Somewhere in the city.
The two-toned black and green Subaru Impreza passed by traffic with barely notable urgency. The driver, Kate, has been driving on the streets long enough to know how to travel fast while still staying under the speed limit. A skilled driver and an expert street racer, Kate knew that when driving idly like this it was key not to attract attention anymore than one can afford (and with cars like these they attract enough attention already). Authority figures tend to ruin things when one doesn't need them.
And while she can always use here feminine charms to get out of a ticket in the worst cases (which she really hates doing) better to prevent a fire before it started. Besides, they weren't in a hurry yet despite what one might think of the situation.
"You sure your friends will be fine?" asked Kate to Alex who was quietly sitting on the passenger seat.
"They won't hurt them," he said. "I'm sure of that."
"How can you be sure?"
"Because he can't afford us being dead. He needs us. That's what this whole thing is about. He thinks he can use my friends to use as leverage."
"Well, if he doesn't want us dead for what happened during that incident, then what does he want us for?"
"I have a pretty good idea."
Kate looked curiously at Alex for a while before deciding to turn her attention back to the road though she still kept wondering about what he meant by that. Kate continued to drive for a few more moments before her thoughts started to connect in her own head. Her eyes slowly widened in realization as he mind filtered down all the possible answers to just one.
No way. She was trying to tell herself that it can't be that reason. But then it made sense. This was Alex of course and that Silvia S15 of his…
Yes. That Silvia. Kate knew that that car was no mere street racer. Back in the day, when they were all still together that Silvia meant more than just a simple racing machine. No, it was built with a specific purpose in mind. That one-of-a-kind, super-powered, hi-spec engine they swapped in, which took months of tuning to perfection as well as all of the other modifications to the suspension, the engine management systems, the drivetrain, and the exhaust were aimed at a specific goal.
All that time and resources were spent to build the ultimate road car for another ultimate goal.
No way. But that had to be it. There was no other explanation that would fit the situation. This was what he was after from them. He plans to use them for that in order to get all hi lost money back.
"I see you figured it out, huh, Kate?" he suddenly asked her.
"Yeah," she said, "I think I know now what he's up to."
"There's no doubt about it in my mind now. What this means for us is that we're pretty much okay for the moment. But at the same time he'll probably try to use our "debt" to him as an excuse to boss us around. Other than us, he's the only one else who knows what the Silvia was built for."
"Gotta admit, he is a clever bastard."
"Yeah, but he's not that clever. We'll play along with his little game for now. Maybe we can earn some cash on the way. But right now I just wanna make sure Suki and the others will stay ok. I have to make sure she's ok; I can't let her get hurt."
"Understood you on that."
They continued on, the parking garage they were told to go to was only a couple minutes away now. It won't be long before they reach it and start these so-called negotiations. They both expect them to be one-sided considering who they were dealing with but that was part of the plan for now. Assuring the safety of Suki and the others was their top priority for now.
That was when Kate started a new train of thought. He thought back to that little meeting they had in the garage a short while ago. Kate was particularly surprised and made curious by one particular point in the conversation. Despite the urgency of the situation she felt compelled to ask anyway.
"Soooo…" she droned catching Alex's attention again. "This girl we're going after. She really your girlfriend?"
Alex hesitated in answering. Somehow Kate was not surprised. She knew of Alex's earlier attempts at a relationship with a significant other. Back home, Alex was a bit of a notorious flirt, charming just about any girl that catches his fancy. Sometimes we would date someone for a while but in terms of relationships they all pretty much crash and burned simply because Alex could never find someone who he could get in sync with. At one point he even considered flirting with Kate herself but that was quickly resolved once they have both established that Kate had…alternative tastes when it comes to love. Though that didn't stop them from being close friends, principal reason being they were both passionate about cars and racing.
This was different though. This girl he's supposed to be dating now. There was something about the way he referred to her. Kate had never seen him so serious about a girl…ever.
"W-Why would you ask me that all of a sudden?" he shot back almost defensively.
"I mean, you seem really serious about her."
