that's it? You don't care where your brother is?" the young boy tried to taunt Leon, but he ignored it as he strapped in to his vest. "You forget about why he's there in the first place?"
Erik's newly-found attitude was starting to piss Dom off. He snatched the militia uniforms from Hobbs and stormed over to Erik, backing him up against the Jetta and shoving the outfit hard into his chest.
"You wanted to be involved, so quit running your mouth and get yourself ready. Nobody's gonna baby you, and if you don't keep focused on your job, you will be left behind. You got that kid?"
Erik's face reddened and his blue eyes burned with anger as he stared back at Dom and nodded, "Do I at least get a gun?"
Dom snorted as he turned to walk away, "No. Sean will have all the firepower you need."
"But the slutty pig gets one?" Erik yelled, pointing to Red as she was accepting her weapon from Leon.
Thankfully Red and Brian were able to restrain Leon because the look in his eye said that Erik was a dead man. No one had a chance to restrain Dom, though, as he was on Erik like white on rice. He grabbed the teen by his shirt and slammed him up against the Jetta again. Dom stared at the kid with fiery eyes as he thought about all the ways he could snap his bony body in pieces.
Instead of pounding on the minor, Dom reached for the Ruger and pointed it at his head. The room filled with gasps as they all feared what would come next.
"Dom what're you doing?" Letty asked shockingly, but he ignored her.
"This isn't a good feeling, is it? Having cold steel pointed right at you... the thought of your life being over in an instant," the brute asked as he fed off the fear in his trembling body. Erik shook his head nervously. "If you point this at anything other than the ground, I will kill you. Got it?" Erik agreed and Dom let him go, slamming the gun on the hood of the car next to him.
"Letty's with me, Erik and Sean, you're with Leon, and Brian with Red," Dom shouted before storming off back to the Daytona. Dom's words finally made Hobbs notice that Red was a little too involved with their preparations and that she wasn't just saying goodbye to her new boyfriend.
"Audrina, you're not thinking about going with them, are you?" he questioned as she lifted her vest over her head and strapped in.
"Absolutely," she smiled happily while cocking her chamber back on her handgun.
"Dominic, you're okay with this?" he asked in shock.
"She ain't my sister," Dom smirked while turning back to strap Letty into her vest.
"Leon," Hobbs bellowed across the room. "This your doing?"
"This is my doing," she stepped around to stand in front of him, "You get to help them. I want to help, too."
Hobbs gave her a forbidding look, but Red didn't back down from him. She wasn't that fifteen year-old lost girl he knew before. She was a confident woman who knew her limits, and she never said no to a new challenge.
Luke's eyes quickly lost their anger and he sighed, pulling her in for a hug. The team was surprised by the show of affection from the usually stoic giant.
"Be careful," Luke mumbled, "I'll be right behind you."
"All right Mia, boys... your rides are ready," Monica interrupted the soft moment.
As the Team said their goodbyes, Letty reached into the Nissan for her lucky photo. She kissed it with a smile before tucking it in her pocket, "What's gonna happen with the Jetta and my baby? And the other cars?"
"We're gonna take them to safe location until this is over. What ever happens next will decide their fate," Monica replied snootily.
Letty rolled her eyes and turned to Julian, who was hugging his father tight around the neck. She let Dom say his goodbye before pulling him into her arms. She rocked him slowly and said a silent prayer for this to all be quick and painless. She carried him over to Twink and planted a kiss on his forehead.
"You be good for Uncle Tyler okay?" Twink smiled at the name, "We'll be back soon. Te quiero hijo." ("I love you son.")
"Te quiero mami," the sweet boy said while waving his hand frantically at everyone, "Bye bye!"
The Team laughed, all waving goodbye as they slid in their rides. Mia waited until the three cars sped out of the garage before she moved for Hobbs' Gurkha. She hated that gawky truck, but she knew it would be a safe way to travel with Hobbs' armed men inside. She climbed inside with Brooklyn, Twinkie, and the others and sat behind Elena, shaking off her worries with a reminder of the end being near.
Monica approached the window before they took off, "You'll be taken to an airfield where a private jet will be waiting to take you to Munich. Once there, you will be taken a secure safe house until all of this is over. Once the others make it to Munich, you'll be free to go wherever."
"If they make it," Elena mumbled from the passenger seat.
Mia snarled in the rearview, but ignored her comment and turned back to Monica with a nod.
"Be nice ladies."
