1st November- Rio, Brazil
En route
Elena’s POV
Heading back to where we just came from I made it off the ferry and headed towards the nearest airport booking myself a flight to Rio using my fake I.D. Who would have thought a cop had a fake I.D. The car ride I was good, the ferry ride I was fine, on the plane I barely held it together but as I landed in Rio and sat in the hire car that’s when my walls crashed.
I never thought I’d get so attached to Dom, it was supposed to be just plain physical but now she was back and I knew whatever we had or could have had was long over. I was sad yes, hurt definitely but there was nothing I could do, I would never hurt Dom by trying to hold on and make him chose because at the end of the day I knew he would always chose her. Based on the way they were when I left I knew it would be a long while before they both worked out their problems but a part of me couldn’t help be bitter at the thought of finding them back together when I got back.
I finally managed to dial Rosa’s number and told her everything before hanging up heading to my apartment to pack everything of importance before heading quickly to Rosa’s where I found her ready and waiting with Nico.
“I’ve booked us another flight back but it’s not until tonight so we’ll have to lay low for a while until then.” I quickly explained as she got in the car. She looked at me sadly and I knew what she was thinking as I let the woman pull me into a hug.
“Are you sure there might not be a chance?” she asked and I shook my head.
“I don’t think so. I don’t know her but I’ve heard enough to know how hurt she would be if he and I did stay together. There’s a baby…I don’t know if it’s his but I’m guessing it might be.” I said quietly as we drove around Rio looking for a quiet place to lay low.
We waited until it was time to leave for the airport and just before we boarded the plane I sent a message to Dom saying we were safe and I had Nico and Rosa and we’d be back on the island tomorrow morning sometime.
31st October- Canary Islands, Spain
Dom’s beach house
Dom’s POV
We caught each other’s gaze for a moment and I took a step forward instinctively but I paused when she tensed and I cleared my throat slightly turning away.
“Does she usually get up through the night?” I asked uncomfortably.
“Sometimes, Leon said she’s been sleeping through most nights. I’ll just have to wait and see.” I nodded and I heard Ava babbling quietly to herself.
“She’ll eventually go to sleep.” Letty said as she sat down stiffly on the lounge and I nodded. Letty looked over as my mobile went off signalling a text message and I pulled it out and read the message.
“Elena reached Rosa and Nico, they’ll be here tomorrow morning.” I said quietly.
“Why are you telling me?” She hissed back.
“I didn’t want you blind sighted when she arrives again.” I said frowning at her suddenly hostile tone.
“Right…well the only thing I have to say Dominic is that you don’t leave her alone with Ava. Whatever you do with her is your business but just don’t bring my daughter into the mix.” I was shocked by her tone as I heard the hate and anger disguised in her voice.
“OUR daughter, I never had any plans on bringing her into anything because there’s nothing to bring her into. I told you Elena and I aren’t continuing anything.” I spoke quietly so I wouldn’t disturb Ava.
“Does she know that? Besides that was when you were under the impression I was coming back to you.” My heart sunk at her words but tried not to let it show.
“I’m fairly sure she’s made that connection already. I already told you Letty I want to make things right between us, I don’t want us to go on for the rest of our life like this. I want us to be together again.”
“I’m only interested in what’s best for Ava and if that means you being a part of her life then fine but I’m not about to set myself to be hurt again and if you hurt her….”
“I’d NEVER hurt her and I don’t want to hurt you either…I’ve changed since then Let can’t you see that?” I interrupted her.
“No, I don’t trust you.”
“Well I want to change that… so please what can I do to change that?” I begged as she stayed silent.
“Prove that you mean it.” She said quietly before we were interrupted by Han, Gisele and Leon coming in.
“Oh sorry did we interrupt something?” Gisele asked as she and Han paused at the door while Leon stepped completely into the room. I glared at him and he stared unfazed back.
“No it’s fine, I was just about to go to bed I was just waiting for Ava to go off completely before I went in.” Letty said as she stood up and walked towards the bedroom saying a quiet goodnight on the way as she passed everyone. Leon followed quietly behind her and I wanted to punch the wall as I heard the bedroom door shut behind them.
“He’s got balls.” Han stated as he and Gisele stepped fully into the room, both of them still looking down the hall.
“Yeah… so much for not sleeping in the same room.” I muttered to myself.
“We’re going to have to sit down and talk tomorrow about what we’re going to do. Hobbs is still out there remember.” Gisele said changing subjects as we sat in the lounge.
“Yeah I’ve been thinking of that myself.” I said as I rubbed my hands over my face tiredly. I looked up as I heard the bedroom door open again and watched bitterly as Leon came back out.
“You’re rooms the one next to the bathroom if that’s what you’re looking for.” I said tensely and he nodded.
“Can we talk first?” I raised an eyebrow at his question and Han and Gisele quickly stood up.
“Uh Dom same room as normal?” I nodded and they quickly went to bed no doubt wanting to be out of the firing line.
“What is it you wish to speak to me about?” I snapped as he stepped into the room holding out a couple of envelopes that were full. Taking them from him I looked at them silently for a moment before turning my attention back to him.
“What are these?” I asked raising them slightly.
