“What are you talking about?” Mandy asks with a confused frown. “Then why were you paying Cross so much if it wasn’t to own sales rights to his new production?”
I realized my slip up a little bit too late. I clear my throat and shake my head. “I meant the drug can’t be sold unless Cross has made the adjustments he promised and has carried out another test on rats this time instead of people.”
A suspicious look crosses Mandy’s face, but it passes so quickly that I might have been mistaken. “So what do we do, boss?” Mandy asks.
“I’ll go to Cross,” I reply with a sigh. “He’s my cousin. I believe I can make him see reason.”
“That’s a dangerous move right there,” Mandy says. “Your cover could get blown. But I believe it’s necessary. You have to make Cross see reason.”
“It shouldn’t be too hard,” I say with a shrug. “All I have to do is get the dough flowing again. You know how much Cross loves his money.”
“Things have changed a lot since you were last out,” Mandy says, clucking her tongue. “Don Pablo has almost dominated all territories. Many of the drug lords have sworn allegiance to him, and Cross is hungry for validation. So you should be wary of Cross.”
“You’re right,” I say, sitting back on the couch with a sigh. “I hope this goes as simply as I hope, though. Make preparations for me to visit him tomorrow. Be as discreet as possible.”
“Yes, Boss,” Mandy says. She seems to study my face for a second; then, she clears her throat hesitantly. “You’re well enough, right?”
“Relax, Mandy,” I say with a reassuring smile. “It’s not a gunfight. Besides, Cross wouldn’t dare to attack me. Not even in death.”
“You’re right,” Mandy replies with a breezy laugh that does nothing to hide the worried look in her eyes.
Mandy is right to worry, this life is the most unpredictable. There are no friends, family, or loyalty on the streets. One could end up with a bullet in their head from their brother’s gun. And for the first time in my life, I recognize and acknowledge that fear. The fact that I have to return to that life horrifies me.
This is my reality, though. For a while there, I allowed myself to forget the natural chaos of my life and dream of the kind of life others live, peace, love, and happiness.
It’s time to return back to my life as Carlos Rodriguez, the mobster boss.
I adjust the hood of my jacket, careful not to reveal my face as I walk down the dimly lit corridor filled with half-naked women wearing fake smiles and cheap perfumes. I hear a few catcalls and naughty remarks as I go by, but I walk on determinedly.
I hate having to come to Cross’s downtown den disguised as a dealer, but it’s the only way I can meet with Cross without revealing my identity. I walk on till I get to the end of the long corridor. I turn to my right as Mandy had instructed and keep walking down. It’s quieter here, with only a few women lingering around these parts. I see a flight of stairs ahead and go up. I reach a door and turn the knob. The door opens to a dark corridor with only a flickering bulb ahead. I walk stealthily down, still careful to keep to the shadows.
Suddenly, a shadow appears in front of me. I immediately stop walking, making sure to keep my head down.
“Who are you?” The man draws in a strange accent.
I remain silent, trying to gauge his size from his distorted shadow. He seems stocky, weighing several pounds more than myself, but I seem to have the advantage of height.
I wait for him to rush at me, and sidestep his approach, momentarily confusing him. I immediately turn around and fling my fist at his face. A sickening sound suggested the connection of my fist to his nose. He grunts loudly and aims a blow at my stomach. I sidestepped just in time, quickly wrapping his arm over my shoulder. With all my strength, I flip him to the ground. I immediately add a sidekick for good measure, completely knocking him out.
I take a minute to catch my breath. I wouldn’t have had to go through this much trouble if only I’d come here as Carlos Rodriguez. But as it is, I can’t bear to reveal my identity, even if it means having to knock down a few hefty men.
Despite Mandy’s efforts to reduce the guards on duty, I was prepared to tackle a few muscle heads along the way. I groan quietly at the dull ache in my waist. I continue down the hall till I get to the only door. I turn the knob and push the door open.