Alex didn't reply to that and simply tried to avoid her eyes. Kate probed his expression a bit more in between glances towards the road. She could see that he was slightly blushing.
"Holy crap, you ARE serious about her, aren't you?!" she suddenly exclaimed. "I can't believe this!"
He turned towards her. "Why? Is that a problem?" he said, again in a defensive manner, almost like he was objecting something.
Kate started to giggle a bit. "Oh man, if only Ol' Joe could see you now!"
"Lay off me will ya', Kate!"
"Hey, is she older than me?"
"Huh?"
"I mean if she is, she can, like, be the older sister that I've always wanted but never had, ya' know! That kinda stuff!"
"Will you just quit it, already!?"
Kate continued to giggle uncontrollably.
#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\
Back at the parking garage.
The mood there was not as upbeat. Suki and Rome were trying to make themselves as comfortable as possible in their seats but that's hard when you have at least three gun barrels pointed at you, Rome especially since he found himself quite worried about his car as well. Those candy purple paint and custom racing stripes were not cheap. Both Evo X drivers and the passenger of the Tacoma were still training their guns at them. The driver of the Tacoma was on a look-out.
"You think these guys are in the mob or something?" asked Rome.
"Don't think so," replied Suki.
"Why's that?"
"The Mob would be a little more professional than this. Tailing us like that with a car that stands out too much. That Tacoma looks like it belongs in an Animal Planet show. And those Evo X's aren't Mafia standard. No, those things are tuned, street racers."
Rome took a better look at the two Evo X's that blocked them in earlier. Suki was right. They were subtle at first due to the stock body kit but there were signs of tuning. What was obvious from a distance was the simple dark gray digital-style, vinyl graphics and new exhaust tips. What wasn't so obvious was the fact that both cars were tuned with RC Developments Evo X Stage 2 tuning packages which included a Cat-Back Twin Exit Exhaust System, De-Cat Pipe, Apexi Induction Kit, Apexi AVC-R Electronic Boost Controller, ECU Remap using EcuTek Software, and Uprated Fuel Pump.
All the modifications to the Evo X's essentially boosted the power of the cars to just over 300 bhp at the wheels as well as improve overall engine performance. A perfect complement to the Evo X's renowned handling systems.
The Tacoma itself was no slouch of a soccer mom's car. The plain metallic black Tacoma featured a TRD Supercharger and Headers, K&N Cold Air Intake, and Borla Dual Exhaust, under the hood. The suspension was modified with a 6" Trailmaster Suspension Lift, 3" Coilover Suspension Lift, and 3" ProComp Body Lift. All of which are greatly accentuated by 36" X 15.5" Baja Claw Tires.
"Yeah, you're right," said Rome. "That truck doesn't look like from around here."
"I don't think any of these guys are natives," said Suki. "They don't feel like they're from around here."
"They want Alex, right? Alex is an out-of-towner too. Maybe these cats are all from the same hood, or something."
"Maybe. Whatever the case, they seem to be bad news."
"We gotta bail outta here somehow."
"They've got us surrounded so I don't think we have that many options."
"It's not just us, Alex too. He's the one they're after. We better think of something before he--"
Just as Rome was about to finish his sentence, they were all able to hear a rumbled of an engine approaching. From the sound of it they could tell it was a relatively small engine, probably a 2.0L four banger. Seconds later a black and green Subaru Impreza appeared from the entrance ramp and parked in the middle of the lot, its engine quickly quieting down as the driver turned the ignition off.
The four guys with guns were obviously nervous as the car approached and came to a stop where everybody can see it. Suki noted that the guys almost completely ignored them at the arrival of the Impreza. Perhaps they know the car and the driver? Heaven knows this was the very first time she saw the car. She observed the car more closely.
She liked the styling quite a bit. The black and lime green paint scheme provide nice contrast with each other. The graffiti-style stripes versus neat stripes also nicely contrasted. From the aftermarket stickers showcased on the hood of the car, Suki could pretty much guess with high accuracy that the are was a serious racing machine built to go fast and not much of anything else.
Rome got the same idea. He whistled in awe. "Nice ride."