“Pictures, thought you might want to look through them.”
“Of?”
“Letty and Ava. There’s a few in there of when Let was pregnant and a heap of Ava over the past ten months. I thought you might want to look through them…” I nodded and clasped the envelopes tightly as he smiled once at me before heading to bed leaving me alone.
I opened the first one up that was dated before Ava was born to three months after. The first picture was of Letty early on in the pregnancy she was only slightly rounded and was scowling at the camera but it wasn’t just the baby bump I took notice of, it was the healing cuts on her arms and she had a few marks on her face as well that had me upset. Given the time frame I assumed it would have been not long after the crash, assuming that is what actually happened.
The next few were of Letty later on in the pregnancy more rounded as she smiled softly at the camera. The next two were obviously when she was almost due because I noticed comparing these to the ones before she was carrying lower. I had seen it with Mia.
The next one made me smile as I sat back taking in a newly born Ava and a worn out and tired looking Letty, the two of them staring at one another in the hospital no doubt just after she was born. I felt a pang of hate towards Leon for being a part of it. It was supposed to have been me there with her not him.
Looking through the rest I went over all the photos eagerly as I took in all the photos of Ava rolling for the first time, crawling, some sitting and some asleep. There were ones with Ava and Leon and then ones with all three of them smiling. They were the hardest to look at because they looked like a family.
When I finished with the pictures I packed them away and headed into my room where Letty and Ava were. Both of them were asleep and I placed the envelopes down on the draws next to the bed as I stood watching over Letty as she slept. Leon, I was thankful for had gone to sleep in his own room like Letty had said he would. Carefully and quietly I reached out and touched her face. She moved slightly then settled though she looked like she was in pain. Carefully sweeping her hair back off her face I leant down placing a gentle kiss on her head, relishing in the contact before slowly leaving the room and heading to bed myself.
1st November- Canary Islands, Spain
Dom’s beach house
I woke in the morning and found Han and Gisele asleep still but Leon, Letty and Ava weren’t here and I started to panic thinking they had left but as I opened the front door to the house they were standing outside Leon standing in the water and Letty was holding Ava on the shore as they spoke quietly.
“Morning Dom.” I smiled and nodded to Gisele and Han as they came out standing next to me.
“We better head over to Mia’s for breakfast.” I said quietly.
“When does Elena, Rosa and Nico get here?” I looked at the time briefly.
“This morning… they could be already here.” I said thinking about it.
“Are you going to tell Elena about Ava?”
“Yes… she has a right to know.”
Leon looked over when we all approached them making Letty do the same.
“Breakfast is at Mia’s, thought we should head over.” I said and they nodded. I smiled at Ava as she turned to look at me holding her arms out as Letty passed her over.
“Hello princess, did you have a good sleep?” I asked as I kissed her on the cheek.
“She woke up once but other than she slept through until about half an hour ago.” I nodded at Letty’s words and we made our way up to the cars. It was a tense ride seeing as I had Letty and Leon in the car so when I got to Mia’s I got out quickly.
1st November- Canary islands, Spain
Brian and Mia’s beach house
“TIO DOM!” I turned and smiled at the little boy that was running towards me.
“Nico.” I said as I picked the little boy up.
“Hello Rosa.” I said as I hugged her in greeting handing Nico back afterwards. Elena was waiting next to Mia and she held my keys out to me and I took them smiling in thanks.
“Rosa this is Leon and Letty, guys this is Rosa, she was Vince’s wife.” I added quietly and they said their hello’s.
“Guys breakfast is ready.” Brian said as he came out with Alexis.
As we all headed inside I noticed Letty holding back a little and I frowned. Ava was babbling happily in her arms as Letty softly spoke to her.
“How are things between you too?” I turned as I heard the quiet question and found Elena staring at the same thing I was.
“Not so great…Listen can we talk after breakfast?” she paused but nodded.
“Yeah sure.” She said turning away as she sat down. I sat down next to Brian and I must admit I was surprised when Letty sat down next to me but at the same time I couldn’t help but smile.
“Ba.” I smiled as Ava climbed from Letty’s lap onto mine.
“Hello princess.” I said quietly as I placed her on my lap a bit better. Letty handed her a small piece of banana which she took and started eating.
“Was getting to and from Rio okay?” Brian asked Elena and she nodded glancing at Ava and I in realisation and I felt horrible as her face fell. I should have warned her before.
“Yeah I was able to fly in and out with no troubles using the fake passports. What’s going to happen now though seeing as Hobbs is still out there?”
“We going to have to sit down and come up with a plan.” I said as I gave Ava another piece of banana.
After breakfast I offered to clean up Ava and took her into the bathroom while everyone else cleaned up. When I stepped back into the kitchen holding Ava I noticed both Letty and Leon were nowhere to be found.
“I think I saw them head outside after we cleaned up.” Mia said as she grinned at Ava taking her from me.
“Hey Dom, come here for a minute.” Brian said as he looked out the kitchen window.
“What?” I asked slightly scared of the answer.
“Who’s that?” Brian’s questioned managed to gain everyone’s attention as we looked out the window seeing another woman standing on the shore line not far from the house with Letty and Leon.
