Page 71 of No Greater Oblivion

“It’s not about the money,” Diego explains. “The Port of Barcelona is one of the most important ports in the entire region. It plays a vital role in connecting Europe with other international markets; Asia, the Americas, and all of North Africa. To control that port means near unlimited access around the world.”

“It’s why Sandro’s always fighting us for it,” Lettie comments.

“And it can’t be bought either,” Alejandro adds. “The port is a public entity, run by the city’s port authority. Which means we have to keep control of it by force.”

“What does ‘control’ entail?”

Alejandro gestures vaguely. “A number of things. For one, influence over shipping. Having leverage over which ships are allowed to dock and having control over what goods can enter or exit. It means evading inspections, charging fees, taxes. Having control over port security in order to move in and out undetected, managing the labor, exerting influence over other businesses.”

“And…when you say you keep control by force?”

“I’m not answering that question.”

I pick up my pen again.

Note: don’t ask about control.

“Where does El Rey fall into the picture?”

“Gambling’s a much smaller entity. I opened El Rey when the family was still trying to go legitimate.”

“Lettie told me the bulk of your money came from illegal gambling, arms dealing, and black-market contraband.”

He casts his sister a weary look. “Did she now.”

“In my defense, she was freshly kidnapped and I wasn’t going to tell her the whole truth! I’m not crazy,” Lettie defends.

Alejandro tilts his head at me, hazel eyes deep and endless. “Did we answer all your questions?”

“Almost.” I hold my breath for a moment before asking, “Will you ever try to go legitimate again?”

The table goes silent.

“You can’t expect to go on like this forever. In fact, I think it’s a miracle your family’s managed to make it this far with so many skeletons in its closet.”

“Believe me. There’s worse out there.”

A shiver bolts down my spine.

Satisfied with what I’ve learned, I tuck my pen into my journal and close it. Given how much was revealed to me this morning, I believe I’ve handled the information dump reasonably well. After all, if I can witness my boyfriend kill a man then nothing else in the world should phase me. Least of all the backend part of his family business.

As soon as everyone leaves today, I’ll look up some of the words I don’t understand; like what it means to be a multinational holding company and how a company is different from a conglomerate. I suppose I have an idea but I’d like further confirmation without having to subject myself to anymore time in their presence. Right now, I don’t know how I feel about everyone, Diego and Lettie included. As much as I care about them and see them as family, I can’t turn a blind eye to their involvement in all this. I’m comforted by the fact that because of Lettie’s age, she was likely sheltered by her brothers. But Diego?

Does he have blood on his hands too?

“Those were all my questions.”

Lettie and Diego exchange glances, both of them visibly slumping with relief. I get up, ready to leave, when Alejandro says, “Leave me alone with Dahlia for a moment.”

“Don’t be rude. They’re in the middle of breakfast.”

Lettie finishes the last of her green juice and stands. “Actually, I’m running late for an appointment. Don’t worry about me.”

“Uh, I have…things.” Diego trails after his sister. “I don’t have things; I just don’t want to be here for this conversation.”

She punches his shoulder and the two of them bicker on the way out.

Alejandro abandons his place at the head of the table and meets me at the other end where he leans against the edge, hands folded in front of him. I shift my weight from one leg to the other, uncomfortable with the heaviness of his gaze.