The Black Dahlia (Cartel Series #1) ✔️

Bonus Chapter

UNKNOWN PLACE

The room was filled with darkness so profound that even the devil would cower. In this oppressive gloom, a man in his early fifties sat in a recliner, embodying the very essence of malevolence.

Outwardly, he appeared calm, but inside, his emotions churned violently. For the first time in his life, he had been bested, and by a young man no less. The realization made him clench his fists in rage.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and another man entered, dragging a young boy in his early twenties. The boy was roughly thrown to the floor at the feet of the man in the recliner.

The boy whimpered in pain and, when he dared to look into the man's eyes, he wished he hadn't. The man's eyes, glinting with anger in the darkness, looked as if they were possessed by demons. He whimpered again, overwhelmed by fear.

"I... am... sorry... boss," the boy sobbed. He had heard many rumors about the boss's ruthlessness and cruelty, but few had ever met him and lived to tell the tale. The reality was far worse than any rumor. This man made the devil seem benign.

The man chuckled at the boy's apologies, taking out a cigar and lighting it. He took a few puffs, then leaned back in the recliner, exuding a terrifying calm.

"I gave you a single task: to keep an eye on him. Was that so difficult?" the man asked, continuing to smoke. The boy shook his head, tears streaming down his face as he begged for forgiveness. He knew that those who faced this man rarely lived to see another day, but survival instincts compelled him to plead for his life.

"Boss... I... am..." the boy stammered, unable to finish his sentence under the man's withering glare.

"Shut your stupid mouth and tell the boss the whole truth," the man who had brought the boy commanded.

The boy gulped nervously, then began to spill everything from the beginning-how Gabriel had discovered the truth and every detail he could remember. The boss listened, a sinister hum of acknowledgment occasionally escaping his lips.

"Get rid of him," the man commanded. Within seconds, guards arrived to drag the boy away. His cries and pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears.

The man knew Gabriel was a sharp, intelligent operative. He had never imagined Gabriel would uncover the truth, as he had taken meticulous measures to prevent it. Gabriel had been his most formidable weapon, and losing him was a significant blow. Worse still, Gabriel knew everything about the organization. If exposed, the shadowy enterprise would be thrust into the light, a risk he couldn't afford. He clenched his fists in fury.

He had believed Gabriel's loyalty was unshakeable, which was why he had sent him to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel-a grave miscalculation.

"Who is Domingo?" the man asked.

"One of our loyal men. Gabriel and Domingo met during training and became friends. Domingo was trustworthy, so I never suspected him," replied another man.

"It seems his loyalty lies with Gabriel," the man chuckled darkly.

"What should we do now, boss? Should we kill Gabriel?" the man asked.

The boss laughed. "Do you think you can kill him?" He stood and walked to a small window, staring out at the dark sky. "Gabriel has slipped from our grasp. Catching him now, let alone killing him, is nearly impossible."

"Then what do you want us to do?" the other man asked.

"Wait," the boss replied curtly.

"Wait for what? For him to kill us?" The man's frustration was evident.

"We have no other options. Gabriel will come for us, and when he does, I will kill him with my own hands. I underestimated him once, but I won't make that mistake again. Pursuing him now would be like entering a lion's den unarmed, and we can't afford that risk."

"Isn't it risky, boss?" the man asked.

"Taking risks is part of our profession," the boss replied with a chuckle.

He knew Gabriel was exceptionally clever, preferring to use his wits over brute force. This made him a formidable opponent. Moreover, Gabriel was neither greedy nor overly ambitious, working patiently and remaining fiercely loyal. As an ally, he was invaluable, but as an enemy, he was the worst adversary one could face. With the backing of the Medellin Cartel, Gabriel had become untouchable. No one in their right mind would dare defy him, and only a fool would try to challenge him, facing dire consequences.

The boss was certain Gabriel would seek revenge, and when that time came, he would eliminate him. Yet, he still underestimated Gabriel, failing to grasp the full extent of his capabilities.

Power could be blinding, leading to one's downfall. For the Black Dahlia organization, this overconfidence would be their undoing. The devil had already set his plans in motion, and nothing would stop him from exacting his revenge.

After all Power can build empires, but it is the whispers of betrayal that topple them.

So, this is the bonus chapter, and from here, Sandra and Gabriel's story begins. I will soon upload the synopsis of their story, and I don't know when I will start, probably by the end of this year. So please be patient with me.

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