“I have no idea.”
“She was on our plane.” Elena said.
“You sure?” I asked frowning at her admission.
“Yeah I saw her too.” Rosa admitted.
“Any idea on who she is Elena?” Roman asked but she shook her head.
“No idea either.” Rosa said as I looked to her for answers.
“Might just be a tourist.” Han said but that theory went out the window as Letty and woman hugged before parting.
Letty’s POV
“I heard you were going to be here.” I rolled my eyes at the two as they glared at each other.
“Well I wasn’t exactly thrilled to hear you were here either.”
“Ok knock it off, Charlotte did you find anything?” She tore her gaze away from Leon and nodded.
“I cleaned up back in Berlin. Hobbs was still unconscious when I got there but I uncuffed him, wiped the place clean from prints not that I think that would help seeing as he knows who it was and… I buried Ana like you asked.” She added quietly.
“Thank you.” I whispered.
“Of course that was almost a week ago.” She said as she handed over a file.
“So where is he?” Leon asked.
“Back in the states back at square one and pissed as hell, I’ll keep him monitored and let you know if he moves. Your man’s friend in there was lucky, not long after she left her place they raided it, of course they found nothing. I don’t know whether they checked the other woman’s place because she picked her up from outside the house and then left, I tailed them to a small park where they stayed for a couple of hours before heading to the airport and I left when they did.” She said as I looked through the photos she’d handed me.
“I owe you Lotty.”
“Damn straight you do, you could start by hooking me up with that fine specimen that I’ve had the pleasure of monitoring a few times.” I cracked a smile as she hinted at Roman.
“I’ll think about it I’m not exactly on good terms here at the moment. About the other matter?” she nodded and handed over a couple of keys.
“About a five minute drive from Toretto’s place, number three. That’s the key to the Nissan and that one belongs to the Mazda. I figured you’d be wanting these back too.” I looked up as she handed over a thick briefcase of stuff and I smiled at her.
“How did you manage to get these back?” I asked and she grinned.
“I have my ways…”
“Thank you for everything.” I said softly and she gave me a smile.
“No worries, you did save me after all.”
“That I did…” I said quietly.
“Hey now don’t take that as us being square, you still owe me and then I’ll owe you and well we know the cycle.” We laughed and I rolled my eyes at Leon standing in silence ignoring us.
“Now about you…” She said turning to Leon.
“What about me Charlotte?” He demanded.
“I suggest if you need to go back to Mexico you go now and then come back with me when it’s safe. If you don’t go now you won’t be able to go back ever so it’s your call.”
“I guess I better go back and grab my stuff.” He said to me and I nodded.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, just be careful yeah?” He eyed her frowning but he was speaking to me.
“I’ll be fine, just worry about yourself.” I said as he nodded.
“So does he know?” I nodded at Charlotte
“How did he take it?”
“About as good as I thought he would.” I answered.
“Looks like he got you good, did he find out about that too?”
“Yeah Letty mentioned it.”
“I said I was sorry.” I muttered quietly and he nodded.
“Yeah I know, I don’t blame you… I don’t even blame him.” He muttered.
“Have you told him about…you know… everything yet?” I shook my head.
“No he has no idea, I’m just not ready to tell them any of it yet. I didn’t even tell Ana everything, just bits and pieces.”
“Oh so you haven’t mentioned me either?” I shook my head and stared at her weirdly.
“No of course not, you ‘died’ when I did, Why?”
“Well now might be a good time to explain…” Leon and I frowned at her and then followed her line of sight to behind us. Everyone was scattered around the beach and the front of the house watching us with interest but Dom’s face caught my attention as he looked on holding Ava and I turned back to Charlotte.
“Don’t mention anything about…” I started but she nodded quickly.
“Brian knows though…as you pointed out I’m supposed to be dead too.” I cringed and nodded as we walked up the beach towards the house.
“Charlotte?” Brian asked confused and she grinned at him while everyone looked between us confused.
“The one and only, heard I’d be seeing your ass here O’Conner.”
“You’re supposed to be dead.” He said shocked.
“What can I say it takes more than a bullet to kill me.” I glanced wearily at her and she cleared her throat uneasily realising she may have given something away.
“What’s going on?” Dom asked as he held onto Ava who was reaching for me but I didn’t take her choosing to leave her with Dom.
“Why don’t we go inside, I have something to show you all.” I said and they wearily agreed eyeing up Charlotte.
I threw the newest file on the table and chucked Leon on the Mazda key before placing the two remaining keys in my pocket as Dom watched my movements.
“I don’t understand how are you alive?” Brian asked as I started pulling out paper from the briefcase and putting them on the table.
“How’s Letty alive?” She taunted back and I shot her a warning look.
“She hasn’t told us that…all she’s said is she doesn’t remember the crash and was in hospital…” Mia trailed off looking between the two of us.
“Well then you don’t need to know about me either do you?”
“You two worked the same job that night…” I stilled as did Lotty.
“What of it O’Connor?” She asked tensely.
“Yes Brian what of it?” I said calmly but my glare said I was anything but calm.
