Michael's Story

Chapter 17

Gerardo's Party

Gerardo's celebration was a more refined social event. The event was held in a large, luxurious house that Michael assumed belonged to Gerardo. Everyone followed Gerardo's request and wore just black and white. A classical pianist performed a classical piece. People stayed in tight groups, laughing and chatting with one another.

Rico nudged Michael, giving him the heads up on Gerardo and Alejo approaching them. Michael peered over his shoulder, spotting Alejo, and then glanced over Gerardo's frame. Rico and Michael turned about to face them.

Immediately, Gerardo jutted his hand to Michael, "Thank you for coming."

Michael gave him a brief shake. And then Gerardo reached for Rico's hand. Rico's stubbornness kept his hands in his pockets, but Gerardo's persistence kept Gerardo's hand waiting for Rico's. Finally, removing his hand from his pocket, he shook Gerardo's hand.

"Are you Antonio?" Gerardo asked Rico.

"No, I'm not," Rico said.

Gerardo forced a goofy scoff, "As much as I've heard about them, I have no idea what these guys look like. Anyways, glad to have you...." Gerardo paused suggestively.

"Rico." He said.

"Rico. Nice to meet you," Rico received a warm shoulder pat from Gerardo and a nod.

After moving back a few steps, Gerardo said, "You've already met my brother, Alejo," before bringing him forward.

"I've met Michael but not Rico."Alejo gave Rico a handshake.

"Now that we are all familiar, den's this way," Gerardo said as he swept his hand like an usher.

The two men, Gerardo and Alejo, led Michael and Rico to the opposite side of the room. After entering a new space, they descended a set of stairs leading down to the basement. A double door is where Gerardo concluded his tour of the area. He opened the door with a satisfying tug, revealing a tasteful interior.

Gerardo made room by moving to one side so that Michael and Rico could go inside. Michael respectfully rejected and insisted that they enter first. The two gentlemen walked in, followed by Michael and Rico. After everyone was seated, Alejo locked the double doors. Rico and Michael sat opposite empty chairs, obviously reserved for the brothers.

Gerardo, giddy with anticipation, plopped down in his chair and crossed his legs. Alejo walked over, holding a bottle of whiskey and his signature smug grin. Four glasses were held between his fingers. He placed the glasses in the center of the table and filled them halfway.

Michael and Rico both ignored their glasses. As they drank, however, Alejo and Gerardo maintained their cheerful expressions. There was something kiddish and juvenile about the two brothers that irked Michael. The visit was strictly business for him, but they had a great time.

"So, my brother here tells me you may have good news for me." Gerardo started the conversation.

"It's news," Michael replied.

"Alright," Gerardo bobbed his head while raising his glass, "let's hear it." He preened.

Michael paused dramatically, taking in the peculiar setting. Michael felt an itch that needed to be scratched but couldn't pinpoint its location. By Rico's tense gaze toward Alejo, he could tell that even Rico was on edge.

"Thirty percent for distribution, right?"

"Distribution, protection; hell, I'll even spend money with you." Gerardo tried to sound persuasive.

"And you couldn't find anybody else?" Michael questioned.

"We didn't want to," Gerardo said with a glance toward Alejo. Alejo nodded in agreement, "You're top dog."

"One of them."

"Oh, no. THEE top dog. You've got a great resume, seriously. We need to be as camouflaged as you are." Gerardo said.

"Being camouflaged is blending in, blending in a way where you can't be seen. If you're not seen, then you don't get caught. And you've already been caught."

Gerardo's smile began dwindling, "What do you mean by that?"

Michael said, "I've been made aware of some issues you two had back in Madrid."

Gerardo lets out an uncomfortable chuckle, "We've all had our issues. Yours was last year, am I right?"

"You're wrong. No evidence and no charges. You... they got all the evidence they need. All they gotta do is find you. And, it would be too risky for me to tie myself to someone that's drowning. So, thank you for the offer, but I decline. I don't see this benefiting me in any way."

Gerardo's brows knitted together, and he raised a hand. He returned the glass to the table. A stunned expression of disbelief on Alejo's face as he paused. They exchange glances, then redirect focus to Michael. Michael glanced over and saw Rico's fist clench the sofa arm. If they didn't get out of there, bad things would happen.

"You can't be serious."Gerardo poked around.

"I would be putting too much on the line."

Gerardo fumbled for a moment before he found the words, "Your friend took so much from me," his voice cracking with rage.

Alejo reached out to touch his brother Gerardo, but his brother rebuffed him. Gerardo sat slouched, supporting his weight with his elbows on his knees. Michael saw the waves of feeling washing over him, but he didn't move from his seat. He was waiting for Gerardo to make a mistake.

"Someone snitched back in Madrid. That's the only reason why that shit happened." Gerardo said.

"I've made up my mind, Gerardo. Thank you for inviting me." Michael finally rose from his chair.

Rico stayed with Michael while he watched the brothers from a distance. When Michael and Rico walked away and began to head for the door, Alejo also got to his feet. Gerardo gritted his teeth and bit his knuckles, trying to contain his frustration. Finally, however, he had to express himself.

"No, no, no, no, no!" Gerardo marched over to Michael.

Michael whirled around and saw Gerardo standing only a few feet away. With his hands behind his back, Rico walked up next to Michael. Rico attempted to control his emotions, but Gerardo started irritating him.

"You wasted my time. One of you assholes owe me!" Gerardo said. Alejo grabbed his brother's arm, but Gerardo snatched it away.

Rico prepared to attack, but Michael held him back. Michael fixed his gaze upon Gerardo, despite his strong want to strangle him. Gerardo put his chin on Rico's shoulder, but Rico wasn't fazed.

"You keep that shit between you and Pablo." Michael said firmly, "You should be thanking me for even giving you the time of day. This just proves you could never work with me."

Alejo touched Gerardo again on the shoulder. Before he and Rico left, Michael looked sternly at the brothers. Gerardo watched Michael and Rico leave the room and proceed around the corner.

"It's time we assert ourselves," Alejo said from behind Gerardo.

Gerardo stared furiously at the entrance, unable to focus on anything else. Before they had even finished constructing their empire, it all came crashing down around them. However, if Michael was unwilling to share his power, they would have to force him to comply.