Mr. Imperfectionist 2

13 - F*ck my life..

I had already made up my mind to work for Luis. I detested that idea. I was furious with myself for not listening to Roberto. However, nothing would have changed. My life would still be fucked up even if Roberto were still alive. I wish I had never entertained Roberto and Jorge that night at the club. Had I not fought with Maya, I would never have gone to that club to drink and sulk. That woman has really messed up my life. Well, I'm not sure if I can hold her accountable. Roberto had his eyes on me for a long time because of my business. One way or another, he'd have tried to make a deal with me. The world's most hazardous industry is the drug trade. I never imagined I'd be trapped in it one day.

No matter how much I hate it, I have no other choice. Mr. Perez hated the notion. He threatened to quit if I shook hands with Luis. Mr. Perez has been like family to me since I started my business. I know he'll come back. If I don't cave, one day I could also find his head in a box. I cannot let that happen. I cannot lose more family. I called everyone in my office. Emilio, Julio, Guzman, Esteban, Daniel, Francisco, and two other men who work for me came to my cabin. It's been a week since we had a funeral for Miguel. But Francisco's eyes are still sore. They were close, like Polito and Daniel. The mention of Polito's name pinched my heart.

It hadn't even been two weeks since his death, and we got Miguel's news. I looked at Daniel. He looked shattered. Polito was his best friend, and he was gone because of me. In any case, Daniel hardly ever smiled. However, he now looked dejected, shattered and sleep-deprived.

I called everyone in my cabin for a reason. I sat in my chair while everyone else stood before me with their hands in front of them.

"I have made a decision." I looked into everyone's eyes while speaking. They all looked perplexed. "I have decided to work with Luis." I continued.

"What?" Everyone spoke in unison, except Daniel.

"I know it's not something..."

"I am sorry to interrupt, Señor. But we cannot let this happen." Emilio spoke. He looked pissed.

"It's not a choice, Emilio." I didn't want to be rude to my friends, but I had to sound harsh.

"We've not put our lives in line so you can go shake hands with them one day." Daniel spoke in a grave manner.

"I know, Daniel. That's why I've called you all here today." I inhaled and rose from my chair.

I spoke while walking towards them. "I've decided to let you all go. I can no longer afford to lose you. This is my life, and I have made this decision for myself."

"That's impossible. We are not leaving," said Guzman.

"You have to. Y'all have families. Go back. Live for them."

"You are our family," Emilio said. I could see his eyes welling up.

I patted his shoulder and said, "Think about little Enrique. It's not his age to attend his father's funeral. Your wife, Carla, needs you. Go back to them."

"You have hired us to protect you. And we are going to do that until our last breath, Señor." Julio spoke.

"Y'all don't understand. All of your lives are in danger. My mother's life is in danger. They could reach India and kill Saanj at any time. I'm not letting that happen."

"I have arranged security for mamá and Saanj both. They are currently safe and sound. The team I've sent is very strong and equally dangerous. Don't worry, Señor." Julio said.

I nodded and said, "Good. Make sure the security never leaves from there, not even for a second. Also, make sure Saanj never finds out about them either. She'll be scared. She travels a lot because of her work. I want them to go wherever she goes. I'll pay, no matter the cost. I'll do whatever it takes for her and mamá's security."