“I’ve read the file… two female bodies burnt alive in a crashed car both women identified as Latinas, late twenties only identifiable by dental records. I know your file, I know your history Charlotte that’s why we hired you… I don’t know what happened that night but I can guess you did something to make it look like it was you and Letty in that car. What I don’t understand is why? I don’t even understand how you got out.”
“Well aren’t you the smart one…” She said carefully guarded as Dom looked from me to her.
“So I am right you tampered with it.” He said exchanging a glance with Dom.
“I don’t talk to cops remember?” She snapped before turning away looking at me as she did so.
“So you guys mentioned making plans seeing as Hobbs was still out there.” I started changing the subject away from past events and they looked at me.
“Yeah but what has that got to do with this?” Dom asked.
“Everyone meet Charlotte, for everyone else’s benefit other Brian’s she and I worked Braga together.” I stated.
“Fun times…” She muttered and again I shot her a warning look as to not go back down that road to which she just grinned at me.
“You asked last night about pictures…I said I tracked you all down I never said how.” I stated and let the sentence hang as they all looked confused.
“Lotty…Charlotte, tracked you all. The first news I had about any of you was when you guys entered Rio not a thing before.” I said as I threw down dozens of pictures and information on the table as Brian and Dom stepped forward to have a look.
“You’ve been following us?” Dom asked Charlotte as he looked through the photos and she nodded.
“On Letty’s orders yes took me a while to trace your steps but I picked up a sighting in Rio and ran with it, ended up stumbling over the lot of you.” She explained as she held out a picture to Brian smirking. Brian grabbed the picture glancing at it before quickly yanking it out of Dom’s sight.
“Was that really necessary?” He hissed at her and I shook my head at her antics.
“I’m just a tracker remember? That is what you lot at the FBI hired me for…” She trailed off.
“Are there any others…” She grinned and shrugged.
“Maybe.”
“Charlotte.” Leon warned.
“Leon chill don’t get your panties in a bunch… No there’s no more of those O’Connor, at least not of you.” She said sighing as she glared at Leon.
“No more of what?” Dom asked eyeing the photo Brian was gripping.
“Nothing…nothing you need to see anyway.” He said tensely as he glanced at Mia and everyone got the message perfectly clear as Dom death stared Brian.
“All of these I sent to Letty so she wouldn’t run into you lot. Even after Rio I still tracked you just in case.” Lotty said gesturing to all the files and photos spread on the table.
“Letty last night you said something about the pictures saying everything, is this what you meant?” Mia asked as she glanced between Dom and Elena. I frowned but pulled out the only file left in the briefcase and chucked it down in front of Dom.
“I could have done without those being sent to me.” I muttered taking a glance at Lotty before I went back to going over the newest file.
“They say a picture’s worth a thousand words…” Lotty hinted as Dom opened up the file glancing at the pictures freezing as he looked at them one by one before closing it again and tensely passing it to Elena. I watched as her eyes met mine before turning away embarrassed and no doubt guilty as she looked through them. Most of them were completely innocent some weren’t though.
“How did none of us know you were following us?” Tej asked as he looked through the pictures.
“I tracked mostly Toretto and O’Connor. I’m good at what I do and I don’t get caught, well mostly never get caught. I was taking a break seeing as none of you had planned on leaving anytime soon so you can imagine my surprise when I come back and find you all gone after I finished trailing Hobbs.”
“You trailed Hobbs?” Roman asked and she eyed him grinning.
“Lotty…” I warned and she turned to me sighing before nodding. Everyone else looked at me confused as to what my warning meant.
“Yes he was after Letty, I needed to know how close he was to her. I also had to let Leon know when it was safe to travel to Berlin with Ava, speaking of which I told you not to go that last time.” I ignored the two as they argued.
“So what has this got to do with Hobbs now?” Gisele asked breaking into their fight.
“He’s back in the states back at square one. Lotty cleaned up in Berlin not long after we left, I rang her when we stopped just after the border. He doesn’t have a clue as to where we are and with his team dead he’ll be out of action for a while.” I explained.
“Anyway like I said, Leon if you need to make the trip back to Mexico we need to go now and Let your place is all set up by the way.”
“Thanks.” I mumbled as I finished reading the file in my hands.
“I’ll head back to the states after Mexico and keep an eye on Hobbs, I’ll keep you posted.”
“Thanks.” I said as I smiled at her.
“No worries as I said before I do owe you… but uh you know the deal…” she trailed off smirking leaving everyone but Leon and I confused.
“Weren’t you leaving Charlotte?” I asked trying to keep a straight face.
“Yeah, come on Leon.”
“Kill me now…” He muttered to me as I finally started grinning.
“Play nice you two, I’d like you both back in one piece.”
“Always Let.” Lotty grinned before straightening up before strutting out of the house with Leon in tow as he called out his goodbye.
“Leon?” I called.
“What?” He asked as he came back in.
“Don’t kill her.” I warned and everyone else looked on interested and amused.
“I’ll behave if she does… I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He hissed as a car horn honked loudly and then he disappeared. It wasn’t until I turned back to everyone I realised what position I’d been put in by having Leon leave and Lotty being there. One look on Brian’s face told me he wasn’t about to give up and Dom’s said he wanted answers.
‘Sorry boys not today.’ I thought wearily.
