CUBAN HIRE (CARTEL GXG)

FINAL FAREWELL

Ezmeralda's gaze was fixed on the golden gun resting in her hands, the weight of it pulling her down like the weight of her past. Her fingers traced the delicate golden wings engraved around the handle, the details glinting faintly under the golden lights of her office. Each brush of her fingers brought with it a wave of memories, as if the metal held the voices of the ones she'd lost. The ghosts of Elena's laughter and her tiny, hopeful voice filled Ezmeralda's mind, softening her resolve even as they cracked her heart wide open.

"When I'm big, I'm going to be just like you, mama."

The innocence in Elena's voice echoed through her memory, and Ezmeralda felt her chest tighten, like a hand reaching into her ribcage to squeeze her heart. She squeezed her eyes shut, but the memories only grew clearer, a patchwork of words and promises that Elena would never have the chance to keep.

"You're the best mommy in the whole world."

Ezmeralda's hand tightened around the gun, her knuckles paling as she felt the cold metal bite into her palm. The tears were slipping free now, soft and relentless. It was as if Elena herself were beside her, holding her hand, her small fingers tracing her mother's calloused ones. For a moment, she could almost feel the warmth of her daughter's skin, the soothing touch that had comforted her on those rare moments of peace.

"Don't cry, mama, it's just a booboo."

The whisper seemed so real that Ezmeralda nearly turned, expecting to see Elena's sweet, determined face smiling up at her, so sure that everything would be okay. Her shoulders began to shake, and a stifled cry left her lips, the sound raw, as if it had been buried deep within her chest for too long.

"I love you, mama."

The last memory was a whisper, but it was the loudest. It was a promise, one that would stay with her forever, no matter how many betrayals or battles she fought. She opened her eyes, feeling her tears streaking down her face, and in that instant, she could almost see Elena reaching out, her soft fingers brushing away the tears just as she had done when she was small. Ezmeralda's lips parted in a silent prayer, a plea for forgiveness that felt too enormous for words.

Behind her, Carlos stood with his head bowed, struggling to hold his own grief at bay. He'd been her partner in more battles than either of them could count, but here, in this quiet moment, he was just a friend standing beside her, bearing witness to her heartbreak. His own tears glistened as he took a steadying breath, pressing his lips together to keep his emotions in check.

After a long silence, he took a small step forward and placed a gentle hand on Ezmeralda's shoulder, grounding her in the present. His grip was strong but tender, an unspoken reminder that she wasn't alone, even in the depths of her sorrow.

Ezmeralda inhaled shakily, feeling Carlos's support seep into her like a balm. She lifted her chin, her tear-stained face hardening with newfound determination as she realized what she had to do. Elena's memory was more than a wound; it was a fire, one that would fuel her to protect the family she still had and avenge the one she'd lost.

With one last glance at the gun, Ezmeralda whispered, "Para ti, Elena. Siempre."

{For you Elena. Always}

As Ezmeralda stepped forward, her movements deliberate, Olivia stood waiting by the door, a silent guardian with her eyes scanning their surroundings. A softness fell over Ezmeralda's face as she approached, knowing that, in this delicate moment, Olivia was her anchor.

"Everything ready?" Ezmeralda murmured, her voice low but determined.

Olivia met her gaze, offering a gentle, reassuring smile. "Yes, we'll be close by with the car. Phoebe will stay in the back, out of sight but safe." Her fingers reached out, brushing gently against Ezmeralda's cheeks to wipe away the dampness beneath her eyes. "We're all behind you, mi amor," she whispered, her thumb lingering just below Ezmeralda's eye, grounding her in the warmth of her touch.