Chapter Text
“Four hijackings in two months and we have nothing. You want that detective badge fast, we’re well aware. But you want to know something? The FBI can help if you come through for us.”
With a flick of raven locks over her shoulder, Officer Ortiz fixes Bilkins with an unimpressed glare. “What does the truck driver say?”
“He gave us the same M.O,” Tanner pipes in. “Three Honda Civics, precision driving. The same neon glow from under the chassis. Lab says the skid marks came back the same: Mashamoto ZX tires. So, we know it’s somebody in the street-racing world.”
“The truckers are getting shifty,” Bilkins adds. “They’re going to start taking matters into their own hands.”
Leaning back in her chair, Letty crosses her arms. “We all know this world revolves around Toretto, right? I’m not saying he’s the one hitting these trucks, but I guarantee he knows who is. It’s just a matter of time until I win—”
“You want time, buy the Magazine,” Bilkins interrupts. “We don’t have time.”
A tense moment passes before he finally dismisses them. “Just get me something I can use.”
🚓💨🚓💨🚓💨
Heels clicking against hot asphalt, Letty keeps pace with Tanner. He runs a hand over his face with a sigh. “Is Harry cooperating?”
“Yea, like a guy who’s going to do three to five for receiving stolen property if he doesn’t.”
“What kind of vibe is he getting from Toretto?”
“He’s friendly with the guy,” she remarks, “and he sure as hell doesn’t think he’s out there boosting trucks on the weekends.”
“Wait.” Tanner stops in his tracks, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Not that I want to contradict Harry’s fine judge of character,” sarcasm drips from his words, “but Toretto did hard time for nearly beating a guy to death.”
“I’m not a rookie anymore, Tanner. I’m well aware.”
“I know that, Letty, but he’s got nitrous oxide in his blood and a gas tank for a brain. Do not turn your back on him.”
“Got it, boss,” she nods, taking a few steps forward before casting a smirk over her shoulder. “Oh, and Big T? I’ll be needing a car. A nice one.”
“You’re a pain in the ass, Ortiz.”
Walking away, she gives Tanner the middle finger and grins.
As she said: she’s well aware.
The entrance bells of Racer’s Edge Automotive Specialty Store, more commonly referred to as Harry’s shop, jingle. Brian flicks his gaze over and grins. “What’s up, Hector.”
“What’s up, Brian? How you feeling, man?”
“Pretty good, what do you need?”
“I need you to hook me up, hermano. Three of everything, I made a list,” he says, handing a crumpled post-it note to the blond before leaning against the counter to admire the weekly sale prices
“When do you need this stuff by?” Brian asks as he inputs the list into the shop’s computer system.
“Tomorrow, today, now.”
“And you said you need three of all this stuff?”
“Yea, three of everything. You got me, brother?”
Brian looks over with a grin. “No faith?”
“I got all the faith, Chico Blanco, don’t you worry. Plus,” he pulls out a wad of cash from his pocket, “I got you more than covered.”
Brian flashes a smirk before returning to the computer to double-check they have all the necessary parts.
“Can’t believed you’re still working here and not at DT’s.”
“Only on the weekends.”
“And the big man’s still allowed such a travesty?”
Without turning away from the task at hand, Brian raises a brow. “Come on, man, we both know who the real top dog is.”
“Since day one, huh, Buster,” Hector chuckles.
“Damn right.”
The door bells jingle once more but Brian refrains from glancing over. He already knows who it is.
Ignoring the “Employee Only” sign, the culprit strides behind the counter, wrapping large arms around Brian’s waist. The blond instinctively relaxes into the hold, subtly inhaling the familiar scent of coffee, engine grease, and that hint of woodsy cologne.
“Speak of the devil! How you doing, Dom?”
“I’m good, Hector, how’s business?”
Brian fights to suppress the pleasant shiver that coils up his spine in response to the deep, rumbling of Dom’s voice. He lets their conversation gradually fade into the background as he catalogs the packages Hector needs for the upcoming delivery.
His concentration wavers, however, at the feel of lips brushing against his temple, the tightening grip around his waist, and that smooth gravelly timbre. “Too busy for me, Bri?”
“Maybe,” Brian hums, feigning indifference.
