Authors Note: This is an open para. I would personally love to see it as a group para. Feel free to respond to it or message me first, the choice is yours. I just think it would be fun. Your character could be one of the racers or an onlooker. I think it would be really interesting to see another character’s POV.
The night scene in Porto wasn’t just night clubs, casinos or underground fighting. It was also a scene that Maya Alliot found that she felt more at home. A place where as a teenager she had hung out. Where she had grown as a person and learned some of the many skills she honed today. And whereas an adult she owned the streets. It was a secret talent. Well, not so secret being that Oliver had called her out on it the first week in California when she’d suddenly become the new owner of a car he’d never seen before. The smug look on her face had been enough of an answer for him. She had thought he’d be mad but after giving her a false displeasing smile he’d patted her on her shoulder with pride and told her to keep up the good work.
The radio chattered echoed into her car as Axel, a fellow racer informed them that the coast was clear. The passion in the females voice as she repeated the words seemed to raise the feeling of excitement in the atmosphere.
“Racers are a go. I repeat racers are a go. All units are on the other side of Porto Velho dealing with a structure fire in Cavado.”
Randomly the illegal races would pop up and as much as Porto Velho’s finest tried to bust them they had a hard time figuring out their locations being that they frequently changed. The officers weren’t stupid all of the racers knew that but with limited proof, there was nothing anyone could do.
It wasn’t just the warm Porto air that Maya felt as her ‘69 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 rolled to a stop in between two other cars. She could feel the enthusiasm in the crowd as music boomed but the music seemed quiet compared to the crowd that talked amongst themselves. Bets were made, shit was talked and feelings were hurt. Those who came to the races couldn’t be of faint hearts. Maya’s car was one of many that lined the streets of Downtown, Porto Velho. Racers stood by their cars some of them surrounded by women in nothing but shorts and bikini tops. As Maya weaved through the crowd she watched as a hand was sliding up the chest of a fellow racer she beat once. A blonde woman whispered in his ear. Maya was curious how much of a good time he was being promised for winning. She laughed silently to herself before nodding to Mateo, the maestro himself. The night would officially start when the man made his way up to the front of the crowd to start the first race.
On the outside, there was a racer parked at every intersection where police could be spotted. Each of them listening to the police scanners for any activity of the police heading their way. Most nights there was nothing, others they found themselves racing away. Hopefully, tonight wouldn’t be one of those nights. Hundreds of racers lined the streets as the first four cars lined themselves up for the first race. Mateo stepped away from the crowd of people whom he’d been talking too and walked towards Maya.
“If it isn’t my favorite speed racer. Hermoso, ¿cómo estás?
Te extrañé en la última ola.”
“También te extrañé. Estaba ocupado, pero no te preocupes. Voy a ganar esta noche.”
She said with a smile as she stepped into the man’s embracing as he led the way through the dense crowd. The closer they got towards the awaiting cars the more people there seemed to be and for a Wednesday night, it wasn’t even packed.
Yo, Alliot! You racing?
How ya doing, ma!
Sup Alliot! Nice ride!
Racers and onlookers alike welcomed her with open arms. Even if they did not like her as a person they respected her as a racer. Here there were no sides. No St. Clairs, No Rutherfords or Cavado Kings. There were just winners and losers. Men and women who came to party, show off their cars and enjoy the half naked women who hung around. Most importantly though, they came to win.
“Hey Alf,” Maya said as she came up behind the man who was standing in the semi-circle that crowded around the four racers who were still waiting for the ‘go ahead’.
“Sup, Alliot, here to lose again?” He questioned with a small smirk. Alfie Auditore was notorious in these streets. He was the Dominic Toretto of Porto Velho and last week Maya Alliot had sworn she’d come inches to beating him.
“I almost had you,” She laughed before nodding towards the cars. “I’m up at some point. I’ve got to take that Grand AM from that Vanilla Ice looking mother fucker over there.
“Someone should tell him Slim Shady called and wants his hair dye back.” A familiar voice said from behind them but Maya’s attention was pulled towards the sound of engines being revved.
Mateo pulled away from Maya and took a step forward.
“Enough! Leave MC Hammer alone. Why don’t we let him prove himself on the streets because we all already know he isn’t getting laid tonight.” The Latin man said causing the crowd to woo in unison. Mateo’s charming personality captured the crowd as he stepped towards the front of the four awaiting cars. His voice booming as he spoke. “Listen up! Okay! Listen up! We’re about to get this party started! Enough standing by your car, if you’re racing get ready!”