En route
Elena’s POV
Heading back to where we just came from I made it off the ferry and headed towards the nearest airport booking myself a flight to Rio using my fake I.D. Who would have thought a cop had a fake I.D. The car ride I was good, the ferry ride I was fine, on the plane I barely held it together but as I landed in Rio and sat in the hire car that’s when my walls crashed.
I never thought I’d get so attached to Dom, it was supposed to be just plain physical but now she was back and I knew whatever we had or could have had was long over. I was sad yes, hurt definitely but there was nothing I could do, I would never hurt Dom by trying to hold on and make him chose because at the end of the day I knew he would always chose her. Based on the way they were when I left I knew it would be a long while before they both worked out their problems but a part of me couldn’t help be bitter at the thought of finding them back together when I got back.
I finally managed to dial Rosa’s number and told her everything before hanging up heading to my apartment to pack everything of importance before heading quickly to Rosa’s where I found her ready and waiting with Nico.
“I’ve booked us another flight back but it’s not until tonight so we’ll have to lay low for a while until then.” I quickly explained as she got in the car. She looked at me sadly and I knew what she was thinking as I let the woman pull me into a hug.
“Are you sure there might not be a chance?” she asked and I shook my head.
“I don’t think so. I don’t know her but I’ve heard enough to know how hurt she would be if he and I did stay together. There’s a baby…I don’t know if it’s his but I’m guessing it might be.” I said quietly as we drove around Rio looking for a quiet place to lay low.
We waited until it was time to leave for the airport and just before we boarded the plane I sent a message to Dom saying we were safe and I had Nico and Rosa and we’d be back on the island tomorrow morning sometime.
31st October- Canary Islands, Spain
Dom’s beach house
Dom’s POV
We caught each other’s gaze for a moment and I took a step forward instinctively but I paused when she tensed and I cleared my throat slightly turning away.
“Does she usually get up through the night?” I asked uncomfortably.
“Sometimes, Leon said she’s been sleeping through most nights. I’ll just have to wait and see.” I nodded and I heard Ava babbling quietly to herself.
“She’ll eventually go to sleep.” Letty said as she sat down stiffly on the lounge and I nodded. Letty looked over as my mobile went off signalling a text message and I pulled it out and read the message.
“Elena reached Rosa and Nico, they’ll be here tomorrow morning.” I said quietly.
“Why are you telling me?” She hissed back.
“I didn’t want you blind sighted when she arrives again.” I said frowning at her suddenly hostile tone.
“Right…well the only thing I have to say Dominic is that you don’t leave her alone with Ava. Whatever you do with her is your business but just don’t bring my daughter into the mix.” I was shocked by her tone as I heard the hate and anger disguised in her voice.
“OUR daughter, I never had any plans on bringing her into anything because there’s nothing to bring her into. I told you Elena and I aren’t continuing anything.” I spoke quietly so I wouldn’t disturb Ava.
“Does she know that? Besides that was when you were under the impression I was coming back to you.” My heart sunk at her words but tried not to let it show.
“I’m fairly sure she’s made that connection already. I already told you Letty I want to make things right between us, I don’t want us to go on for the rest of our life like this. I want us to be together again.”
“I’m only interested in what’s best for Ava and if that means you being a part of her life then fine but I’m not about to set myself to be hurt again and if you hurt her….”
“I’d NEVER hurt her and I don’t want to hurt you either…I’ve changed since then Let can’t you see that?” I interrupted her.
“No, I don’t trust you.”
“Well I want to change that… so please what can I do to change that?” I begged as she stayed silent.
“Prove that you mean it.” She said quietly before we were interrupted by Han, Gisele and Leon coming in.
“Oh sorry did we interrupt something?” Gisele asked as she and Han paused at the door while Leon stepped completely into the room. I glared at him and he stared unfazed back.
“No it’s fine, I was just about to go to bed I was just waiting for Ava to go off completely before I went in.” Letty said as she stood up and walked towards the bedroom saying a quiet goodnight on the way as she passed everyone. Leon followed quietly behind her and I wanted to punch the wall as I heard the bedroom door shut behind them.
“He’s got balls.” Han stated as he and Gisele stepped fully into the room, both of them still looking down the hall.
“Yeah… so much for not sleeping in the same room.” I muttered to myself.
“We’re going to have to sit down and talk tomorrow about what we’re going to do. Hobbs is still out there remember.” Gisele said changing subjects as we sat in the lounge.
“Yeah I’ve been thinking of that myself.” I said as I rubbed my hands over my face tiredly. I looked up as I heard the bedroom door open again and watched bitterly as Leon came back out.
“You’re rooms the one next to the bathroom if that’s what you’re looking for.” I said tensely and he nodded.
“Can we talk first?” I raised an eyebrow at his question and Han and Gisele quickly stood up.
“Uh Dom same room as normal?” I nodded and they quickly went to bed no doubt wanting to be out of the firing line.
“What is it you wish to speak to me about?” I snapped as he stepped into the room holding out a couple of envelopes that were full. Taking them from him I looked at them silently for a moment before turning my attention back to him.
“What are these?” I asked raising them slightly.
