Chapter 15
Gali
The night air was cool and damp against my skin as I crept through the shadows, my breath fogging up in front of my face. I kept low, sticking close to the brick walls of the alleyway as I made my way toward my target's location. The job was simple enough — take out a rival gang member who had been muscling in on Marcus's territory.
I wished I didn’t have to do this. It meant helping the Nightshade Wolves too, even though they were still hunting me and Norri. But it was the best option I had at the moment.
Marcus had given me the details earlier, along with a map and a photo of the guy. His name was Diego Ruiz, leader of the Vipers gang. Apparently, he'd been making waves lately, selling drugs and running girls in areas controlled by Marcus and his boss, El Lobo Negro.
It was a risky move, challenging El Lobo's authority like that. I knew that better than anyone else. It was up to me to make sure it stopped.
As I rounded the corner, I spotted my target leaning against a graffiti-covered wall, surrounded by a group of his lackeys. They were laughing and smoking, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. Perfect.
I pulled my gun from its holster, checking the chamber as I approached. These guys were armed too, no doubt packing heat beneath their jackets. I had to move fast.
All of a sudden, a door swung open behind me, and a figure emerged from the building. I whirled around, my gun trained on the newcomer, ready to fire. If he was stupid enough, he would die.
"Whoa, easy there, friend!" The man called out, raising his hands in surrender. He was older, with a graying beard and kind eyes that crinkled at the corners. "Didn't expect company tonight."
I lowered my weapon slightly, studying the man. He wasn't one of Ruiz's crew — that much was clear. But who was he? He better have answers to all my questions.
"I'm looking for Diego Ruiz," I said evenly. "Where is he?"
The man glanced past me, spotting Ruiz and his gang down the alley. He shrugged. "Afraid he's occupied at the moment. But I can send word that you want to talk to him, if you like." He had no idea the kind of man I was.
I narrowed my eyes, suspicion rising. This was too convenient — the way he’d appeared just as I was closing in on my target. Was he stalling for time? It was possible. I had to stay on my toes.
"No need," I replied coldly. "I'll handle it myself."
With that, I turned and strode towards Ruiz and his crew, leaving the stranger behind. As I drew closer, Ruiz caught sight of me, his eyes widening in surprise and then narrowing in anger. Maybe he already knew who I was and had just recognized me.
"What the hell?" He spat, straightening up and reaching for something beneath his jacket. "You got some nerve coming here alone, amigo!"
His goons shifted around him, hands disappearing beneath their own coats. I could see the bulges of weapons beneath the fabric.
I raised my gun, leveling it at Ruiz's chest. "Stay where you are," I warned. "Unless you want a hole in you."
Ruiz froze, his hand hovering over his concealed weapon. He looked around at his men, silently commanding them to stand down.
"Alright, let's talk," he said slowly, holding his hands up in a gesture of compliance. "But make it quick. I don't have all night."
I kept my gun trained on him as I closed the distance between us. Up close, I could see the fear flickering in his eyes, despite his bravado.
"You're stepping on toes, Ruiz," I warned. "Territory that doesn't belong to you."
He scowled, but there was an underlying tension in his shoulders. "And who says so? Last I checked, this is a free city."
I shook my head. "Not when it comes to El Lobo Negro. You know how he runs things around here. You're playing a dangerous game, challenging his authority."
I hated that I was acting like I was protecting El Lobo, but there was nothing I could do about it. It had to happen this way.
Ruiz laughed bitterly. "El Lobo is weak. Old and soft. His time is coming to an end. Soon, everyone will answer to me."
"He won't let that happen," I growled. "Neither will I. So, here's what's going to happen — you're going to pack up your operation and leave this part of the city. Permanently. Or else."
Ruiz's eyes flashed with rage, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "Or else what? You'll shoot me right here? Where everybody can see?"
I smiled coldly, knowing I held all the power in this moment. "If I have to. But I'd rather not make a mess. It would be easier for both of us if you just agreed to back off."
Ruiz glared at me, his jaw working as he ground his teeth together. I could see the wheels turning in his head, calculating his chances.
A few seconds later, he sighed heavily, defeat etched across his features. "Fine," he spat. "You win this round, amigo. But mark my words — the Vipers will be back. And next time, it won't end well for the Nightshade Wolves."
I nodded, satisfied that I'd gotten through to him. For now, at least.
"See that you don't," I warned, backing away slowly. "And tell your boys to keep their noses clean. The next time we meet, I might not be so generous."
With that, I turned on my heel and strode away, leaving Ruiz fuming behind me. He could shoot me in the back and kill me, but I knew he wasn't going to. He was crazy, but not that crazy.