Demanding fingers gently grip his chin, guiding him toward a set of lips that are equally as insistent. Without his explicit approval, Brian’s eyes flutter closed, a content sigh slipping out only to be swallowed up by Dom.
Brian faintly registers what sounds like an appreciative whistle from Hector, but his attention is consumed by the sensation of a hand sliding over to hold the nape of his neck.
“I appreciate the business you bring in and I respect you, Dom,” Harry huffs, weary yet entirely unsurprised at the scene before him. “But, for the millionth time, could you two please take this outside? You’re scaring away the customers.” He eyes Hector who seems far too entertained for his liking. “Or, more accurately, you’re doing the opposite in a way I’m not exactly thrilled about.”
“Always the party pooper, hermano. Things were getting interesting!”
Without taking his hands off Brian, Dom slowly pulls out of the kiss. Taking great satisfaction at the panting state he’s left the blond, he makes sure Brian sees the smugness glinting in his eyes. A quiet chuckle escapes at the glaring pout the boy shoots him before he finally acknowledges the shop owner.
“Sure thing, Harry.”
The older man lets out a defeated sigh. It’s clear to both of them that Dom’s going to brush off his plea just like he always does. “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he mutters, turning away to start preparing another delivery in the back room. Anything to get away from the headache that is Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Connor in the same room together. “ I don’t get paid nearly enough for dealing with this crap,” he mutters on his way out.
Dom lets Brian squirm out of his hold and watches as he rings Hector up, exchanging pleasantries and bidding the friendly man farewell. Only after the door closes do those piercing baby blues return to Dom.
As a man driven by instinct and impulse, Dom doesn’t hesitate to act on what feels right, and he’s not about to break that streak today. With purpose, he steps forward, closing the distance to corner the smaller man against the counter. Leaning down, he playfully nibbles the tip of the boy’s ear, savoring the quiet gasp it elicits before pressing a tender kiss to the same spot.
“What are you doing here, Dom?” Brian murmurs, voice far more breathless than he intended. “My shift doesn’t end for another two hours.”
“To remind you dinner’s at seven, so don’t be late.”
Brian gently nudges him away but keeps him within arm’s reach. Peering up through dark lashes, he shoots Dom a pointed look oozing skepticism and disbelief. “That can’t be the only reason you came all the way down here. So, what’s the real story?”
The taller man stands his ground under the younger’s glare. “I also came to invite Letty to the cookout,” he states firmly, observing Brian’s reaction closely, noting every subtle shift in expression.
He doesn’t seem surprised. “…You saw this coming.”
Brian rolls his eyes, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Oh, come on, Dom. I know you too well,” he says, shaking his head. “You’ve been itching to bring her into the crew ever since she scared that handsy guy away from Mia the day we met her. And it didn’t hurt that she stepped up to Vince like it was nobody’s business. You’ve always had a thing for tough, and she’s got it in spades.”
Brian fights the urge to fidget under Dom’s heavy, calculating stare, striving to maintain an air of nonchalant confidence. He lets the older man tower over him once more, meeting dark caramel eyes with unwavering sky blue ones.
A large, warm hand softly cups his cheek, but the intensity in Dom’s gaze conveys a blend of solemnity and earnestness. “I’m not into her, Bri.”
“I know that,” he scoffs, trying to turn away from that all-knowing look, but Dom’s grip on him won’t allow it.
“Don’t do that,” he whispers, voice deepening somehow. Brian swallows, mouth suddenly dry. “Don’t dismiss your feelings like they’re nothing. I care what you think, Brian. If you don’t want me to invite her I won’t. Simple as that, just say the word.”
Licking his dry lips, Brian replies in an equally hushed tone. “I’m fine with it, Dom. Really.”
The older man searches for any hint of dishonesty before bridging the gap between them with a tender, affectionate kiss. Brian leans into it, his hands finding their place on Dom’s muscular chest as he feels Dom’s grip shift to his waist, the embrace tightening, leaving no space between their bodies.
Being held like this…it never ceases to leave the blond feeling all kinds of safe and loved. Despite Dom’s return from Lompoc three years ago and their official relationship status for two of those years, the novelty of experiencing this closeness every day has yet to wear off. Brian hopes it never does.
