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I chuckle a little, stubbing my joint out in the crystal ashtray, “You have no idea.”
For the next two in a half hour, I detail my plans with Danny Reyes and tell a little of mine and Dice’s story.
By the time five o’clock rolls around, I have confidence that Manuel and Dice can have a decent relationship aside from the business partnership he and I have.
Jefa and Nico have discussed their southern flesh trafficking issues with me, and it seems that some of the women have been taken from my city.
“The only Familia here who I have no partnership with is Reyes. There has been a string of missing girls in the past year but no leads. Most of the women were from Little Village, the hood that Dice grew up in. Any idea where these girls are? I can get a team set up to retrieve them and bring them home.”
Jefa smirks, “We decided to come along on this trip with Manuel because Nico and I have busted a ring in La Paz. We saved ten women and two children. A couple of women are from Little Village, so we brought them home.”
I lean back in my chair as I take the couple in with new eyes. They’ve been called vicious and remorseless but what I see are true bosses who live by a code.
“And the children?” Hector asks, “Were they from here?”
Nico speaks up and it’s the first time I see real emotion in the man, “The children were kidnaped in Vegas. A little girl and boy. Their biological parents were worthless. The kids belong to us now.”
Maybe it would have sounded like a caring statement but coming from Nico, it sounds like a fucked-up situation for the two kids. Are the kids safe with the hitman? Is that even a real fucking question?
I’m not downing what Nico does, but is he even fit to babysit kids?
As if sensing my thoughts, Jefa speaks more, “Araña’s mother died protecting her daughter and Nemesio’s father was a heroin dealer who beat his son. They are our children now.”
I nod my head and leave it at that. I’ve heard the Renzetti reputation, so I believe they speak the truth. Besides, I am not in power above them, if there’s issues, it’ll be up to the don of New York to handle that.
“Okay, so you brought the women back and I’m thankful for it, but I sense this is not why you traveled here.”
Jefa slides her finger along the rim of her empty tumbler as she thinks for a moment. A quality I’ve noticed about her. She thinks carefully before she speaks, weighing her words and measuring the necessity of information. She’s cautious and I respect that.
“As you know, my father was murdered last year. His killer has yet to be found but the list of suspects has narrowed. When I came into power, I lost a few good men.” She looks at Nico before continuing, “We both did. Now though, I have a feeling the killer is hiding out here in Chicago. I’d like your help in finding him.”
I have no issues lending help but starting a war for someone I have no deep ties with is not a smart idea.
“And what do we get out of this? If I agree and you go to war, my whole organization will be with you. If I am to agree, Jefa, I need to know exactly what my efforts will bring me.”
Jefa smirks, “Your routes for weapons and drugs take you to a few states, no?” At my nod, she continues, “I have spoken with don Renzetti and we have agreed to stop our production of cocaine in New York and bring yours in. Not just drugs either, but I will bring all of my money to you for laundering with interests above asking. If you agree to help, and if this goes to a war, you will have Vegas, New York and Mexico as new trade partners along with allies. More money than you make now. After all, there’s money to be made during wartime.”
I chuckle, “What makes you think I need such connections? I’ve got a good thing going; money, power, respect.”
Manuel interrupts, blowing cigar smoke in the air, “You have my sister, do you think she’ll be happy with you if you do not stand on her brother’s side?”
I look at him, watching his signature cocky smirk form on his face and I have to grip the armrests of my chair, so I don’t bash this fucker’s teeth in. Jefa rolls her eyes with a sigh while Nico looks… well, Nico looks like he doesn’t give a fuck.
Hector goes rigid, ready to have my back, even against the cartel boss.
“Is this the precedent you want to set for your new relationship with her? Using her for your own gain? Cuando estás en la carretera no hables mal de tu enemigo.”When you are on the road speak not ill of your enemy.“You are in my castle, Ibarra. My city. You may be the King of Vegas, ruthless in nature, but you have yet to face me. Speak of my woman like she's nothing more than a pawn in your game, and I will slit your throat.¿Me entiendes?”
I don’t wait for him to reply, I turn my head to Jefa and Nico, “I will help you because I have interests in stopping this fucker from abducting from my city, but you must first help me solve my Reyes problem. ¿Tenemos un trato?”Do we have a deal?
The reaper and her scythe—fitting names for the Cartel Queen and her Sicario—stand with twin sinister smirks and shake my hand, “We have a deal.”
Jefa leans in closely, ignoring Nico’s growl, and whispers in my ear, “Go easy on Manuel, he’s been fucked in the head since finding out about his baby sister.”
I look to Manuel who has walked to the mini bar for a drink before nodding my head to her.
Turning off your natural instincts as a Mafia Don is a difficult thing. For now, I will let his words slide.
