Dominic was also laying low. On the way, Mia gave Lawson full rundown.
During underground street race other night, Dominic collided with 18-wheeler while escaping.
Luckily, semi only clipped side rear of Dominic's Mazda RX-7. But everyone knows Japanese car build quality.
Result? Mazda RX-7 was totally totaled. Dominic fractured his arm.
"What kind of injury? Serious?"
"Fractured left arm. Needs few months to heal. Thankfully Letty wasn't hurt. My brother is recovering at Letty's place right now. Living like a king!"
Letty was Dominic's girlfriend.
Sounded like Dominic was enjoying sweet setup. But Lawson still had one question.
"Mia, Dominic got hurt and wrecked his car. How did he escape?"
"Think another racer gave him ride. Helped him get away."
Well, scratch Johnny Tran off that list!
Johnny Tran was definitely still rotting in LAPD holding cell.
Lawson immediately thought of certain undercover cop who infiltrated underground race.
"Guy named Brian O'Conner?"
"Think so. How did you know?"
"Just guessed."
As they spoke, Mia pulled up to apartment building.
"Letty lives upstairs. Let's head up."
Lawson carried fruit basket up to second floor. Mia knocked on door.
"Who is it?"
"Letty, it's Mia!"
Door opened fast. Latina woman Lawson saw next to Dominic at street race stood there.
"Mia, what brings you here?"
Letty quickly noticed highly attractive Asian guy next to Mia.
"My brother's friend needs to see him. Couldn't reach him, so he found me."
"Oh, you're Lawson! I remember you! Get inside before neighbors see!"
Stepping into Letty's apartment, Lawson saw Dominic lounging on sofa watching TV, left arm in sling. Looking like absolute boss.
Guy was definitely enjoying himself.
"Letty, who was at door?"
"Your sister, and your friend Lawson."
"Lawson?"
Name made Dominic sit straight up. Turned and saw handsome Asian guy.
"Hey, Dominic! Way you were laying there, thought you were paralyzed from waist down. Guess you can sit up?"
"Fuck off! Dominic Toretto is made of iron. You think street race could paralyze me? Honestly, thought LAPD bagged your ass!"
"Ha! With LAPD's driving skills, they couldn't even eat my exhaust!"
Two traded jokes. Lawson set down fruit basket and took seat on sofa.
Dominic read Lawson's expression. Knew guy had serious business to discuss. Immediately gave his girlfriend orders.
"Letty, take Mia to bedroom. Lawson and I got important shit to talk about!"
Mia looked highly annoyed.
Like most girls her age, Mia felt she was mature enough to handle big boy business.
"What can't I hear?"
"Mia, you're too young. This ain't for you."
"You always say that! I'm nineteen!"
"Letty!"
Dominic shot his girlfriend look. Highly perceptive Letty immediately grabbed Mia and dragged her into bedroom, leaving Lawson and Dominic alone.
"Lawson, you definitely didn't come here just to visit. What's up?"
Lawson nodded.
"Dominic, you know Little Martin got murdered?"
"Course I know. Main reason I'm laying low is to avoid getting dragged into that massive shitstorm. Wait, don't tell me you got leads?"
Dominic was seasoned street veteran. Knew LA underworld was massive powder keg right now. Just needed one spark to blow everything to hell.
Smartest move was staying completely clear. Otherwise, you end up blown to pieces.
Dominic prioritized family above all else. Absolutely refused to invite that kind of heat.
"Yeah. Two friends of mine happened to witness entire hit!"
"You're shitting me? Then why haven't you gone to Bonanno family? They'd definitely pay massive bounty for that intel!"
"Problem is, my digging shows guy who murdered Little Martin is Bonanno family top brass!"
Lawson's words made Dominic suck in cold breath.
"So it's internal Mafia war? Fucking terrifying!"
"Mafia hit squad already started hunting my friends few days ago. I'm trying to fix this mess for them right now."
Dominic looked at Lawson with deep respect. He highly valued loyalty and brotherhood.
"Lawson, so what do you need from me?"
"Dominic, you do business with Bonanno family. Can you connect me with their top brass?"
Dominic understood Lawson's play. Frowned slightly.
"Bonanno family doesn't trust outsiders. My connection with them is pretty basic. But I can try reaching Mr. Luca Pastore. He's most reasonable guy among Bonanno brass."
"Perfect!"
Lawson knew Luca Pastore. Old Martin's most loyal underboss.
To map out Bonanno family's key players and intel, Lawson put in serious physical labor on Svafa.
Right at that moment, Svafa, still dead asleep in her apartment, suddenly started sleep talking.
"Lawson, stop, stop! I can't take anymore! Let me go!"
Dominic pulled out brand new burner phone and dialed number. Only got robotic female voice.
"Number you dialed is powered off."
"What the hell?"
Dominic didn't buy it. Dialed several more times. Earpiece just repeated "Number you dialed is powered off."
"Dominic, why isn't it connecting?"
"No fucking clue! This number always works during day!"
Lawson's face darkened. If he couldn't reach Luca, he'd have to wait for Sofia to change her mind.
Honestly, that was way too passive.
"Dominic, got any backups?"
"Let me think. I know one Mafia capo. I'll try his number!"
Dominic dialed another number. This time, call connected.
"Yeah, Alberto speaking!"
"Alberto, it's Dominic! Trying to reach Mr. Pastore, but his phone is dead!"
"Mr. Pastore? Think he went out of town on business! Got emergency? If it's urgent, just tell me."
Dominic turned to look at Lawson. Saw Asian guy shaking his head.
"Uh, nothing super urgent. Just minor question about accounting! Catch you later. Bye!"