The passenger side door of the Impreza opened and Alex stepped out and met the glares of all the gun-toting men there. A ray of hope fluttered through Suki's heart for a second and she couldn't help but smile at his image. Two seconds later the driver of the Impreza, a young woman, stepped out and shyly confronted the men. Suki's smile disappeared in an instant and she glared at the girl with a "who-the-hell-are-you-you-skanky-little-#$%&!?" look on her face.
Alex turned towards the 'Cuda immediately and checked on Suki and Rome. Both seemed alright but he was perplexed at that look on Suki's face. Alex immediately tried to walk towards the 'Cuda, only to be stopped by one of the Evo X drivers. The Evo X driver pointed his gun right at Alex's head and explicitly ordered Alex "Don't take another step."
"You better get that outta my face before I shove it down yours," said Alex in a very intimidating tone.
He caught Suki and Rome giving him a worried look. He gestured with his hand as if to ask them to not worry. He glanced back at Kate to see if se was fine. She was still next to the Subaru but being watched closely by the passenger of the Tacoma who was carrying the Uzi. By the looks they were giving each other, Alex couldn't help but think that they had encountered each other before.
Alex turned back to the man pointing the gun to his head. The man looked nervous as if he never heald a gun before. Probably the case too.
"You're not really in a position to make threats here, boy!" said the Evo X driver.
"Actually it's the other way around," said Alex. "If you shoot me now, I guarantee you your boss is gonna be majorly pissed at you. So better put the damn gun away."
"Shut up, you. You've caused us too much trouble already back in Vegas."
"We did our Job. I didn't want the Job and you guys pressed us into it at gunpoint but we did the job as promised. If you hadn't been so damn late in the pick-up--"
"I said zip it! Sit tight for now and shut up. Virgil will be here in a while."
For a short moment after that, Alex and the Evo X driver simply stared each other down. But then the sound of an engine can be head coming. Everybody craned their heads to the direction of the sound wondering who it was. But for Alex, who practically put himself to sleep with the sound of engines, recognized the sound instantly. That low and raspy rumble of a big, professionally tuned 5.0L V10 was hard to mistake. Seconds later the source of the sound came slowly rolling from the entrance ramp:
A black 2006 Hamann M5.
The car started life as an ordinary BMW M5 saloon built for luxury but it was transformed into one of the most powerful and uncompromising sports cars on the road. Tuned by renowned German tuning company Hamann with sports-kit composed of high-performance headers, sports metal catalysts, a engine map optimization and a Vmax-override. The 10-cylinder engine then produces a potent 603 hp of power and 574 Nm of tourqe, and complemented with a suspension lowering kit with progressive-action suspension springs, new aerodynamic bodykit, sloted and inner vented brake discs with 8-Piston caliupers, and 21" Hamann Race Edition wheels, it was a road machine like no other.
As for styling, the car featured custom airbrushed Giger-style artwork painted on the driver side of the car depicting mean-looking alien elements that can be seen through ports on the car's body making it look like the car was some kind bio-mechanical monster waiting for its immense power to be unleashed on the tarmac.
Alex recognized the car in one glance and so did Kate. As the M5 came to a stop and ht engine turned off, a heavy atmosphere seemed to have fallen onto the general area. The door opened and the M5 driver stepped out.
He was a tall man, middle-aged man looking to be in his early thirties. Standing in the light, he looked like a handsome, respectable man, well-trimmed and nicely dressed, if only to hide his true nature. He was dressed in an informal business attire comprising of black leather shoes, trousers, a white shirt, and a black sports jacket over it. He also wore dark brown leather driving gloves.
His had good looking features on his face which showed extensive cosmetic care and his deep dark brown eyes which were hidden behind designer sunglasses. His short golden blond hair was styled in a pompadour cut. His fair skin pretty much indicated he wasn't from around here and that was compounded by his noticeable Ukrainian accent when he spoke.
"Alex, my old friend, it's been a while," he said.
Alex faced him and smirked. "Yeah it has but that's an interesting way to greet me, considering I was never your friend, Virgil."
