Diamond Gang

Chapter 12: Amigos

About a month went by, and the time was carelessly ticking. I remembered on the news an impostor me turned in by some random guys. People were sure thirsty to find me—they did anything for the money. I had a few friends by now, and I made them leaders of my empire. The first leader was named Incognito. He was extraordinarily tall. Incognito stood at six feet and five inches in height. He always wore a black suit with white gloves on—his outfit made him look slim. He had a squared pattern scarf wrapped all over his head that made him look mysterious—his scarf was red and black. I only saw his blue eyes—I never knew what the man looked like. He told me he got burned one night, and ever since, he has covered his skin with wrapped fabric. Incognito was an expert in criminal tactics. He knew how to successfully accomplish anything without being caught. He handmade bombs and knew how to maneuver while cameras were watching. He was a slick man. Man, he was one smart dude. Incognito did his homework and studied any of my plans before we execute them. He was a man of few words. He never spoke much and never spoke less than he needed to. He always had the right words to say at the right time and place. If I ever wanted to achieve a goal, he was the one I went to for help—he did all my blueprints.

My second leader was named Little Mateo. He was a youngster, twenty-two years old, and of Spanish descent. Mateo had long, black, curly hair and always had a ponytail. He was a professional bike rider who rode his bike all over the city. Mateo performed tricks on it as well. He was a cool dude to me. Lil Mateo had a group of bike friends he would ride along the streets with. Mateo connected me to the right people and was able to move my supply. Whatever was going around in the city about me or other news, he would let me know real quick. Not to mention, he was tatted with dates when gang members died and the sins he committed. I felt he was one of those unique friends that are hard to find. He did not like it when people spoke too much, "Tell the loud to shut up, let the quiet talk, and let the loud hear it!" he screamed. He was wise for his young age. I never forgot what he told me, "Don't fall in love with your feelings; fall in love with your mind. Love is patient and kind," he said. He believed in true love and forgiveness. He forgave those who did him wrong. If I wanted to find more information about a person or place, he was the one I went to. Lil Mateo knew where everything was. He knew all the directions in Catalinas and their shortcuts. He was my map.

Finally, I had my personal advisor, No-Eyes, who was no ordinary man. He was a blind man who wore a white cloth wrapped around his eyes. No-Eyes was around his forties and advised me both mentally and spiritually. No-Eyes was not afraid to say no to me when needed. But there was something strange about him. Even though he was physically blind, he was not spiritually. He mentioned how there would be a rise of a generation with no respect for authority. He also said that most people in this country were blind. No-Eyes was a Christian and strongly stood in his faith. He told me not to trust my surroundings, "Don't fall asleep, John, everything is not what it seems! What you are doing is no good turn away before it is too late," he said to me.

It's always good to have one person in your life you can express your feelings and thoughts without feeling judged. If I wanted to talk about what was in my mind, he was the one I went to. I don't know if it's just me, but he one of those people who would give you the advice you should take. It's like you listen to whatever they got to say, and it may not stick with you at that moment, but sooner or later, that one thing that stood out the most would come back to your mind. He was that kind of person. I never showed him how much he meant to me, but this man was special in my heart.

Man, I was stronger than ever! Thanks to my gang I formed with many men part of it. I called them my Diamonds. They helped me move weight all over the country. I felt undefeated! I even felt more powerful knowing that my team was not part of any organization. I knew that the president would soon want to wipe out my squad from their grid. My team needed to be careful and watch their backs at all times. Luckily, my men got trained for combat and on how to use guns. They were no wanna-be thugs. My Diamonds were infantrymen ready to move.