this chapter is kind of a filler that gives alexis a scene with brian. happy holidays everyone xoxo

question: how do you guys think alexis is going to respond to gisele? she's soon going to make an appearance.

****

Dom informed me while I was away today he'd get started working on our cars we got for the race. He understood why I needed to go up north for a little bit, and when I get back tonight I'll continue the work that needs to be down on my car for the race. But for now, my mind is up north.

Throughout the drive, my stomach keeps turning in knots and it worsens as the building comes into view. Taking a deep breath, I pull off to the side of the road on a side street. I park the car and stare at the building being guarded by men in uniform.

I wish I can visit, but I made him a promise. My father didn't want me to see him behind bars. He wanted me to remember the times before—when he was only my father. So many times I've wanted to go up to the entrance and see the man I miss everyday since he was put here, but I know I can't. Especially now because I don't know if I'm wanted since the whole David Park incident.

Getting out of the car, I lean against the hood. Just being in close proximity gives me a little comfort knowing my dad's just a few yards away. A few minutes go by in silence when I pick up on footsteps approaching the car. Turning, my back straightens when I see Brian approaching in his suit.

"Here to arrest me?" I question as I look back to the prison.

He doesn't say anything until he's standing beside the car. "If I wanted to arrest you, I would've done so when you touched down in LA."

That's true. Sighing, I look at the blonde agent. "What do you want Brian? Dom and I are going after those people who killed Letty so deal with it."

Brian lets out a soft laugh. "Nice to see your attitude hasn't changed."

Shaking my head, I allow myself to meet his gaze. The bright blue eyes look back at me, and I see the guy who became a good friend before we found out he was working undercover. "Don't act like you knew me. You were pretending to be my friend—our friend. And now Letty's dead and you reappear."

"I considered her a friend too. I considered you a friend."

Looking away, I run my fingers through my hair and hold my head in my heads. My elbows rest on the tops of my thighs as I close my eyes. "So did I. Why are you here? Were you following me?"

There's a moment of silence before Brian speaks up once again. I feel him lean against the hood next to me. "I was checking up on something here when I saw you drive by. So, technically, I didn't follow you the whole way here."

"My dad's in there."

"I know."

I nod, "Of course you do. You probably knew that before we even talked at the diner."

To that, Brian doesn't answer. "I can give me a letter or something if you wanted."

Picking at a hangnail on my thumb, I think for a few seconds. I don't know if I trust Brian to give my dad anything, but what's the gain in him not doing so? If I can't actually see my dad, he should be caught up on what's going on—or at least as much as I can tell him. Letting out a slow breath, I walk around the car to the passenger's side door and open it. I get a note pad from my purse and scribble down a few things he should know—Letty being murdered and a little bit about Dom and myself. I finish the note off with saying how I miss him, and hope to see him soon.

My eyes travel to Brian. I rip the paper from the notepad, and hand it to him folded. "Just because I'm trusting you with this doesn't mean we're cool."

He simply nods and takes the folded paper to put it in one of his suit's pockets. "What's up with you and Dom?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Why the change in subject?"

Brian shrugs. "Curious."

"And why should I tell you?"

"I'm just wondering why you would come back with Letty, but not Dom. From what I remember, you two were attached quite a lot. Did something happen?"

I cross my arms against my chest. "Shit happens."

Brian just nods and decides not to say anything more. He stuffs his hands in the pockets of his suit.

"I'm going to get going." I walk pass Brian and open the driver's side door. "I appreciate you getting the note to my dad."

Getting inside, I start the engine and see Brian take a few steps away from my car. I put pressure on the gas pedal and drive away.

*****

After coming home, I thought I would be able to slip on some pajamas and curl up into bed, but Mia told me differently. She mentioned how Dom wants to see me and told me where to find him. I wasn't going to go to him, but Mia said it revolves around our plan to get Letty's killer. I couldn't refuse, which is why I'm pulling into the parking of a garage.

Getting out of the car and walking into the building, I see two cars I don't recognize parked there. One is grey, and the other is black. Raising an eyebrow, I walk towards the classic black car. My eyes scan the black paint job and the interior, noticing it's had some work done already.

"It's yours," Dom says, walking out from a room. "For the race."

My head lifts as I see him approach. "You didn't have to." I bite my bottom lip as Dom holds out his hand to give me the keys. "You fixed it up and everything?"

He nods. "Have been for the last few days."

I unlock the car and get into the driver's seat. My hands grip the steering wheel before loosening my grasp so my fingers can glide against the cool material. "I like it."

The corner of Dom's lips turn up slightly. "I knew you would. Plus, you've always favored the color black." He crosses his arms against his chest and leans against the side of the car, still looking at me through the open door. "Let's one of the reasons why you liked my dad's car so much."

"And it's just a beautiful car," I add, turning my body so my legs are out of the car, but I don't get out. I glance up at Dom and meet his gaze. "But it does make it better that it's black."

I get out of the car, pocket the keys, and walk over to the car Dom will drive for the race. I give it a once over before walking over to a chair. Sighing, I lean back and see Dom walk over as well. He pulls up a chair and takes a seat next to me.

"I can't believe we're about to do this," I say, leaning forward and resting my forearms on the tops of my thighs.

"You don't have to."

Shaking my head, I continue to look down at my feet. "I need—or want—to do this for Letty. She'd do the same if our positions were flipped."

Dom's hand reaches out and he rests his fingertips against my forearm. "If things go south, I'll be there to protect you."

My eyes lift and meet his gaze. "I know you will." I give me a small smile before taking the hand that's resting on my forearm into my hand.