The Black Dahlia (Cartel Series #1) ✔️

14. Past memories

Gabriel

I was in deep sleep and it suddenly struck me. I did not know if my body was rigid or if I was sweating. I could only hear the screams of a girl "please don't do it, please leave me alone", she screamed. I

I was alone in a dark room with some other men keeping guard. The screams don't stop and they drown every other sound and keep ringing in my mind forever, until I awake in sweat and a dry throat, panicking like crazy. This specific nightmare has been my constant companion for the last few years.

I have trouble sleeping. It all started when my bosses gave me my first big mission, but I had no idea it would be so heinous that it would change my life forever. Initially things went smooth and it was a routine operation of dominating a leading cartel and keeping them in check. The aim was to show them who the real bosses were and not let them get too big and influential, which could cause destabilization issues in the future. The Big bosses were always cautious about nipping in the bud any risks.

As the mission processed the outcomes grew even darker, something I did not want to associate myself with, but I had no choice my hands were tied. I was a young man looking to impress my Godfather and rise in the hierarchy; I could not betray their trust and be viewed as a weak link.

I regretted what I did every waking moment; it took me almost a year to get over it. Night time was the worst filled with constant night terrors and I have spent many a sleepless nights in the past, still do.

Present day.....

It was a sunny and pleasant day, without the typical Mexican heat wave.
It made me feel a little relaxed and calm as I proceeded on a big assignment. This was one of my biggest assignments since the nightmare inducing assignment.

Remembering those days brought a shiver down my spine. I pushed those thoughts out of my head as I exited the airport security area. I saw my contact standing with a placard that had my pseudonym "Gabriel De Luca".

I was pretending to be an Italian businessman who wants to purchase some hotels in Mexico for this assignment. My senior had explained all the details in our secret dalliance in Eastern Europe. I had prepped myself for this and I felt ready to complete this mission, it was pretty straight-forward, but I had my apprehensions.

Since that's nightmare inducing mission I have been wary of the ways of my Group. I don't want to do things that go against my principles and cause me lifelong regret. I am no more the naïve youth; I have grown into a more mature version of my vengeful younger self. That doesn't mean the fire of vengeance doesn't burn inside me anymore, I have leaned to control and harness my rage properly.

This mission was special for another reason, it involves the Sinaloa cartel.
They are the reason behind my vengeance. They stole my childhood, my dreams. I will go to unimaginable lengths to see them burn. This mission takes me one step closer to my big goal. I will leave no stone unturned to prove my bosses right.

My thoughts were brought to an abrupt halt, as the vehicle reached my penthouse. My contact helped me bring my things to the apartment and left. Again I was alone with my thoughts in a massive house.

The flooring was done in white marble; the house had 5 rooms and a spacious living room. My contact really chose the perfect house as per my recommendations, I must remember to thank him the next time I see him. The open kitchen had all the necessary hi-tech equipments and also the utensils. The cupboards were stocked with enough rations for a month, so need to refurbish the stocks that was a relief.

The view from the windows was majestic. I could watch the coastline and also the entire city. Thanks to the building being 60 storey's high I got a bird's eye view, nice!
Amazing place to relax and collect my thoughts. Perfect prep spot for my mission.