When the Family Feuds

CHAPTER 4

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hugo Martinez had a dream of creating every immigrant a safe space to work in the States. He wasn't a gangster and wasn't a fan of violence. Hugo wanted something better for the Guadalupe Cartel. He wanted legitimate streams of income and businesses that he could pass on for generations. Benjamin Martinez, Hugo's cousin, and Joaquin Martinez, Benjamin's nephew all shared the same vision. Though Benjamin and Joaquin carried concealed weapons, they wanted a better future for the Guadalupe Cartel. One that would make their ancestors proud.

As the trio walked together, they approached a large white building in the middle of downtown Santa Fe. The legitimate businesses had to start somewhere and they had something more than a dollar and a dream. They had expendable money that they needed to clean.

Joaquin said, "Rumors are that the Antonio Cartel is in for a rude awakening."

Benjamin answered, "They slaughtered our family for generations, cabron. Ran us out of Mexico, like a bunch of pussies. We will get our revenge in due time. Whatever they have coming, they deserve."

"We'll discuss another time, amigos." At the same time, Hugo smiled at the two white men in suits who approached. "Gentlemen," they all shook hands.

The two white men were from out of town. Their families owned the building and they were looking to sell it to the highest bidder.

One of the men said, "Mr. Martinez, your offer was very generous. We're heavily considering. We like to meet our buyers face-to-face and get a feel for who we're selling to before we make a decision. We don't doubt that this location and property will best suit your needs."

"I'm willing to double the price if needed." Hugo thought it was the perfect property. The pictures didn't do it justice. As Hugo roamed around with his hands behind his back, he knew this was the one. The property was perfect. He had hopes of one day in the near future of opening a gentlemen's club. But before he could move forward with city approvals and licenses, he needed a set space. Later that day, the trio met for another business deal, with a group of investors at the factory Hugo purchased five years prior.

Hugo held a plastic cup in his hand and handed it to one of the investors. "The goal is to create a perfect blend of Tequila and Champagne. The 'it' drink. 4th of July, New Year's, you name it. A holiday drink, why? Because holidays sell. Picture a high-quality alcohol with a smooth taste."

Of this round of investors, only two were interested in investing and putting up capital. The rest thanked him for the pitch and wished him luck in the journey. Unfortunately, Hugo wasn't naive. He knew that being completely legitimate would take time and patience. Which is why he was merely the face. He left his younger sister, Maria, to handle the not-so-legal businesses.

Maria, unlike her brother, had no problem with violence. In a male-dominated field, Maria learned early on that the only way to survive and stay afloat was to be ten times as ruthless. Maria Martinez was introduced to Giovanni Hernandez through an acquaintance out of New York. Though she knew Giovanni was nothing but a middle-man pusher, the product he had his hands on was making more money than any other drug she'd seen. Maria wanted to know his secret.

Maria was well-connected to the business. She knew anyone who was anyone and was willing to try new business ventures if it meant more money. "I heard that you have product you can't move. Money you can't clean."

Giovanni was amused. He could've saved the trip. But he understood. Most conversations weren't meant for text messages. "Those problems I had have been resolved. I have new territory," then he added, "besides, why would I get in bed with the Cartel? That risk is too large."

"This partnership is inevitable." Maria had heard it all before. Most dealers were scared of the Cartel. She reassured them every time that they watched too many movies. She even went as far to compare the Cartel to Wall Street.

Giovanni shook his head. "I disagree."

Maria said, "Here's what I know, I know you work for Onyx. Now, I could've very well taken this offer to him, but I didn't as an act of good faith."

"What do you want?"

"I want a sit down with this, Porter Brooks, this territory you speak of. I'm always looking to expand. Maybe we can come to some sort of mutual agreement that benefits us all."

Giovanni shook his head again. "My intel was outdated. Porter Brooks is outta the game, it's his sister Logan who runs things now."

Maria folded her arms. "And how do I get in contact with this, Logan Brooks?"

"You don't, Logan doesn't wanna be a big-time player. Word of the Cartel will scare her." Giovanni added. "You let me do it instead. When the smoke clears, I cut you in."

"You set up the meet, I'll do the rest." Maria and Giovanni both parted ways and headed back to their vehicles.

Maria was only a part-time drug dealer herself. With one foot in, one foot out. The real Cartel money was made by duplicating identifications. The Guadalupe Cartel had its organization set up in the shadows. They had inside men and women who worked at places like the State Department, the DMV, ICE, and USCIS, who they used to get legal documentation for illegal citizens. They had it all, not-so-fake IDs, passports, visas, vaccine cards, and everything in between. For a fee that was priceless. They had men and women at their disposal who at any point would give their life for theirs as a repayment for their freedom.

The Guadalupe Cartel had its hands in so many businesses that it got hard to keep track of at times. Hugo just hoped it would all be worth it. The Tequila and Champagne alcoholic blend could be sold at the Gentlemen's club and the identification and drug business funded it all.