Disclaimer: I own no part of the Fast and Furious franchise. I'm just a huge fan!

Chapter Four: Memories and BBQ

The next couple of weeks flew by and Race Wars were creeping up. True to Dom's word when they weren't at Harry's they were in the garage. In fact Sara had found herself spending more time at Toretto's than Harry's lately. She even made Brian go and brief the higher ups alone.

The team seemed to have accepted them. Vince really seemed to be the only one still holding out on them. Sara kept an eye on him ever since hearing an argument between Vince and Dom where Vince tried to convince him that Brian was a cop. He never mentioned any suspicions about her though, and that allowed to her to be privy to things that Brian wasn't able to hear or see. Today was a slow day in the shop so they were going to start the reconstruction on the Supra's engine. Parts were spread out all over the floor of the garage in their shiny greatness.

Sara finished getting things in order when she decided to take a break and get something to drink. She looked up just in time to see Jesse pull Brian into the back office. She'd said it before and she'll say it again, that kid was a mechanical wizard. In a little over a week he had all new specs drawn up on the computer to make the car as efficient as possible. Walking past the door she hears Brian say that he should be going to MIT and Jesse admitting to having ADD. Looking to her left she makes her way over to where Dom was working on another car. It was his favorite kind of car, an American muscle car.

"Hey."

Pausing he stands up and closes the hood. "Hey. Something the matter?"

"Nope. Just decided to take a break." She holds up her soda to prove a point. "1970 Chevy Cheville. Very nice. What wrong with her."

"Timing is off, causing it to backfire. You know muscle cars? I thought you were running that Eclipse."

"I have an appreciation for imports, but nothing can beat American muscle when it's treated properly."

"That so? How'd you like to go for a drive? If you like this I got something that I think you'll like."

"Sure, just let me tell Brian. Meet you out front in ten."

Less than 20 minutes later they were pulling into the driveway of his home. He pulled all the way to the garage that was tucked into the back of the property. She hadn't even noticed it the last time she'd been here. Of course, all she saw last time was the kitchen and living room.

"You know, usually I've had dinner before going back to some guys house with him."

Smiling Dom gets out of the car, "I'll keep that in mind. But what I want to show you is in the garage."

She follows him into the garage and stops dead when she sees what's parked there. A 1970 Dodge Charger in all it's glory.

"Whoa, that is some sexy car. What she running seven hundred?"

It was then he knew he made the right choice to show it to her. "Nine hundred horses of Detroit muscle. My dad and I built her together."

She whistled, that was some serious torque. Nodding Dom continued. "It's a beast. You know what she ran in Palmdale?"

"No idea. Twelve?"

"Nine seconds flat."

"Holy God. How'd you keep it on track?"

"My dad was the driver. It had so much torque the chassis twisted coming off the line. He said it was only on faith that it stayed on the track."

"So, what's your best time?"

"I've never driven her."

"Why not?"

"It scares the shit out of me."

The admission surprised Sara. Dom seemed like the type that didn't scare easily. There had to be more to the story. She spotted a few pictures on the wall and walked around the car to get a better look. She noticed a young man standing with an older male. Supressing a giggle she realized it was a young Dom, with hair.

Coming up behind her Dom said. "That's my dad. He was coming up in the pro stock-car circuit."

She turned to face him. "What happened to him?" She knew the basics from when she was being briefed for the job, but was hoping he'd tell her his side of the story.

Taking a deep breath, he did. "It was the last race of the season. A guy named Kenny Linder came up from inside, in the final turn. He clipped his bumper and put him into the wall at 120."

Sara winced. You didn't have to know a thing about cars to know you couldn't survive that, she couldn't imagine seeing that happen to someone she loved. She was about to give him her condolences but he wasn't done talking. "Near as anyone could tell the fuel line burst on impact. I watched my dad burn to death. I remembered hearing him scream. But the people that were there said he had died before the tanks blew. They said it was me who was screaming."

Covering her mouth with her hand she fought back a sob. "Oh my god."

"I went numb for a while after that. Mia had stayed home that day. I couldn't even tell her, Vince did, but I remember her sobbing into my chest and holding on to me like I was her lifeline. I saw Linder about a week later."