Virgil snickered. "Oh come now. We've know each other long enough. That counts for something. I mean, we know so much about each other."
"You only knew enough about us to blackmail me when you want to," said Kate, entering the conversation briefly.
Virgil turned to her. "And your knowledge of me is no different?"
"Enough of that," said Alex. "Virgil, I know what you want us here for," Alex started moving toward Virgil in a confronting manner. He was stopped immediately by the Evo X driver. "Hold it, you!"
"Man, you are really asking for it!" exclaimed Alex.
Virgil stepped towards them and placed a hand on his lackey's shoulder. "That's enough! Stand down and let me handle this. Watch the others."
The Evo X driver got the message immediately and backed off, flashing Alex one last look of hostility. Alex ignored it and turned towards Virgil who was now just three feet in front of him, way too close for his comfort.
"Okay, Alex, why am I here then? What do I want from you?"
"That money you never earned, that's what," Alex said defiantly without a hint of hesitation.
"Never earned?" Up until now, Virgil had kept a pleasant, friendly expression on his face. But at the mention of that last sentence, his tine and look changed drastically. Now his face showed only malice that was barely being kept under control. "Do you have any idea how much I sacrificed to get that money?"
"Of course I do. We were part of those sacrifices, jackass!" Not wanting to be intimidated, Alex kept his bold stance.
"We were lucky to escape with our lives!" interjected Kate again. "If you're gonna plan something that big, do it right at least!"
The guy with the Uzi pressed the barrel of his gun against Kate's cheek. She didn't flinch and kept a brave face. Alex quickly raised a hand to signal Kate to cool it. While she had a point, he didn't want to piss off Virgil so much that the situation will go out of control. Granted neither side had any liking for each other, that didn't mean there wasn't a chance at civility here. Plus he knew Virgil well enough.
"Trying to intimidate us here is useless, Virgil." Alex didn't change his tone. "You won't harm us here. You can't afford to."
"Is that so?"
"You want your money back. You need us for it." Alex moved in a foot closer. "This is about Ultimate Street isn't it?"
Alex smirked Wryly when he saw Virgil's slightly surprised reaction. "You catch on quick, boy," said Virgil.
"Of you said, I know you too well, my old friend. Someone like won't walk away after losing that much cash. You want it back but you can't get it back the way things are. However you're right in thinking you might be able to win that money back through me. Through us."
Alex started chuckling at Virgil's expense. "You need us. We're the only hope you've got at getting out of this rut you're in."
Virgil wasn't intimidated. "You're one to talk."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You think you can play yourself the saint here? You think I don't know about your plots against the people who rubbed out that old man of yours?"
Now it was Virgil's turn to smirk as Alex's confident look faded fast. Kate's expression also took a nosedive. She clenched her fist tightly in anger.
"You asshole!" she exclaimed. "You got no right to talk about him like that!"
Virgil turned to her. "I knew that man just as well as you did. Don't think you two are the only ones with a stake on him." He turned back to Alex. "I know that all this time you have always been aiming for Ultimate Street, Alex. You've always plotted against the people who've been running it because of what they did to your old man. Problem is you could never get a sponsor, could you? There are too little people in this world who can recognize your talents. So don't pretend I'm not doing you a big favor as well."
Alex didn't reply and a tense silence enveloped the space of the parking garage.
None were more confused than the two people sitting in the 'Cuda. Suki had been listening to the conversation pretty closely. She can surmise that these guys all have a deep rooted history together and it's all clashing back together at that moment in time. Alex was none too happy about it and that Virgil guy didn't seem all too pleased either. But from the looks of thing, none of them have many options.
She was also starting to figure out what her role in all this was. This Virgil guy was probably planning this for a while and he wanted leverage on Alex so he decided to try and take his friends hostage. She was just a trump card for him. That didn't sit too well with her.
"I think we understand each other then," said Virgil, finally breaking the silence. "Of course if that is not enough motivation I can promise you that If you won't accept my deal, I'll find deep satisfaction in ruining both you and your friends over there. And also that little garage you started working for."
