That basically confirmed Lawson's guess.
"I know few guys. They happen to have ties to Bonanno family too."
"Is that right? Lawson, I'll be straight with you, I do have some business dealings with Bonanno family."
That was as far as Dom would go. He couldn't say more because it concerned his crew's very lives.
If Lawson was willing to join Dom's crew, Dom would definitely spill everything. But Lawson obviously wasn't going to play second fiddle.
Still, info Dom leaked was enough for Lawson to piece together general situation.
Dom's crew ran highway hijackings. That required accurate intel and reliable channels to fence stolen goods post-job. Both were essential.
Without solid intel, risking everything just to hijack truckload of frozen beef was massive waste of time.
Even if it was all Kobe beef.
Without fencing channel, stolen goods just sat piling up in warehouses, bringing massive risk.
If cops sniffed it out, Dom's entire investment would go up in smoke.
Only way to minimize risk was moving goods immediately. Best case scenario: selling cargo minute it was hijacked, skipping warehouse entirely.
And Mafia could provide both.
Like mentioned before, Mafia kept incredibly low profile nowadays. Meant they stopped doing lot of direct, hands-on crimes.
But they still heavily operated in gray areas.
After all, easy money is easy money.
Figuring that out gave Lawson fresh perspective on this 3-Star job.
"Got it. Dom, got some news for you. Upcoming underground street race might be highly dangerous."
Dom chuckled.
"Ha! What street race isn't dangerous? If I was scared, I wouldn't be racing!"
"This time is different!"
Lawson turned his head, mainly worried watcher in distance might read lips.
"Heard LAPD already has eyes on this race."
Dom's expression shifted.
"Lawson, where'd you hear that?"
"That's secret. Just keep your guard up."
Dom looked down, thinking. Moment later, he looked back up.
"Lawson, let me give you tip too. Race will highly likely happen at Mt. San Antonio. Might want to scope out route beforehand."
That was incredibly crucial intel.
Race location was always massive factor. Not knowing track and layout would definitely screw up results.
For other LA racers, location didn't matter much. Most knew local canyons like back of their hands.
But Lawson was different. Had only been in LA little over month. Hadn't even explored entire county yet, so naturally didn't know all canyon roads.
But that info also proved Dom's ties to Bonanno family were definitely serious. At very least, he had to be pretty tight with Bonanno family's young boss.
"Got it. Dom, don't expect me to hold back during race!"
"Ha! Same here!"
With that, Lawson said goodbye to Dom. Had been out long enough; time to head back to Blake.
Blake was experiencing her first real relationship and her first time going all way, making her incredibly clingy.
If school TA hadn't called threatening to contact her parents, Blake probably would've stayed glued to Lawson in Dolphin Hotel bed.
But to prevent Ray Gaines from storming Dolphin Hotel with shotgun, Blake had no choice but to let Lawson drive her back to Caltech.
Don't doubt it. If Ray knew what Lawson did to Blake, he absolutely would've done exactly that.
"Blake, don't look so sad. Just temporary goodbye. Remember to call me when you get back to dorm!"
After whispering plenty of sweet nothings, brunette finally cheered up bit.
"Lawson, I'm going to miss you!"
"Going to miss you too, Blake."
Watching Blake walk away, Lawson stood at Caltech gates and missed her for solid minute. That was considered highly devoted for him.
During that minute, Lawson noticed several blonde white guys in black suits roaming around Caltech.
These vicious-looking guys clearly weren't insurance salesmen. Unless their company hated making money.
But Lawson wasn't LAPD. Wasn't his problem to deal with.
Hell, LAPD probably wouldn't even care. After all, American cops were meant to maintain general social order, not actually protect citizens' lives and property.
In America, you could only rely on family. And if you were poor, usually couldn't even rely on them.
After splitting with Blake, Lawson drove straight to Sangiovese.
Hadn't seen Svafa in days. Wondered if she was pissed about it.
Moment Lawson walked into Sangiovese, he met Svafa's utterly infatuated gaze.
After few days resting, Svafa's body had recovered significantly. At very least, she could walk normally again.
So Svafa returned to bar, standing behind counter like usual.
"Little Lawson, you finally decided to come back?"
Lawson flashed Svafa smile.
"Got tied up with things lately. Honestly, wanted to see you way sooner."
Sweet smile instantly spread across Svafa's face. Seemed she didn't care about Lawson's excuses; cared way more about his upcoming performance.
That was difference between mature woman and young girl.
Blake only knew how to stay glued to Lawson 24/7. Svafa knew exactly when to show affection and when to let Lawson out for fresh air.
Being attached at hip every day was definitely great, but it burned through honeymoon phase way too fast.
Pouring Lawson glass of whiskey, Svafa propped her chin on her hand and leaned over counter just like usual, putting that massive pale cleavage on full display for him.
"So, what've you been busy with?"
Lawson took sip of whiskey. Originally didn't want to say anything. Svafa clearly had plenty of her own secrets, so keeping their connection strictly physical seemed easiest.
But on second thought, given Svafa's massive intel network, maybe he could leverage her to grab more info.
Intel was vital, whether for completing jobs or planning tactical strikes and getaways.
So, keeping his eyes locked on that deep pale cleavage, Lawson answered stunning bar owner.
"Linsey, you know about upcoming underground street race in LA?"
"You mean underground race Martin Bonanno Jr. is throwing together? Don't tell me you're entering?"
Weird expression crossed Svafa's face.
"Looks like you know something. Mind sharing?"
Svafa licked her lips, flashing that seductive look Lawson knew all too well.
"Course I know things. So, Little Lawson, how exactly do you plan on paying for this intel?"