Chapter 289: Ron is in Jail
"Jay, I have some work business to handle, so I'll have to excuse myself." Ron apologized to Jay and left the football field. As he walked, he made several phone calls.
An hour later, everyone in Toretto's auto shop had arrived, including Ron's veteran crew, except for the Hobbs family who were on vacation.
Except for Letty, who was sitting in Dom's car staring at photos in a daze, everyone was searching for clues Dom might have left behind, trying to find some message that would prove Dom hadn't betrayed them, but was just part of some elaborate plan.
"Letty, are you holding up okay?" Ron asked with concern, tapping on the car roof.
It would have been better if he hadn't asked. The moment he spoke, Letty suddenly jumped up like a cornered animal, pushed open the car door and slammed Ron against the wall: "This is all your fault! Ron, if you hadn't gotten Hobbs to take him to Germany, none of this would have happened! Everything would still be perfect! You ruined everything!"
Ron had the opportunity to push Letty away, but out of guilt over Dom's situation, he didn't resist. Instead, he gently eased her back: "Calm down. I'll take responsibility for what happened to Dom."
"Can someone tell me where Hobbs is right now? I need to know the details of this operation." Ron looked around and didn't see the big guy.
"He was arrested by German police on terrorism charges. Dom crashed his vehicle and stole the EMP weapon. I still can't figure out what he'd want with that thing."
With Dom gone, Brian automatically assumed team leadership: "Tej just checked Dom's call records. There are multiple calls to numbers that can't be traced. We're planning to start there. Ramsey's begun analyzing those mysterious calls. I'm guessing they're from burner phones. If we can pinpoint their locations..."
"No, these numbers are probably the result of signal scramblers. The numbers stay the same, but the signal paths are masked by some kind of micro-routing system." Ramsey emerged from behind her computer setup: "This means whoever's behind this has tech that's way more sophisticated than mine. Although I don't really know Dom, let's be honest here—he's been in contact with a total stranger."
"He attacked Hobbs and stole an electromagnetic weapon..."
Frustrated by the accusations against Dom, Letty was about to stand up when Ron pressed her back into her chair. Ron then approached Ramsey and said, "Listen, girl, when you're badmouthing someone, you better remember who saved your life!"
Ron's intimidating presence radiated outward, and Ramsey froze on the couch, her eyes darting between Roman and Tej for support, but neither man met her gaze.
Ron surveyed the room. Almost everyone wore expressions of despair, a stark contrast to the crew he'd brought with him. But it was undeniable that, if properly motivated, these people could unleash tremendous capability.
"Don't worry, this situation is my responsibility. I promise you that I'll bring Dom home. Moreover, like all of you, I absolutely believe that Dom would never betray his family. Don't forget what we are—WE ARE FAMILY!"
Ron fixed everyone with an intense stare, but obviously not everyone bought his speech. Roman, as the primary skeptic, spoke up: "That sounds great, but we don't even know who Dom's been talking to. How exactly are you planning to find him?"
"Obviously, we start with Hobbs. Since you guys made it back, I'm assuming Hobbs has been extradited by now. He had the last contact with Dom, and maybe he can provide some different insights."
The federal maximum security facility was completely different from any state prison. It was a place specifically designed to house serious criminals who posed threats to national security. To date, only two people had successfully escaped from there.
Even for someone with Ron's connections, getting inside wouldn't be easy. Just as Ron reached the main gate, about to call in some favors, he saw a new transport van arrive. Hobbs, wearing orange prison scrubs, was being escorted out in shackles by federal marshals.
Ron approached, flashing his IRS credentials to dismiss the guard. Then he walked right up to Hobbs and smirked, "Has anyone ever told you that orange really brings out your eyes?"
Before Hobbs could respond, two men emerged from the prison facility. They were none other than Mr. Nobody and his aide. "That's exactly what I was about to say, Hobbs. You're facing fifteen federal charges, including terrorism, treason, and reckless endangerment. You're quite accomplished. Anything else you'd like to add?"
"I just want them to get me a bigger jumpsuit. This one's too tight around the shoulders. Really doesn't fit properly." Hobbs shrugged casually, adjusting his restraints.
Ron rolled his eyes. Now wasn't the time for jokes! With your build, you're really going to complain about fit?
Mr. Nobody looked at Hobbs, then at Ron: "Dear Mr. Cooper, if you're here to say goodbye to an old colleague, just make it quick, and we'll take over from here."
"Who said I was here for goodbyes?" Ron feigned surprise at first, then became serious: "Agent Hobbs, the IRS has uncovered evidence of massive tax evasion in your financial records. We need to transfer you to IRS detention for interrogation. Please cooperate."
As he spoke, Ron moved toward Hobbs, but the moment he stepped forward, the surrounding federal agents immediately drew their weapons, while Mr. Nobody applauded mockingly from behind them.
"Sorry, Ron, you're a bit late this time. Hobbs is in federal custody. If you have any complaints, you can file them with the NSA, but I can't guarantee they'll be processed. Given your relationship, we suspect you have motives to facilitate his escape."
"Alright, since you've figured it out, I'll just be direct," Ron said, ignoring the weapons pointed at him and spreading his hands. "I am here to help him escape. So what are you going to do about it? Planning to lock me up with him?"
"No, we'll simply charge you with obstruction of federal operations. Go ahead and surrender, Ron. It would be embarrassing if my agents had to force you."
Mr. Nobody gestured to the agent beside Ron, his satisfaction barely concealed.
What could be more satisfying than seeing the usually arrogant Ron finally get his comeuppance?
But his smugness quickly faded as a dark blur, accompanied by a whoosh of air, grew larger and larger in his vision. It wasn't until impact that he realized it was a fist.
"Argh!" Mr. Nobody screamed, hitting the pavement hard.
Ron raised his hands theatrically, "Gentlemen, I just assaulted a senior national security official. That's a federal offense. Don't you want to lock me up with my big friend here?"
(End of chapter)
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