Alex narrowed his eyes. "If you dare, I'll forward all the evidence we have on you and make sure you go down, Virgil."
"Well, I supposed that's fair enough. But you should know that If I go down I'm taking you all with me. And neither of us wants that now do we?"
Virgil reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out two things: a small SD memory card inside a semi-clear plastic case and a brand new Nokia N73 cell phone.
"Hang on to these," said Virgil holding them out.
Alex took them with some hesitation.
"We'll keep in touch." Virgil flashed Alex a quick wink before turning around and walking back to his car. He waved to his men to signal them that the meeting was over. They all got the hint and holstered their guns then walked back to their own respective vehicles. The Evo X's were the first to go, followed quickly by the Tacoma. Lastly, Virgil stepped into his M5.
The M5's big V10 rumbled to life and as soon as Virgil stepped on the gas pedal, his rear wheels smoked. A moment later he was gone and a good distance away.
The moment the coast was clear, Suki quickly stepped out and rushed to Alex's side. Alex was also on the same frequency as he also started moving towards her. They met halfway with Suki pulling him into a tight hug. Rome also stepped out and moved towards the couple, wanting to get rid of that imprisoned feeling after being held at gunpoint like that.
"Are you guys ok?" asked Alex.
"Yeah, we're cool," replied Rome.
"Good. I was really worried about you guys."
Suki backed away from him so that he could talk to him. "So was I. I was afraid those guys were gonna shoot you or something."
"It's ok for now. They won't harm us yet."
"But still what's going on here?"
"Long story. I'll tell you guys once we get back to the garage. Tej will probably be there with Jimmy by now. I need to tell him about this as well."
Alex then turned to the side and spotted Kate standing a few feet away. He noticed that she was checking out Suki with a very contemplative look on her face. Suki slowly raised an eyebrow and looked at the strange woman like she was looking at a mental patient. Alex was simply rolling his eyes.
"This the girl your dating?" Kate asked Alex.
"Yeah," he replied.
There was a long pause. Kate gave Suki another once-over then finally tuning to Alec with an approving smile and an outstretched hand with a thumbs-up.
"Good job, dude," she said.
Alex sighed exasperatingly. He remembered after all that Kate was always known for the fact that she rarely showed maturity.
"Um, who is she?" asked Suki to Alex. And by the look of her face, she was demanding a proper explanation.
Alex snapped out of it. "Oh, um, this is Kate, an old friend."
The girl in question stepped closer to the group and extended a hand out. "Kate Williams. Nice to meet you."
Suki politely took it. "Suki. Suki Aiko."
Rome then extended his hand to her which Kate took graciously. "Roman Pearce. Call me Rome. Nice to meet you too."
"Suki and Rome. Got it. I'm sure we're all gonna get to know each other a lot better. Seems like I'll be hanging out here for a while."
"You're staying in Miami?" asked Rome.
"Well you saw what happened back there. This situation has gotten from bad to worse and I'm afraid that looks like you guys have been caught up in our problems. So I can't leave until we sort this out. You have my word I'll do what I can. "
"So how deep is this shit we're into, girl?" asked Rome.
"Real deep, I'm afraid."
"One other thing," said Suki. "You were talking about something called Ultimate Street a while ago. What does that mean exactly?"
Neither Alex nor Kate gave an answer immediately They looked towards each other and slowly smiled wryly. Alex lifted the SD card in his hand which was given to him by Virgil. He knew what was inside the card. It was, undoubtedly, the registration data required.
"Let's just say," said Kate, "that you guys are about to witness a whole new level of street racing."
#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\#\
Author's Note: Here the next chapter down. You probably noticed that I gave Suki a last name in this chapter. You'll pardon me for making up a last name for Suki (it's actually a misspelling of Devon Aoki's last name) since the movies or any canon material ever gave her one. I'll probably give Jimmy a last name too (again, one was never given to him since he was just a minor supporting character in the movie).
If, however, an official last name for either character is revealed in the upcoming Fast and Furious (which is highly unlikely) then I'll switch to that instead.