With a playful bite to Dom’s lower lip, he pulls away, his breath mingling with Dom’s. “She’s in the back,” he mutters, “second door to the left.”
Dom goes in for another kiss before stepping away.
Now that such a large, commanding presence no longer fills the room, Brian is abruptly reminded of the fact that he’s in public. Feeling somewhat self-conscious, he attempts to smooth down his hair and adjust his shirt which had ridden up under Dom’s grip. Ignoring the amused smirk sent his way by one of his colleagues, he quickly returns to work.
He doesn’t want to be late for dinner.
The after-dinner race was Leon’s idea. There was already a big one planned for that evening, and while the crew hadn’t originally intended to go, Letty’s carefully timed “surprise” disclosure of her skills with cars and her past racing exploits quickly inspired curiosity within the team. With Dom’s approval they were on their way.
Like any good detective, Letty had done her research before entering the field. It took a few all-nighters and some snooping, but she quickly found two potential avenues to getting into Toretto’s good graces.
Either she made initial contact with Mia Toretto, Dominic’s baby sister whom he is fiercely protective of, or through Brian O’Connor.
Word on the street is he’s Dom’s main squeeze, and childhood friend. They probably would've been high school sweethearts if it weren’t for their five-year age gap.
It seems although Toretto’s broken laws, he’s not that type of criminal. Letty can respect that.
Hell, Letty can respect a lot of things about Toretto. The way he runs his businesses. The way he deals with his crew. How he's both cautious yet respectful and refuses to take anyone's shit. She and Toretto share some traits, she's not blind to it.
Letty also knows she's damn good at her job. Might even go as far as to argue she's one of the best in the City. And yet, she didn’t think the op would be this easy.
It took her three weeks to befriend Mia and a single gritty encounter earning Vince’s respect before she found herself, a month later, seated at the table for family dinner, holding hands with common criminals to share grace.
She smirks, revving her engine as she pulls up to the racing grounds. That FBI detective badge is as good as hers.
Easing off the gas pedal, she deftly maneuvers her way around the large crowd of illegal street racers and race car enthusiasts, scanning for a spot to park. She’s quick to climb out of her Nissan to survey the area.
The sun has long since dipped below the horizon, casting shadows over the streets of Los Angeles. The air thrums with the sound of revving engines and squealing tires as the night race scene rumbles with life.
Neon lights reflect off polished metal, and the scent of burning rubber mingles with the anticipation of the crowd. At the heart of it all, Dominic Toretto stands like a king among his loyal subjects, his presence commanding respect and attention.
By his side, Brian O’Conner leans casually against Toretto’s Mazda, Dom’s arm draped around his shoulders in a display of casual intimacy.
O'Conner and Toretto are a unit, wherever one goes, the other follows. She figured that out within 10 seconds of meeting them the day she first made contact.
Their stories an interesting one, or at least that's how their files paint them out to be.
Brian basically grew up with the Toretto family. His mom took off when he was three, leaving him with his abusive piece of shit father.
When Dom’s parent’s died and he landed in prison, it was Brian who stepped up to help Mia keep the family businesses running. And when Dom got out of Lompoc, he didn’t hesitate to hand it all back to Toretto.
Their bond is strong, forged on loyalty, trust, and family.
In other words: If Dom’s the one hijacking trucks, Brian knows about it—if he isn't already directly involved in the runs.
Letty will admit, having Harry as a way in was a smart move, proving Bilkins wasn’t a complete idiot, especially with Brian already working there. She understood gaining Dom’s trust meant winning over Brian as well, but she’s never been one to make friends easily. She’s here to get a job done and get out.
It’s like this: If she impresses during the race, she just might get the type of attention that lands her the lead Bilkins has been whining about.
Taking a deep breath, Letty loosens her shoulders and swings her hips the smallest bit as she confidently strides over to the duo, expertly navigating through the bustling crowd. Her leather jacket clings to her frame with each purposeful step. Dark, intense eyes sweep over the surroundings, taking in every detail with a keen awareness.
Despite the throngs of people around her, she moves with a fluidity that sets her apart, her presence commanding attention without drawing unnecessary notice. To any onlooker, she appears as just another passerby, her true identity concealed beneath a facade of nonchalance and her infamous resting bitch face.