“Pictures, thought you might want to look through them.”
“Of?”
“Letty and Ava. There’s a few in there of when Let was pregnant and a heap of Ava over the past ten months. I thought you might want to look through them…” I nodded and clasped the envelopes tightly as he smiled once at me before heading to bed leaving me alone.
I opened the first one up that was dated before Ava was born to three months after. The first picture was of Letty early on in the pregnancy she was only slightly rounded and was scowling at the camera but it wasn’t just the baby bump I took notice of, it was the healing cuts on her arms and she had a few marks on her face as well that had me upset. Given the time frame I assumed it would have been not long after the crash, assuming that is what actually happened.
The next few were of Letty later on in the pregnancy more rounded as she smiled softly at the camera. The next two were obviously when she was almost due because I noticed comparing these to the ones before she was carrying lower. I had seen it with Mia.
The next one made me smile as I sat back taking in a newly born Ava and a worn out and tired looking Letty, the two of them staring at one another in the hospital no doubt just after she was born. I felt a pang of hate towards Leon for being a part of it. It was supposed to have been me there with her not him.
Looking through the rest I went over all the photos eagerly as I took in all the photos of Ava rolling for the first time, crawling, some sitting and some asleep. There were ones with Ava and Leon and then ones with all three of them smiling. They were the hardest to look at because they looked like a family.
When I finished with the pictures I packed them away and headed into my room where Letty and Ava were. Both of them were asleep and I placed the envelopes down on the draws next to the bed as I stood watching over Letty as she slept. Leon, I was thankful for had gone to sleep in his own room like Letty had said he would. Carefully and quietly I reached out and touched her face. She moved slightly then settled though she looked like she was in pain. Carefully sweeping her hair back off her face I leant down placing a gentle kiss on her head, relishing in the contact before slowly leaving the room and heading to bed myself.
1st November- Canary Islands, Spain
Dom’s beach house
I woke in the morning and found Han and Gisele asleep still but Leon, Letty and Ava weren’t here and I started to panic thinking they had left but as I opened the front door to the house they were standing outside Leon standing in the water and Letty was holding Ava on the shore as they spoke quietly.
“Morning Dom.” I smiled and nodded to Gisele and Han as they came out standing next to me.
“We better head over to Mia’s for breakfast.” I said quietly.
“When does Elena, Rosa and Nico get here?” I looked at the time briefly.
“This morning… they could be already here.” I said thinking about it.
“Are you going to tell Elena about Ava?”
“Yes… she has a right to know.”
Leon looked over when we all approached them making Letty do the same.
“Breakfast is at Mia’s, thought we should head over.” I said and they nodded. I smiled at Ava as she turned to look at me holding her arms out as Letty passed her over.
“Hello princess, did you have a good sleep?” I asked as I kissed her on the cheek.
“She woke up once but other than she slept through until about half an hour ago.” I nodded at Letty’s words and we made our way up to the cars. It was a tense ride seeing as I had Letty and Leon in the car so when I got to Mia’s I got out quickly.
1st November- Canary islands, Spain
Brian and Mia’s beach house
“TIO DOM!” I turned and smiled at the little boy that was running towards me.
“Nico.” I said as I picked the little boy up.
“Hello Rosa.” I said as I hugged her in greeting handing Nico back afterwards. Elena was waiting next to Mia and she held my keys out to me and I took them smiling in thanks.
“Rosa this is Leon and Letty, guys this is Rosa, she was Vince’s wife.” I added quietly and they said their hello’s.
“Guys breakfast is ready.” Brian said as he came out with Alexis.
As we all headed inside I noticed Letty holding back a little and I frowned. Ava was babbling happily in her arms as Letty softly spoke to her.
“How are things between you too?” I turned as I heard the quiet question and found Elena staring at the same thing I was.
“Not so great…Listen can we talk after breakfast?” she paused but nodded.
“Yeah sure.” She said turning away as she sat down. I sat down next to Brian and I must admit I was surprised when Letty sat down next to me but at the same time I couldn’t help but smile.
“Ba.” I smiled as Ava climbed from Letty’s lap onto mine.
“Hello princess.” I said quietly as I placed her on my lap a bit better. Letty handed her a small piece of banana which she took and started eating.
“Was getting to and from Rio okay?” Brian asked Elena and she nodded glancing at Ava and I in realisation and I felt horrible as her face fell. I should have warned her before.
“Yeah I was able to fly in and out with no troubles using the fake passports. What’s going to happen now though seeing as Hobbs is still out there?”
“We going to have to sit down and come up with a plan.” I said as I gave Ava another piece of banana.
After breakfast I offered to clean up Ava and took her into the bathroom while everyone else cleaned up. When I stepped back into the kitchen holding Ava I noticed both Letty and Leon were nowhere to be found.
“I think I saw them head outside after we cleaned up.” Mia said as she grinned at Ava taking her from me.
“Hey Dom, come here for a minute.” Brian said as he looked out the kitchen window.
“What?” I asked slightly scared of the answer.
“Who’s that?” Brian’s questioned managed to gain everyone’s attention as we looked out the window seeing another woman standing on the shore line not far from the house with Letty and Leon.
“I have no idea.”
