NO DOUBT [bwwm]

• 35 • The Happy Ever After

Four hours and a half later we passed gates, obviously entering private property after we announced ourselves through the intercom. We drove up the hill and soon we were parked in the driveway of a huge three-story cabin. All lights were on in the house and it stood proudly in the cloudy winter sky. I gave orders to stay in the car to everyone except for me and Luca. Gino couldn't make it as he was supervising business back in New York.

"Where the fuck are we?" Luca scrunched up his eyes as he took in the scenery.

"Josie said she'll explain everything once we get here," I told him before making my way to the main entrance.

Security around the house was strong. There wasn't one dead spot in the area, whoever owned the place was an extremely careful person. Or dangerous.

Before we could even reach the stairs leading to the house, the door opened revealing a hefty latino man of maybe 50-60 years of age. He stood, facial expression stoic as he stared at us. After a moment he spoke as we were closer to him, "Welcome. Pleased to finally meet you, Orlando. I see you brought company."

Luca jumped in, "Oh, don't mind me I'm just here for fraternal support, but mostly to see Josie."

"I was talking about the half dozen of cars polluting my driveway," the man clarified, pointing to our rides. "I'm guessing you brought back up."

"Better safe than sorry," I simply said as I studied the man. "I'm afraid the acquaintances have only been made on one side... you are?"

"I'm Jose Hernandez," he introduced himself and gave his hand for me to shake.

My mind made a connection in my brain, "As in Mexican gang leader, Jose Hernandez?"

"No, as in Mexican mafia leader, third biggest mafia under God's sun," he lead us into his house as he talked. "A shepherd only has so much control over his sheep. A good shepherd knows when to let the bad sheep go, in order to keep the best and raise his own quality. I do not associate with any group of individuals who distort my mafia's name for the sake of some childish gang. The same way I don't associate with whoever it is that was trying to abduct Josie."

Luca exhaled in relief, "Cool, cause I thought for a second that it was some type of payback over us exposing your illegal business."

Jose shrugged it off, "Oh that small thing? We got over it quickly. It also helped me realize that it's time for me to step out of the business. Have some family time. However, I believe that whoever it is we're fighting against is not someone to be underestimated. How about we talk about it further after you spend some time with Josie? See what we can do to bring them down, boss to boss?"

I looked to my brother who nodded, "Then you would want to talk with Luca, our new boss. I stepped down as chief as of this morning. The mafia isn't where I belong anymore."

"That's commendable, son," Jose admitted with the tiniest hint of a smile. "Let's go see Josie. She's on bed rest seeing as she was drugged. The doctors also suspect a case of mild hypothermia, since she was in the cold for a few hours during the abduction and a small concussion. Not to worry, I've got her a team of specialists and a maid at her service. She's well fed, hydrated and cared for. Basically, you can tell the Power Rangers in the black cars to take the day off. It's Sunday after all. "