Location: El Paso, Texas – Two Weeks Later
A forgotten border town on the edge of nowhere. Dusty roads, old neon signs, and a diner that hadn't changed since the '70s. It was the kind of place no one cared to remember—which was exactly why Adrian Kade brought Mia Toretto here.
He sat at a corner booth in the diner, black hoodie pulled low, mirrored shades over his silver eyes. Mia sat across from him, sipping coffee while the old jukebox played Eagles softly in the background.
"You've been quiet all morning," she said.
Adrian didn't respond immediately. His eyes were on the waitress—young, nervous, blonde—and the two men who had walked in ten minutes earlier. Clean suits. Military posture. Fake smiles.
Adrian sighed. "I was hoping they'd stay away a little longer."
Mia frowned. "Who?"
"Watchdogs," he muttered. "Langley or the Pentagon. Maybe both."
The waitress brought the check, slid it across the table. On the back was a handwritten note:
Alpha. HQ wants a conversation.
No blood today, please.
Adrian gave a small smirk. "They're learning."
Location: Motel Across the Street
The room was soundproofed, sealed. Inside, the two suits stood with their hands behind their backs as Adrian entered, unhurried.
"Gentlemen," he said casually. "Took you long enough."
"Mr. Kade," the older one began. "Or should we call you Alpha? Ghost? Lucifer?"
"You can call me out of your jurisdiction."
The younger agent looked nervous. "You don't have to make this hostile."
"I don't. The last time you sent a kill team after me, I took down a NATO base blindfolded. You think this feels hostile?"
They said nothing.
Adrian poured himself a drink from their minibar. "So. Why are you here?"
The older man spoke again. "We just want to confirm something. After the LA incident, your name came up... in flagged chatter. Cartels, syndicates, even Interpol reports mention a man fitting your profile. But the real trigger? Monica Fuentes. DEA. Miami. She dropped your name."
Adrian raised a brow. "Funny. Didn't expect her to still be breathing."
"You knew her?"
"Once," he said, sipping. "It was professional. And personal."
The agents exchanged glances. "So the rumors are true."
Adrian set the glass down with a clink. "You think I care what rumors are out there? You think you knowing anything about me changes the game?"
"No," the older agent said quietly. "But Washington wants you left alone. Orders came from above. Way above. You're untouchable, Kade."
Adrian leaned in, dead calm. "I've always been untouchable. You're just catching up."
The agents stiffened.
"Now get the hell out of my town," Adrian finished.
Location: Adrian's Safehouse – That Night
Mia was curled up on the couch, laptop open, while Adrian sat cross-legged on the floor, assembling a custom sniper rifle for no particular reason—just habit.
"Monica knew you?" she asked suddenly.
Adrian paused. "Yeah. During my Ghost days."
"Was she like... important?"
He chuckled. "She was a target. Then a one-night stand. Then a memory."
Mia laughed, shaking her head. "So basically: 'it's complicated.'"
"Very," he admitted. "She still owes me a bullet, though."
Mia looked at him, eyes soft. "You don't have enemies anymore, do you?"
Adrian's hands didn't stop. "No. They're all dead."
Location: Mexico – Toretto's Hideout
Dominic Toretto leaned against a rusted Charger, arms crossed, staring at an old burner phone in his hands. The message was short:
"You saved his life. He gave you yours. Debt cleared." – Kade
Dom stared at the words for a long time before tossing the phone to the dirt.
He knew Adrian had done more than just disappear. He had buried his presence, taken Mia out of reach of law and danger. But more than that—he knew the man had power. Real power. The kind even Dom didn't fully understand.
And he respected it.
Location: Miami – Monica's Apartment
Monica stared out her window at the skyline. A single photograph sat on her desk. Grainy. Adrian in profile. Black suit. Red tie. Silencer in hand. She traced the edge of the photo with her fingertip.
"You're alive," she whispered. "But what are you now?"
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
Monica. It's not your time to chase ghosts. Stay away. –A
Her pulse skipped.
End of Chapter 14