“She was on our plane.” Elena said.
“You sure?” I asked frowning at her admission.
“Yeah I saw her too.” Rosa admitted.
“Any idea on who she is Elena?” Roman asked but she shook her head.
“No idea either.” Rosa said as I looked to her for answers.
“Might just be a tourist.” Han said but that theory went out the window as Letty and woman hugged before parting.
Letty’s POV
“I heard you were going to be here.” I rolled my eyes at the two as they glared at each other.
“Well I wasn’t exactly thrilled to hear you were here either.”
“Ok knock it off, Charlotte did you find anything?” She tore her gaze away from Leon and nodded.
“I cleaned up back in Berlin. Hobbs was still unconscious when I got there but I uncuffed him, wiped the place clean from prints not that I think that would help seeing as he knows who it was and… I buried Ana like you asked.” She added quietly.
“Thank you.” I whispered.
“Of course that was almost a week ago.” She said as she handed over a file.
“So where is he?” Leon asked.
“Back in the states back at square one and pissed as hell, I’ll keep him monitored and let you know if he moves. Your man’s friend in there was lucky, not long after she left her place they raided it, of course they found nothing. I don’t know whether they checked the other woman’s place because she picked her up from outside the house and then left, I tailed them to a small park where they stayed for a couple of hours before heading to the airport and I left when they did.” She said as I looked through the photos she’d handed me.
“I owe you Lotty.”
“Damn straight you do, you could start by hooking me up with that fine specimen that I’ve had the pleasure of monitoring a few times.” I cracked a smile as she hinted at Roman.
“I’ll think about it I’m not exactly on good terms here at the moment. About the other matter?” she nodded and handed over a couple of keys.
“About a five minute drive from Toretto’s place, number three. That’s the key to the Nissan and that one belongs to the Mazda. I figured you’d be wanting these back too.” I looked up as she handed over a thick briefcase of stuff and I smiled at her.
“How did you manage to get these back?” I asked and she grinned.
“I have my ways…”
“Thank you for everything.” I said softly and she gave me a smile.
“No worries, you did save me after all.”
“That I did…” I said quietly.
“Hey now don’t take that as us being square, you still owe me and then I’ll owe you and well we know the cycle.” We laughed and I rolled my eyes at Leon standing in silence ignoring us.
“Now about you…” She said turning to Leon.
“What about me Charlotte?” He demanded.
“I suggest if you need to go back to Mexico you go now and then come back with me when it’s safe. If you don’t go now you won’t be able to go back ever so it’s your call.”
“I guess I better go back and grab my stuff.” He said to me and I nodded.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, just be careful yeah?” He eyed her frowning but he was speaking to me.
“I’ll be fine, just worry about yourself.” I said as he nodded.
“So does he know?” I nodded at Charlotte
“How did he take it?”
“About as good as I thought he would.” I answered.
“Looks like he got you good, did he find out about that too?”
“Yeah Letty mentioned it.”
“I said I was sorry.” I muttered quietly and he nodded.
“Yeah I know, I don’t blame you… I don’t even blame him.” He muttered.
“Have you told him about…you know… everything yet?” I shook my head.
“No he has no idea, I’m just not ready to tell them any of it yet. I didn’t even tell Ana everything, just bits and pieces.”
“Oh so you haven’t mentioned me either?” I shook my head and stared at her weirdly.
“No of course not, you ‘died’ when I did, Why?”
“Well now might be a good time to explain…” Leon and I frowned at her and then followed her line of sight to behind us. Everyone was scattered around the beach and the front of the house watching us with interest but Dom’s face caught my attention as he looked on holding Ava and I turned back to Charlotte.
“Don’t mention anything about…” I started but she nodded quickly.
“Brian knows though…as you pointed out I’m supposed to be dead too.” I cringed and nodded as we walked up the beach towards the house.
“Charlotte?” Brian asked confused and she grinned at him while everyone looked between us confused.
“The one and only, heard I’d be seeing your ass here O’Conner.”
“You’re supposed to be dead.” He said shocked.
“What can I say it takes more than a bullet to kill me.” I glanced wearily at her and she cleared her throat uneasily realising she may have given something away.
“What’s going on?” Dom asked as he held onto Ava who was reaching for me but I didn’t take her choosing to leave her with Dom.
“Why don’t we go inside, I have something to show you all.” I said and they wearily agreed eyeing up Charlotte.
I threw the newest file on the table and chucked Leon on the Mazda key before placing the two remaining keys in my pocket as Dom watched my movements.
“I don’t understand how are you alive?” Brian asked as I started pulling out paper from the briefcase and putting them on the table.
“How’s Letty alive?” She taunted back and I shot her a warning look.
“She hasn’t told us that…all she’s said is she doesn’t remember the crash and was in hospital…” Mia trailed off looking between the two of us.
“Well then you don’t need to know about me either do you?”
“You two worked the same job that night…” I stilled as did Lotty.
“What of it O’Connor?” She asked tensely.
“Yes Brian what of it?” I said calmly but my glare said I was anything but calm.