As the night wears on, the crowd grows restless, eager for the main event. Dom and Brian exchange a look, a silent communication that speaks volumes. Brian squeezes the hand over his shoulder before stepping forward, blue eyes alight with anticipation and a subtle challenge. “Alright! Who’s ready to race?” he calls out, his voice carrying over the noise.
A cheer goes up, and Letty seizes her opportunity. She steps forward, gaze locked on Brian. “I’m in,” she declares, voice steady and sure. She catches the flicker of interest in Brian’s eyes, followed by a nod of approval from Dom.
“New face,” a short, ebony-skinned man remarks, his tone casual but curious. “What’s your name?”
“Letty,” she replies, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Letty Spilner.”
“That your ride over there?”
“I was driving it.”
“Funny.” He strolls leisurely around her in a circle, admiring what she can only assume are her womanly assets. She’d sock the guy if Toretto and O’Connor weren’t watching.
“Edwin happens to know a few things,” the man continues, talking in third person no less, the idiot. “And one of the things Edwin knows is, it’s not how you drive your car, it’s how you race your car. You better learn that.”
“Cute,” she mocks. “You practice that one in the mirror?”
The crowd collectively laughs at the insult, Letty can’t help but smirk at Edwin’s irritated bristle.
She slides her attention over to Toretto. “We gonna stand here all night, or are we racing?”
Dom raises his chin in acknowledgment, a small smile playing on his lips. “Alright, Letty. Let’s see what you got.”
The cars line up, engines roaring to life. Letty slides into her sleek dark mauve Nissan, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and adrenaline.
She glances over at Brian, who sits behind the wheel of his Supra, his focus on the quarter mile ahead. One of the race girls stands between them holding matching flags as she signals for the race to begin.
The world narrows to a single point as the signal is given. Letty’s foot slams on the gas, car surging forward. She feels the rush of speed, the thrill of the chase. But she can’t let herself get lost in the moment. She has a mission.
The race is intense, cars weaving and darting through the streets, the crowd a blur of faces and flashing lights. Letty’s skills are pushed to the limit, but she holds her own, her determination fueling her every move. She can see Brian ahead of her, his car a blur of orange and black.
As they near the end of the set track, Letty makes her move, she flicks the NOS and, with a calculated burst of speed, edges past Brian, the finish line just up ahead.
“I’m winning this thing,” she smirks.
The crowd erupts in cheers, but Letty’s clear victory is snatched away just as quickly as she thought she had it, as she watches Brian somehow speed past her and clinch the win.
She pulls up beside the Supra to see a grin spread across the blond’s face. “Not bad, Letty,” he compliments, voice warm with approval. “Not bad at all.”
Dom approaches, his expression thoughtful. “Looks like we have a new contender,” he says, his gaze lingering on her. “You got some skill.”
“Could use some work though,” Brian teases as he climbs out of his car. “You hit the NOS too soon.”
“Not to mention the granny-shifting,” Dom adds, voice adopting an-instructor like tone, not dissimilar to the one Tanner likes to use when teaching her something new. “Not double-clutching like you should. You’re lucky that 100-shot of NOS didn’t blow the welds on the intake”.
Jesse meanders over, popping the hood of her Nissan. “Definitely fried some pistons,” he notes. “But nothing we can’t fix back at DT’s,” he grins.
Dom makes his way over to Brian, placing a possessive hand on his waist and pulling the blond into his side. Brian turns to press a kiss to Toretto’s cheek. “Come by tomorrow afternoon,” the taller man suggests. “We’ve got space in the garage. Besides, Brian’s told me what you can do under the hood.”
He waits until she nods before continuing. “I’ll tell you what, when you’re not working at Harry’s, you’re working at my place. Understood?”
Her mind races with the implications. She’s in. Or as in as she can get at this point in the gig; however, the toughest part still lies ahead. Nonetheless, with Toretto as her ticket in, she’s one step closer to closing this case. And he’s just opened the metaphorical doors for her like a true gentleman.
She forces a smile. “Understood. Thanks, Dom.”