She knew this part of the story. It was the reason he had been locked up. But the brutality made much more sense now. It never had before, how a kid on the straight and narrow suddenly shifted into a monster that almost beat a man to death.

"I had a wrench, and I hit him. And I didn't intend to keep hitting him, but when I finished, I couldn't lift my arm."

"It's okay Dom. You don't have to explain anything to me."

Shaking his head he continued. "They banned me from the tracks for life. So now, I live my life a quarter-mile at a time. Nothing else matters. Not the mortgage, not the store...not my team and all their bullshit. For those 10 seconds, I'm free."

Not really knowing how to respond she stayed silent, staring at the car that meant so much to Dom, but held so many painful memories.

"Look. I didn't tell you that to make you feel bad. I guess I just wanted to explain the story behind the car and the reason I went to LomPoc."

Still staring forward she says, "Show me how you drive, I'll tell you who you are."

"What?"

Running her hands through her hair she looks at Dom. "My dad used to say that all the time, he was a mechanic too. Had the best shop around. He never turned anyone away. Didn't matter who you were or where you came from, if he could fix it he would. And he always undercharged." Smiling she walked up to the car and brushed her fingers along the hood. "I spent most of my childhood in that garage, learning everything I could about cars. While other little girls were into ballet and barbies, I was learning how to change oil and do a brake realignment."

Dom chuckles. He could just picture a young Sara, sitting on a toolbox in a jumpsuit that was too big, covered head to toe in grease stains. Sara continued on with her story.

"After I got out of juvie for the last time, I went back to work in the shop to pay back my dad for paying off my fines. It was like I was a little kid again. We laughed at the same stupid jokes, listened to corny music, and fixed anything that came our way. It felt like no time had passed, like I hadn't screwed up and ended up on the wrong side of the law." She smiled lost in memories. Slowly to smile turned to a frown. "One day, I was alone in the shop when my dad stormed in. He grabbed my arm and threw me into the office. 'Hide under the desk. Don't come out and don't make a sound. No matter what you hear.' he told me. I crouched down under the desk. All I heard was yelling, and I couldn't help but peek. Two guys were facing off with my dad. I couldn't make out what they were saying but I'd never seen my dad look so mad. When he tried to send them away one of the guys pulled out a gun and fired."

By now tears had started to fall. She hadn't thought of that day in such a long time. She started to shake. "I don't remember making a sound but I must have because the next thing I know they're busting down the office door and grabbing me. I struggled but I just couldn't get away from them. I remember seeing my dad bleeding on the floor and then everything went red. The next thing I was aware of I was in the hospital in handcuffs."

Dom stayed silent, he was realizing there was more to this girl than just a pretty face. She knew her was around an engine, didn't take anyone's crap, and had suffered like he had. Slowly he was realizing his attraction to her. It was dangerous territory. Sara continued on telling her story, not realizing Dom's thoughts had drifted elsewhere.

"The doctors said it was an anger triggered outburst or something like that. Basically I got so mad I couldn't control my actions. The police came by and told me that a neighbor had heard the gunshots and called 911. When they got there I was on top of one of them, beating him repeatedly with piece of pipe. Looking at the security cameras we had, they said that after I saw my dad I went kind of berserk. Got a hold of a piece of pipe and just kept swinging. Neither of them survived."

"Who were they?"

"A couple of gang members. When I said that my dad didn't discriminate I meant it. He took in a couple cars from a rival group and I guess they didn't like that. Apparently they'd been around several times threatening him to get rid of the cars."

"Why was there no mention of this when I had Jesse look you up?"

"There were never any charges filed. The police did their investigation and deemed it self defense. No trial. It was only another month before my 18th birthday, so I was granted temporary emancipation, given a pat on the head, and sent on my merry way."

"Where was Brian when all this went down?"

Trying to come up with something to account for 'brothers' whereabouts she said, "I don't know. By that time it had been years since we'd even heard from him. It was through a mutual friend he heard what happened. I hadn't seen him for what seemed like forever and then suddenly there he was. It's taken us a while to get used to each other again, we were practically strangers."

"I'm sorry that happened to you."

"Yeah, me too. I'm not like you Dom. I not sorry for what I did. I wanted them to die. I'd do it again too if someone threatened my family. So for what it's worth, I don't think you did anything wrong with Linder. Anyone who was close to their parent would have done the same thing."

