The Cartel’s Queen

Not So Happy Reunion

Rio showed up a couple of minutes later, looking very frustrated and fed up with his job. I giggled amusedly at his frustration, now he can feel my pain.

“What’s so funny, beautiful?”

“Your angry face.” I said in an amusing baby voice

He rolled his eyes, laughing.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Do I have a choice?” I asked out frustratedly annoyed

“No sugar, you don’t”

Then Enzo popped into my mind. I was gonna see him again. I didn’t think about it like that at first but I think the shock of seeing him after four years was settling in. I didn’t even realize that I would be in the private room with him tonight.

“Who’s that man to you that you were hugging?” Rio asked out jealously

I smirked at his jealousy.

Does Rio love me? He sure acts like it.

“That’s my brother Enzo.” I said out happily

He looked at me surprised.

“The one you left when you were sixteen?”

I shook my head yes, very excited and happy. But Rio didn’t look happy for me, he actually looked upset and apologetic.

“What’s wrong?!” I asked out flusteredly worried

“Speaking of your brother.” Rio said out in a more darker tone, I could tell something was wrong

“What is it?” I asked out worriedly concerned

Rio sighed frustratedly

“There’s been talk about a snitch in Santiago's crew. He’s narrowed it down to two people, your brother Enzo and someone else.”

My jaw dropped, not expecting to hear that.

“Okay..but what’s that supposed to mean? I mean my brother is not like that, but I don’t know.” I said out in a blubbering mess

Rio grabbed my arm, bringing me back to reality.

“Santiago will make them fight it out in the ring. See who wins, and who dies.”

My heart started to race. My brother was gonna have to fight to the death tonight! But I just got him back! I can’t let him die! I mean I’m sure he can fight, but who knows who he’s up against. Who did my brother get involved with?! Who is Santiago?!

So many thoughts raced through my head, trying to figure out a way to stop what was gonna happen.

“Don’t even think about trying to save your brother. This is how business is conducted between gangs, Amina, you should know this.” Rio said out frustratedly, staring deeply into my eyes

I looked at him in shock. Have I been naive this whole time? Did I not know this Casino was run by a gang?! Lord Jesus, why am I so clueless sometimes?

“You cannot tell me to not protect my brother!”

I was seething at this point. How dare he tell me I can’t save my brother! I mean I have to right?! I mean it’ll all work out, right?

“Amina! I’m serious!” Rio said yanking my arm forcefully, snapping me out of my anger

I could tell he wasn’t joking. Rio had his don’t f**k with me face on. I knew all too well that he was really serious. I didn’t want to anger him anymore, yet I deserve the respect in knowing that my brother’s life is on the line.

“Just do your job and keep your head down. You might just be able to take a long vacation after your shift is over.”

“Fine!” I snapped out angrily, avoiding his gaze

He let go of my arm, softening his posture as he gave me an apologetic look. I know he doesn’t like getting angry with me, but I know this is a serious situation. I mean I don’t know much about gangs, only what King taught me. He taught me about other rival gangs and how to protect myself with a gun. He even talked about the cartel and how their drug trafficking affected his business. He told me about a man called Emillio Carrillo. The boss of the Juarez Cartel. Told me he was a savage hot head, yet very intelligent and sneaky. He couldn’t be trusted, not even with conducting business.

“Let’s go.” Rio said out, throwing me from my thoughts

I left the bar counter and followed Rio across the casino into the private room in the back.

Cigar smoke along with weed filled the big room. There was a huge wooden table that stretched from wall to wall. Various men of different statues sat around the table. Most were big and buff, as others looked like they just got out of jail from serving twenty years. Ages ranged from young to old, really throwing me for a loop.

Tattoos and gang marks filled most of their bodies. What kind of s**t did I get myself into?!

I looked over and saw a bar in the corner of the room. I quickly walked over there, trying to keep my head down. I could hear various conversations going around the table. By the sounds of it, there was trouble. They argued and bickered over things I wasn’t trying to listen to. But it was definitely about money.

Most argued in Spanish, then went in and out to English. It was really getting heated.

An older man approached the bar, asking for a glass of whiskey. I poured him a bottle of our finest whiskey, handing it to him.

He handed me a $100 bill, smiling and turning to walk back to his seat.

What the hell!

A $100 tip just for pouring him a whiskey!

The sound of fists pounding on the table interrupted my thoughts. Santiago is angry and looks like he wants to rip peoples heads off.

“Everything will be settled tonight!” He yelled out angrily, silencing everyone

I took the time to look around the table to spot Enzo. I spotted him near Santiago across the room. I also saw that the head of the table was empty as well as the seat next to it. I’m curious to know who the boss of this whole establishment is. I’ve never met him, not even when I got hired.

Santiago snapped his fingers, motioning for me to come and take his drink order.

Great, I’ll get the bulk of the anger they have for each other.

I sighed softly as I quickly made my way to his side.

“The best tequila you got, sugar.”

I watched as he gazed at my body up and down. He had such a creepy look on his face as he f****d me with his eyes.

I quickly left, not being able to stand his creepy stares. I got back to the bar and poured him a glass of our finest tequila.

I left the bar again, bringing the glass of tequila to Santiago. After I sat his glass down on the table for him, he grabbed my wrist and stopped me from walking away. He pulled me close, making me lean over him.

As I leaned over him, he shoved a $100 bill in between my breasts, roaming his hands inappropriately.

Rage rose in my chest, making me want to smash his glass of tequila in his face.

I could see Rio by the door watching me closely. He gave me a look of frustration, he knew I was gonna make a mistake, but instead I proved him wrong and took what Santiago did to me.

When he was done showing off in front of everyone, I ripped my wrists out of his hand and took other people’s orders, ignoring him.

“Enzo, tu Hermana es una joya.” Santiago said out amusedly pleased

I knew some Spanish, so I knew he told my brother that he thought I looked like a gem.

I looked over at Enzo who was seething, yet didn’t say anything. Santiago was his boss, he couldn’t talk back even if he wanted to.

God please protect my brother tonight. I just got him back!