“Oh, shit! We got cops, cops, cops! GO!” Leon’s urgent voice suddenly blares over the crackling radio, sending a ripple of panic through the crowd. In an instant, the bustling scene transforms into chaos as people scramble in every direction, like startled ants fleeing from danger.
Dom firmly shoves Brian towards the waiting Supra, urgency etched into his tone. “Go! It’s safer if we split up!” It’s not a suggestion; it’s an order. Brian’s expression betrays his reluctance, but he complies nonetheless, the tires of the Supra screeching as he speeds away.
Letty does the same, her footsteps pounding against the pavement as she sprints over to her Nissan, all the while muttering curses under her breath. The last thing she needs is one of those airheads making a scene of her arrest, and Toretto catching word of her out and about tomorrow like nothing happened. Her cover is as good as blown if she gets caught.
The chaotic streets are a swirling maelstrom of frantic getaway drivers desperately navigating through the labyrinth of traffic, their engines roaring like thunder against the backdrop of sirens wailing in the distance. Enraged cops swarm like a relentless tide, giving chase, their vehicles weaving through the congested streets.
She loses sight of the crew but quickly focuses on slipping away, navigating through empty alleyways to ensure she stays out of sight. She’s confident she’ll catch up with them later.
It’s pure luck that she finds Toretto running on foot from the cops. “Get in!” she barks, not bothering to wait for the car door to close before hitting the gas.
The streetlights blur into streaks of gold as she weaves through narrows streets, her grip on the wheel steady and determined.
Behind her, the flashing lights of the police cars grow distant, but she knows they won’t give up easily. She chances a glance in the rearview mirror, catching glimpses of their pursuit, but remains unfazed, focus solely on the road ahead.
With each sharp turn and sudden maneuver, Letty pushes the car to its limits, expertly navigating the urban maze with the skill of a seasoned racer. Adrenaline surges through her veins, heightening her senses as she anticipates every move of her pursuers. It helps that she can think like them.
As they approach a tight corner, Letty’s instincts kick in, and she executes a flawless drift, the tires screeching against the asphalt as she deftly flies through the turn. The pursuing police cars struggle to keep pace, their lights and sirens fading into the distance.
With a smirk of satisfaction, Letty glances at her passenger, a thrill of exhilaration coursing through her veins. “Looks like we lost them,” she says, her voice tinged with triumph.
“You’re still granny-shifting,” Toretto smirks, his gratitude for the rescue evident in his tone.
She rolls her eyes but shares the grin.
“You drive like you’ve done this before. What are you, a wheel man?”
“No,” she scoffs.
“You boost cars?”
“No. Never.”
“Ever done time?” He studies her for a moment, noting the hesitation before she responds. “Couple of overnighters,” she finally replies, her tone nonchalant. “Not a big deal.”
Dom nods slowly, his gaze momentarily shifting away before locking back onto her, she keeps her eyes on the road but his gaze is nearly tangible. Toretto’s voice carries a hint of skepticism and suspicion. “And what about those two years you spent in juvie for boostin’ cars?”
Letty keeps quiet.
“Tucson, right? I had Jesse run a profile on you, Leticia Spilner. He’ll find anything on the Web, anything about anybody. So why bullshit?”
Letty tightens her grip on the wheel, knuckles whitening as she weighs her options. “What about you?” She redirects. While earning Dom’s trust is still an ongoing process, no one who lives his type of life simply airs out their dirty laundry like that, she’s not stupid.
Besides, even as a cop she’s not the kind to play her hand without expecting something in return.
Letty observes Dom’s demeanor shift abruptly, his usual calm facade giving way to a fierce determination. His eyes, sharp and piercing, narrow with anger as he stares ahead, the intensity of his gaze cutting through the air like a blade.
“Two years in prison,” he grits out, the words laden with anger and what might even be regret. “I’ll die before I go back.”
Before Letty can formulate a response, the roar of revving motorcycles fills the air around them. Toretto glances back, a growl of irritation escaping him. “Oh, great.”
“What? What’s going on?”
The motorcycles swarm around the Nissan, there’s at least several of them. “It’s gonna be a long-ass night, that’s what.”
One of the riders speeds up, brandishing a gun at the open window. “Follow us!”
Letty clenches her jaw but complies with the command.
A long-ass night, indeed.