Both stayed silent for a few minutes, Dom to collect his thoughts, Sara to collect herself. Finally Dom spoke. "This wasn't what I had in mind when I brought you here. I just wanted to show you the car."

Laughing, Sara wiped her eyes dry. "Totally worth it to see the car. It takes a lot of time and love to keep it looking this good."

Walking out of the garage Dom leads her to the house and hands her a Corona. "Sorry, don't have any lime."

"I guess I'll just have to choke it down."

Sitting on the stairs to the back door she looks at Dom, "You know, Brian is a good guy. A little lost sometimes, but a good guy."

"I can see that for myself, but is there a reason you're telling me?"

"I'm just saying, Your sister could do worse."

Looking sharply at Sara, Dom stood, going suddenly from nice guy to big brother. "What do you know?"

Not backing down, she stood up as well. "Oh come on Dom. I know you've got eyes, and my brother is anything but subtle."

"Mia's too good for him." Turning around he heads for the car they drove there in.

Jogging to catch up she jumps in front of him putting her hands to his chest to stop him. "Whoa, hey. I know my brother ain't a millionaire or a Nobel Prize winner or anything, but he's still my brother and no one talks about him like that."

"I just meant she's better than settling for a gear head like me. I don't want that life for her."

Walking to the passenger side she opens the door. "Don't you think that should be her choice?"

The drive back was done almost in silence. Pulling back into the garage she was about to get out of the car when Dom's voice stopped her. "Tomorrow is Sunday."

"Yeah, I noticed. What about it?"

"Every Sunday the family gets together for a barbeque at the house. I'd like you and Brian to come."

Sitting back into the seat she stared at him. "I thought you said it was a family barbeque. Won't Brian and I put a damper on that?"

"You're right, I said family. You'll be there?"

Smiling she understood the implication and says, "Hey, a girls gotta eat!"

The next morning Sara was awake before the sun. She'd only gotten a couple hours of nightmare riddled sleep, it seemed even her subconscious wouldn't give her a break from her internal battle. When they'd gotten back to the apartment last night Brian could tell she wasn't herself so she told him about the barbeque invite and about her own past. She'd never told anyone about the day her dad died and suddenly she was telling it twice in one day.

Frustrated she got out of bed and started pacing. What was happening to her? She hadn't been this confused in a long time. Not about a job and certainly not about life. Her life was simple. You get an order, you follow it. It's how she'd done so well on the force. But she hadn't felt more like herself than she had in the last few weeks, working in a garage and being back in the race scene.

And what the hell was going on with Dom? He had a way of lowering her walls that was for sure. Although yesterday had been the first time they'd had a real heart to heart, they had certainly had more than a few conversations working side by side about life and cars. Even with Vince doing his best to convince Dom they were trouble, he was friendly to her. That reminded her. The ape-man was much more observant than she'd have ever thought. She had yet to tell Brian about Vince's suspicions but she knew she had to.

Several hours later she finally calmed down and decided to ready for the day. Today, she dressed casually in a red plaid dress with a vest and sandals. Dom told her the barbeque wouldn't start until around four but she figured they could get there a bit early to see if there was anything they could help with. Braiding her hair loosely she went to the kitchen where she saw Brian already up, reading over the latest update from Tanner.

"Hey, Bri."

"Hey."

"You ready for today?"

"What's there to be ready for? It's a barbeque."

"No Brian. It's a family barbeque. Emphasis on the family part. We go, we're family."

"Okay. And? This is want we wanted right? To be excepted into the crew?"

"Well, yeah, but Vince already has suspicions about us. If we become family, we're going to be expected to act as family and we're going to be watched like family."

Finally giving her his whole attention Brian looked up from the paperwork. "I'm still not seeing the point here."

"Family doesn't betray family Brian. I've been through that once already, I don't know if I can do it again!"

Jumping up from his seat he steps in front of Sara putting his hands on her shoulders. "Whoa, Sara! Where the hell is this coming from? You remember why we're here right? I mean you've been hounding me since the beginning to stay focused and not forget the mission."

"I know I have Brian. I didn't think I'd ever have this kind of problem. This whole scene was my life before I became a cop. I gave it up when my dad was killed but it's always been there, right under the surface, waiting to come out. Now that it has again I don't know if I can go back." She was starting to hyperventilate.

