The Bound Collision

Chapter 29

It feels like an eternity since we started digging deeper into the trails of El Fantasma. The room is filled with maps, documents, and computer screens, but nothing makes sense. We've been chasing leads that seem to disappear as soon as we get close, and it's frustrating as hell.

The Jirochtikul mafia has been in a state of controlled chaos since the accident. Every move we make is calculated, every decision weighed against the risks. Our network stretches far, with allies in the shadows and enemies lurking in the open.

Information flows in constantly—reports from our informants, intel on rival cartels, whispers of betrayal. Each piece of data is a potential key to unlocking El Fantasma's identity, but it's also a potential trap. We've had to stay vigilant, always one step ahead, because in this world, one mistake can mean the difference between life and death.

The cartel leader we've been hunting, the one we almost took out, is nothing but a pawn—a puppet in a far more sinister game. The real power, the one pulling all the strings, is El Fantasma. He's the ghost in the shadows, orchestrating every move, every hit. 

It was El Fantasma who ordered the accident, not the so-called leader we've been chasing. The man we targeted was just a decoy, a distraction to keep us off the real trail. Now that we know this, everything feels different—more dangerous, more urgent. We're no longer just fighting a cartel; we're hunting the mastermind behind it all. And this time, we can't afford any mistakes.

I ruffled through the files on the desk as I brought of the file I was asked to sign, Uncle Aun had again departed off to Pattaya for some work and he had asked me to keep them signed. I took the pen and opened the file. It was for some agreement on the liquor shipments from Japan. I started signing as suddenly, the door swings open, I look up to see, Gemini walking in.

His presence pulls me out of my thoughts, but I can't help feeling a bit off. I glance at him, trying to gauge his mood, but he seems focused. He starts talking about some shipments—details, logistics, things we need to keep an eye on. I nod, trying to keep up, but the irritation from earlier still lingers. We don't mention Lenae, and I'm thankful for that. I'm not ready to go there. 

After that whole argument in the car Gemini wanted to talk, I've seen how confused and annoyed he himself was, but I wasn't ready. I wasn't myself sure of what the fuck was wrong with me. I felt so damn stupid after I got to my room that day. But then all I'm trying to do is shrug it off.

Just as Gemini finishes going over the details, the door opens again. Ford enters, and he's not alone. Mark is with him, looking as carefree as ever, but there's a serious undertone to his usual playful demeanor. Ford has that look in his eyes—the one that says he's got something important.

"What are you doing here?", Gemini asked looking over at Mark

"Wanted to drop some cheesecakes as ordered by Atlas, but then found Ford hurrying.....so I followed him", Mark said 

"What? Why?", Gemini said squinting is eyes and his eyebrows furrowed

Yeah-

That excuse Mark just gave made zero sense

"What? I was worried, he was....walking so fast-I was worried", Mark said shrugging his shoulders

"Worried? Yeah sure-You just thought something entertaining is going to happen", Ford said, sarcasm clear in the voice

Mark glanced at Ford then at Gemini and then back at Ford, ".....both-", Mark mumbled making Ford roll his eyes as he looked back to me

"We got a lead. It's not much, but it might be the break we've been looking for.", Ford said