“What the fuck was that about?” She doesn’t yell, but it’s a near thing.
“It’s a long story,” Dom huffs.
“Shorten it,” she demands, fixing him with a steely glare. “We got a 20-mile hike ahead, and those assholes just blew up my car. You owe me.”
She might’ve been concerned about pushing too hard if it weren’t for the glint of respect in Toretto’s eyes. He appreciates toughness and self-assurance, values those who go after what they want without hesitation. And she fits the bill to a tee; it’s one of the reasons Tanner chose her for this job.
“A business deal that went sour….Plus, while I was locked up in Lompoc, Johnny thought Brian might reconsider and give the asshole a chance. Bri agreed to a race. If Tran won, he’d go on a date with him. If he lost, Tran would stay in his territory, and we’d stay in ours.”
Dom’s grin is all mirth and pride. “And you know Brian, he smoked him.”
“So you’re telling me you’ve got beef with a man-child and his bruised, overinflated ego?”
Dom lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“Not that long of a story.”
“No,” Dom’s lips twitch with amusement, “guess not.”
They call a cab.
As the taxi pulls up to the house and comes to a stop, Dom and Letty step out.
Brian, who's evidently been waiting for them seated on the front steps, rises to his feet. His posture is tense, eyes focused intently on Toretto. It’s clear he was worried.
Letty is ready to get the hell out of here, doesn’t want to be anywhere near a lover’s spat. But before she can get too far, Toretto calls out. “Yo, Spilner.”
Letty halts and turns around. “Yea?”
“There’s clearly a party going on inside. You want a beer?”
She thinks it over and shrugs. Might as well use the opportunity to get close to the rest of the team. “Yea, sure.”
She makes her way up the steps, Brian moves aside to let her pass. “Thanks for bringing him home, Letty.”
She doesn’t know what to do with those wide, sincere eyes and that bright smile, which honestly should come with a warning or a free pair of sunglasses. So, she just nods in acknowledgment and heads inside.
The heavy door slams shut, reverberating through the air with a resounding thud, its echo lingering in the tense atmosphere.
Brian wastes no time throwing himself at Dom who catches him effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around the blond as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Dom holds Brian close, feeling the tension drain from his body as he embraces him. He listens quietly as the boy speaks, his words muffled against Dom’s throat. “I wanted to go back for you but Vince and Leon wouldn’t let me.” His eyes search Dom’s face, a mixture of relief and lingering frustration evident in his expression.
As his feet gently land on uneven asphalt, Brian looks up to meet Dom’s soft gaze—always so soft when Brian’s in his arms. “Good. It kept you safe, that’s all that matters.”
Brian should feel a sense of relief, maybe even appreciation for Dom’s concern, but instead, it stirs up a flash of anger. “You’re a damn hypocrite, you know that? Remember all that shit you spouted earlier today, about not brushing off my feelings like they don’t matter? Well, that’s exactly what you’re doing now. You could’ve gotten caught, and then what? What about the crew? What about Mia?”
His words are angry, but his actions always tend to betray him. Rather than shove Dom away, he pulls him closer, hiding his face against Dom’s chest. “What about me?”
“I hear you, Brian,” Dom says softly, his voice steady and calm despite the rising tension. Always calm and collected unless his family or reputation are on the line. “But you know how I am, I do what I gotta do to keep my family safe.”
Before Brian can interject, Dom’s large hand moves with a gentle force, tilting the boy’s chin upward, ensuring that tender hazel meet watery blue. His deep and reassuring voice has Brian involuntarily melting further into the embrace, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “You’d be okay, Solecito. I know you doubt it, but you’re a fighter, just like Mia. If I ever got locked up again, you’d find a way to make it work.”
There’s a firmness in Dom’s words, but it’s tempered by the warmth of his touch. Leaning down, he presses a kiss between the boy's brows, a gesture filled with both apology and affection. “But I’ll be more careful next time, I promise.”
“Next time, we don’t split up,” Brian asserts, his voice carrying a determined edge. “The others, maybe, if necessary. But you and me? We’re sticking together like engine to oil. Got it?”
Dom grins, tone laced with playful obedience. "Yes, sir."
With Brian satisfied, they make their way indoors, steps inaudible over the bass of loud party music.