"Let's take this one day at a time okay? Don't over think things okay? Come on girl, take a deep breath."

Nodding she followed instruction. After a few deep breaths she'd finally calmed down. "Sorry about that. You're right. No use on worrying about something that isn't an issue yet. What were you looking at."

"Information on Johnny Tran. Tanner wants us to look more into him. Of course you would know that if you came to the briefings with me."

Heading to Dom's, they were going to be a little early but figured they could always help with something. Dom was just starting up the grill when they got there.

"Hey, you guys are early."

Sara was the one to explain. "We figured we'd see if there was anything we could help with."

"Everything's good out here, the rest of the crew just left to get the rest of the supplies. Mia might appreciate the help though."

Not needing any other incentive, Brian took off for the house. Sara looked at Dom rolling her eyes. "What I tell you? Not very subtle."

Laughing Dom started spreading the charcoal. "Not very subtle. I think a bomb would be more subtle."

"Speaking of being subtle, is it alright if I not be that with a question right now?"

"Okay, lay it on me."

"I know it's really none of my business, but I've noticed Letty around less and less lately. Something going on?"

Sighing he looked up from the grill. "We decided to take a step back."

"Was it something Bri and I did?"

"No, nothing like that. We've had problems ever since I got out of the pen. I can't look at another girl without her flying off the handle, but she hardly wants anything to do with me unless it involves sex. Not that I'm complaining, it's just if I'm in a relationship I want it to be about more. All of it just recently hit its head."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"I'm not. It's been a long time coming. We're okay, still family after all. Just not together."

Brian came out with some beer for the both of them. Dom threw the chicken on and the trio joked around for a bit but it wasn't long before the roar of engines interrupted them. Jesse came out of the house to see if anyone needed help unloading. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, but the second Vince saw Brian and Sara however he quickly passed his groceries

"I'm outta here." The others tried to call him back but he peeled out of the driveway, burning rubber on the road to get away.

It was pretty much what Sara had always envisioned a Sunday barbeque to be like. Leon and Letty were playing basketball, Jesse was running around trying his best to help, Dom manned the the grill with Brian's 'help', and Sara went in to help Mia in the house.

"So what's the deal. Is it kind of a me man I grill, you woman you in kitchen type of thing? 'Cause to me it looks like aside from the meat you're doing all the work."

Mia couldn't help but laugh at Sara. "Yeah, it's a bit old fashioned like that, but it's just the way it's always been."

Helping Mia finish the salad she yelled out the window to Brian to help him carry everything out. Settling down to eat, Jesse grabs a chicken leg. Just as Brian was about to grab one to Dom put his hand out to stop him.

"Hey, hold up." He points to Jesse. "Because you were the first to reach in to get the chicken, you say grace."

Brian and Sara shared a look but nevertheless bowed their heads. Sara made the symbol of the holy trinity even though she hadn't been to church in many years she still took her prayers seriously.

"Dear heavenly...uh"

Leon piped up. "Spirit."

"Spirit! Thank you. Thank you for providing us with a direct port nitrous injection..."

Sara barely held back a laugh.

"...four core inter-coolers, and ball-bearing turbos..."

This was the funniest prayer anyone had ever said around her and even though everyone was starting to chuckle, nobody was stopping him.

"...and titanium valve springs. Thank you. Amen."

"Not bad." "Amen." "He was praying to the car gods, man."

The whole group traded jokes and insults, the mood light and festive. Not even Vince's return halfway through the meal could dampen the mood much.

Letty was the first to notice him. "Look who it is. 'Old Coyotes 'R' Us.'"

Leon backed her up. "I thought you weren't hungry, pumpkin."

"You know, I gotta eat." Vince growled.

Authors Area:

So hear we find the story deviating just a bit from the movie. The story that Dom shares with Sara was shared with Brian in the movie. The idea I have is that it will still happen between those two, but because Sara is spending more time at the garage than Brian, Dom is more comfortable with her.

We've now seen the split between Dom and Letty. I think that they'd be amicable to each other about it. After all they are still family and it's family first.

At this point in the story we are a little under halfway through the movie. I'd guess there's about five chapters left but I'm not 100% sure, there could be more.

Reviews are always appreciated.

Until Next Chapter,
Ramzgirl