What I got wasn't a permanent solution, but it would hold them off for a while. Give Marcus time to regroup and come up with a new plan. Plus, it was enough so he paid me and convinced El Lobo to stop trying to kill me.
Later, I stood in Marcus's office, the dim light casting long shadows across the worn carpet and peeling paint. The room was filled with the lingering scent of aged whiskey and stale cigarette smoke. I watched as Marcus counted out the money I had earned for dealing with Ruiz, each crisp note meticulously placed on the table between us.
As he finished, he leaned back in his creaky chair, his gaze appraising."You did good work, Gali. Real good work. Just like old times, and just like I thought you were going to."
I didn't respond, my eyes fixed on the stack of bills. It was a lot of money, enough to give Norri and our son some much- needed stability. But it still felt wrong, like I had sold a piece of my soul for it. I never wanted to work for the Nightshade Wolves again.
Marcus continued, his voice dropping to a more serious tone."You know, I'll tell El Lobo about Ruiz. He might get suspicious. Might even try to connect the dots. He's smarter than we both think."
I tore my gaze from the money, my eyes narrowing."And?"
Marcus sighed, running a hand through his graying hair."I've thought about that. I'll tell him... I'll tell him that Ruiz was trying to cut a deal with another cartel, someone bigger than us. That I stepped in and handled it. You know, as a favor."
I studied Marcus for a moment, searching for any sign of deceit. But his face was open, his eyes steady. He seemed to truly believe he could pull this off. Still, lying to the boss wasn't going to be easy.
"But what if El Lobo doesn't buy it?"I pressed, my jaw clenching."What if you can't convince him to leave me alone?"
Marcus hesitated, then reached for the bottle of whiskey on his desk, pouring himself a generous glass."I won't let that happen, Gali,"he said firmly, swirling the amber liquid in his glass."I give you my word. I'll protect you and your family from all of this."
I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head."Protect us? By making deals behind El Lobo's back? You're playing with fire, Marcus."
He leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity."This isn't some cheap parlor trick, Gali. I've worked with El Lobo for years. I know how to handle him. I can convince him to back off. Just give me some time."
I considered him, my doubts warring with the desperation for this to be true. Finally, I nodded."Alright. But if something happens to Norri or our son... I'll kill you."
He raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture."Understood, my friend. Now, let's get down to the details. El Lobo expects me to report back to him about Ruiz. I've already told you what I’m considering saying to him, but what about you? What do you think I should tell him?"
I paused, thinking."Tell him Ruiz was trying to deal with the Cartel del Diablo. Make him believe that you acted in the best interest of the Nightshade Wolves, to keep El Lobo's operation clean and profitable."
Marcus nodded, making notes on a pad of paper."I can do that. Now, about the money..."
As Marcus started to talk about splitting the cash and arranging payment, I found my mind drifting back to Norri. I imagined his face lighting up when I told him we could finally move, that we were safe. That we could be a real family. Our dream day was coming sooner than he expected.
At the same time, a nagging doubt gnawed at me one more time. I had just helped the enemy, again. I had acted against my morals and principles, all for money. Even if it was to keep Norri and our son safe.
I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of disgust. I hated the Nightshade Wolves and their struggles. It was all so... pointless. For what? For some pathetic sense of dominance? To prove that one was stronger or smarter than the other?
As if sensing my turmoil, Marcus paused, looking up at me with a knowing expression."Still think this life's a bunch of shit, don't you?"
I met his gaze steadily."Isn't it, though?"
He leaned back in his chair, his face turning pensive."Sometimes, yeah. But it's the hand we're dealt, isn't it? We make do with what we've got, and we hope for the best."
I nodded, unable to argue with that."Guess you're right."
Marcus stood, holding out a hand to me."Now, let's shake on it. Let me take care of things from here. You focus on your family. That's an order."
I took his hand, his grip firm and reassuring."Deal. But, Marcus, if El Lobo continues to come after me and my family..."
He released my hand, clapping me on the shoulder."Don't worry about it, Gali. I'll handle El Lobo. You just go and be with your family. And for fuck's sake, Gali, enjoy being a father for a while. I think you deserve that."
As I left Marcus's office, I felt a strange sense of calm. Maybe Marcus could pull it off. Maybe, finally, this could all be over. Or, at least, put it on pause for a while.
The weight of the money in my pocket felt like a chain around my ankle, dragging me down. But at the same time, it was a lifeline, a chance for me and Norri to start over, to have a shot at a normal life.
Now, all that was left was to convince Norri to give me another chance. To trust me again, to believe that I could keep us safe, that I wasn't just running off and leaving him with our son.
I had a lot of explaining to do. But for now, all I wanted was to get back home. Back to Norri. Back to my family.