Capítulo 13: 12: baby here we go
Chapter 11: Race Wars
The sun of California was falling unrelenting over the desert while Dom's team was preparing for one of the most awaited events in the underground racing world: Race Wars. For any street racer, this event was the peak, the place where reputation was built or destroyed in seconds. Marco, who had been part of the team for a while now, felt the excitement in the air mixed with growing nervousness.
They arrived at the place in caravan. The atmosphere was electric; cars of all kinds roared as drivers made last-minute adjustments. The desert vibrated with the mix of engines, music, and voices of hundreds of racers and fans. Marco, sitting in his car, looked around. Even though he had been racing with them for a while, he couldn't help but feel like a stranger in that scene. Dom, Letty, Vince, Leon, and Mia were like family, and although they had welcomed him, he knew the weight of his secret kept him a little distant from that connection.
Dom walked at the front of the group, radiating confidence as always. Next to him, Letty seemed just as focused, although there was a spark in her eyes that revealed her excitement for the competition. Vince was somewhat tense, probably thinking about the money and danger that would come after this event. For his part, Leon, with his usual calmness, kept a hand on Marco's shoulder, trying to transmit some of that peace.
—Today is the day, brother —Dom said, looking at Marco—. Make sure you're ready.
Marco nodded, his mind spinning with a mix of anticipation and worry. He couldn't fail them, not after everything he had shared with them. However, something at the back of his mind kept bothering him.
The races began with the sun still high. The first ones were fast, almost too fast to be real. Modified cars roared as drivers showcased their skills on the makeshift track. Some won, others lost, and in each race, the crowd cheered with excitement. Dom, as always, was ready to compete. With his black Charger prepared, he waited for his turn to show, once again, why he was the king of the streets.
—You're racing in a bit —Vince told Marco while watching Dom prepare his car for the race.
—I'm ready —Marco replied, although the truth was that part of him still felt out of place in all of this.
When it was finally Dom's turn, the crowd gathered around the track. Dom's opponent was another veteran driver, someone who had won several times at Race Wars, but that didn't seem to intimidate him. The sound of the engines filled the air, and before anyone could breathe, the race began.
Dom, with almost superhuman precision, launched forward, his car devouring the asphalt while his opponent struggled to keep up. The race was intense, but as everyone expected, Dom crossed the finish line first. The crowd erupted in applause as Dom got out of the car, always calm, always sure.
Marco watched from a distance, admiring how Dom maintained his composure even after such a decisive victory. Deep down, he knew that kind of leadership was what kept him connected to the group. Dom wasn't just the best driver; he was the heart of the family.
However, not everything at Race Wars was celebration. As the races continued and night began to fall, Marco noticed something strange. Jesse, the youngest member of the group, seemed restless. He had signed up for a dangerous race, one that involved Johnny Tran, a rival with whom the team had already had problems in the past. The atmosphere became tense when Jesse got into his car, determined to win, but lacking the control and experience to do so.
—He shouldn't be doing this —Marco said softly, approaching Dom, who was watching the track with concern.
—I know —Dom replied—, but you can't stop someone when they've already made a decision.
The race was short, and to the team's horror, Jesse lost, meaning he owed his car to Johnny Tran. However, instead of facing the consequences, Jesse panicked and fled, speeding out of the track while Johnny looked on in fury.
—This isn't going to end well —Letty said, worried.
Dom clenched his fists, trying to keep calm, but everyone knew this had triggered something much bigger. Johnny Tran wasn't someone who let a debt slide, and now they were all in danger.
Shortly after, Johnny approached Dom, his eyes overflowing with fury.
—You have to give me Jesse's car —Johnny demanded, with a threatening smile.
—I'm not giving it to you —Dom replied, firm and defiant.
—So you think you can just ignore the rules? —Johnny said, stepping closer—. I'm sure it was you who called the cops last time.
Dom frowned, feeling the tension build. He wasn't going to let Johnny intimidate his team.
—That has nothing to do with this. Jesse lost, and now he has to face the consequences —Dom said, his voice low but firm.
Johnny laughed, a cold and cutting sound. —Don't make me lose my patience, Dom.
In an instant, the atmosphere changed. Dom and Johnny stared at each other with rage, and before anyone could intervene, they lunged at each other. The blows echoed in the air, while the crowd swirled around them, expectant.
Marco felt his heart racing. He joined Vince and Letty, watching as the fight intensified. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, and he knew this wouldn't end well.
Finally, Dom managed to knock Johnny down, but the rival quickly got back up, ready to continue the fight. The tension between the two was palpable, and Marco couldn't help but wonder what else was at stake.
—This isn't over —Dom said finally, looking at Johnny with determination—. And when you come for us, we'll be ready.
Johnny walked away, but the threat still hung in the air. Marco looked around, feeling the weight of the situation. He knew that Race Wars had been just the prelude to something much more dangerous.
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