“I’ve read the file… two female bodies burnt alive in a crashed car both women identified as Latinas, late twenties only identifiable by dental records. I know your file, I know your history Charlotte that’s why we hired you… I don’t know what happened that night but I can guess you did something to make it look like it was you and Letty in that car. What I don’t understand is why? I don’t even understand how you got out.”
“Well aren’t you the smart one…” She said carefully guarded as Dom looked from me to her.
“So I am right you tampered with it.” He said exchanging a glance with Dom.
“I don’t talk to cops remember?” She snapped before turning away looking at me as she did so.
“So you guys mentioned making plans seeing as Hobbs was still out there.” I started changing the subject away from past events and they looked at me.
“Yeah but what has that got to do with this?” Dom asked.
“Everyone meet Charlotte, for everyone else’s benefit other Brian’s she and I worked Braga together.” I stated.
“Fun times…” She muttered and again I shot her a warning look as to not go back down that road to which she just grinned at me.
“You asked last night about pictures…I said I tracked you all down I never said how.” I stated and let the sentence hang as they all looked confused.
“Lotty…Charlotte, tracked you all. The first news I had about any of you was when you guys entered Rio not a thing before.” I said as I threw down dozens of pictures and information on the table as Brian and Dom stepped forward to have a look.
“You’ve been following us?” Dom asked Charlotte as he looked through the photos and she nodded.
“On Letty’s orders yes took me a while to trace your steps but I picked up a sighting in Rio and ran with it, ended up stumbling over the lot of you.” She explained as she held out a picture to Brian smirking. Brian grabbed the picture glancing at it before quickly yanking it out of Dom’s sight.
“Was that really necessary?” He hissed at her and I shook my head at her antics.
“I’m just a tracker remember? That is what you lot at the FBI hired me for…” She trailed off.
“Are there any others…” She grinned and shrugged.
“Maybe.”
“Charlotte.” Leon warned.
“Leon chill don’t get your panties in a bunch… No there’s no more of those O’Connor, at least not of you.” She said sighing as she glared at Leon.
“No more of what?” Dom asked eyeing the photo Brian was gripping.
“Nothing…nothing you need to see anyway.” He said tensely as he glanced at Mia and everyone got the message perfectly clear as Dom death stared Brian.
“All of these I sent to Letty so she wouldn’t run into you lot. Even after Rio I still tracked you just in case.” Lotty said gesturing to all the files and photos spread on the table.
“Letty last night you said something about the pictures saying everything, is this what you meant?” Mia asked as she glanced between Dom and Elena. I frowned but pulled out the only file left in the briefcase and chucked it down in front of Dom.
“I could have done without those being sent to me.” I muttered taking a glance at Lotty before I went back to going over the newest file.
“They say a picture’s worth a thousand words…” Lotty hinted as Dom opened up the file glancing at the pictures freezing as he looked at them one by one before closing it again and tensely passing it to Elena. I watched as her eyes met mine before turning away embarrassed and no doubt guilty as she looked through them. Most of them were completely innocent some weren’t though.
“How did none of us know you were following us?” Tej asked as he looked through the pictures.
“I tracked mostly Toretto and O’Connor. I’m good at what I do and I don’t get caught, well mostly never get caught. I was taking a break seeing as none of you had planned on leaving anytime soon so you can imagine my surprise when I come back and find you all gone after I finished trailing Hobbs.”
“You trailed Hobbs?” Roman asked and she eyed him grinning.
“Lotty…” I warned and she turned to me sighing before nodding. Everyone else looked at me confused as to what my warning meant.
“Yes he was after Letty, I needed to know how close he was to her. I also had to let Leon know when it was safe to travel to Berlin with Ava, speaking of which I told you not to go that last time.” I ignored the two as they argued.
“So what has this got to do with Hobbs now?” Gisele asked breaking into their fight.
“He’s back in the states back at square one. Lotty cleaned up in Berlin not long after we left, I rang her when we stopped just after the border. He doesn’t have a clue as to where we are and with his team dead he’ll be out of action for a while.” I explained.
“Anyway like I said, Leon if you need to make the trip back to Mexico we need to go now and Let your place is all set up by the way.”
“Thanks.” I mumbled as I finished reading the file in my hands.
“I’ll head back to the states after Mexico and keep an eye on Hobbs, I’ll keep you posted.”
“Thanks.” I said as I smiled at her.
“No worries as I said before I do owe you… but uh you know the deal…” she trailed off smirking leaving everyone but Leon and I confused.
“Weren’t you leaving Charlotte?” I asked trying to keep a straight face.
“Yeah, come on Leon.”
“Kill me now…” He muttered to me as I finally started grinning.
“Play nice you two, I’d like you both back in one piece.”
“Always Let.” Lotty grinned before straightening up before strutting out of the house with Leon in tow as he called out his goodbye.
“Leon?” I called.
“What?” He asked as he came back in.
“Don’t kill her.” I warned and everyone else looked on interested and amused.
“I’ll behave if she does… I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He hissed as a car horn honked loudly and then he disappeared. It wasn’t until I turned back to everyone I realised what position I’d been put in by having Leon leave and Lotty being there. One look on Brian’s face told me he wasn’t about to give up and Dom’s said he wanted answers.
‘Sorry boys not today.’ I thought wearily.