C454 Finding Alvaro Gonzalez

Early the next morning, we finally arrived in Colombia. Our main objective was still Emmanuel. That was the only thing that mattered to Alicia and me. But we hadn't forgotten about the government's mission either. The four South Americans who had died at Willy Harris's estate were our only lead to the organization that had supported the Harris Cartel. If we could discover who they were and where they came from, we might be able to uncover the people behind them. After touching down, we decided to keep a low profile. We didn't want anyone to know that a group of heavily trained foreigners had arrived in the country. We booked a large room in a shabby motel where all of us could stay together. It wasn't comfortable, but we weren't in Colombia for comfort. We had already gotten enough rest during the flight.

Once everyone had settled in, Cipher placed the government document on the table. She looked around at us. “Let's analyze the document again.” Everyone gathered around the table. Cipher's expression became serious. “But remember, we're racing against time. My son is here.” She looked at the photographs of the four dead South Americans. “These men are our only lead.” Survivor handed everyone another copy of the photographs and the information contained in the government file. Bighead studied the pictures carefully. “Since we don't know which cartel they came from, can we identify them through their tattoos?” Cipher looked at him. “What do you mean?” Bighead pointed at one of the photographs. “Look.” He showed everyone the tattoo on the man's arm. “They all have the same one.” Cipher leaned closer. “Do all of them have it?” “Yes, Boss.” Bighead placed the four photographs next to each other. “They all have a G-shaped symbol inside an oval.”

Cipher immediately froze. She looked at the photographs again. Then she looked at me. I already knew what she wanted. But I slowly shook my head. “Cipher, I can't track the tattoo.” She frowned. “Why?” “I need my equipment.” “We came here before I could properly set everything up. Without the right equipment, I can't search a database or trace the symbol.” The disappointment on Cipher's face was obvious. She stared at the photographs for a moment before nodding. “Alright.” She leaned back. “We'll do this the way we can.” Pixel picked up one of the photographs. “If we can't track them openly, then what do we do?” I smiled slightly. “That depends on how we choose to go after them.” Everyone looked at me. “There are two possibilities.” I pointed toward the photographs. “The first is to search for the organization across the country. We can investigate the tattoo, the identities of these men, their movements, and anyone connected to them.” I paused. “But that could take a long time.”

Cipher nodded. “But we don't have time.” “Exactly.” I continued. “If we find their organization, we could infiltrate it and find out whether they know anything about Emmanuel.” I looked at the group. “These men were connected to Willy. That means there's a good chance Charlie will try to seek shelter with someone connected to the same organization.” That got everyone's attention. “Which brings us to the second possibility.” I leaned forward. “We use force.” Silver raised an eyebrow. I continued. “We have the training. We could locate a drug lord or someone connected to a cartel and question them. Maybe they know something about the tattoo or the organization behind it.” Cipher looked around the table. “So Cracker has given us two possibilities.” She folded her arms. “Which one do we choose?” Silver looked at me. “Which one is more dangerous?” Bighead immediately shook his head. “To me, they're both dangerous.” Chipmunk had been staring at the photographs the entire time. Then she finally spoke. “I'll go with the second option.” Everyone looked at her.

She continued. “But we don't have to attack some random cartel.” She pointed at the document. “We can approach someone who is already part of the organization and ask questions friendly.” Bighead nodded. “That makes more sense.” Chipmunk continued. “But what happens if we actually get the name of the organization?” Cipher answered immediately. “Then we'll have to decide what comes next.” She looked around the room. “That could lead us back to option one. We could infiltrate them.” She paused. “Or negotiate.” Kiddo immediately shook her head. “Negotiating could alert Charlie.” Everyone looked at her. Kiddo continued. “If Charlie finds out we're looking for her, she'll take Emmanuel and disappear again.” Bighead rubbed his head. “See? That's exactly why I said both options are dangerous.” A small smile appeared on my face. “Well, we don't have to decide everything right now.” I pointed toward the photographs. “Let's start by finding any cartel or criminal organization connected to that G-shaped tattoo.” I looked around the room. “Once we have something useful, we'll figure out the next step.” Everyone nodded.

We packed away the government documents and prepared to leave. We left most of our belongings at the motel. There was no reason to carry everything with us. We only took what we needed for the initial investigation and kept our weapons concealed. Then the Lions stepped outside. Our search for Emmanuel had begun. Meanwhile At another hotel in Colombia, Hanna was sleeping peacefully. Until Emmanuel began crying. His loud cries woke her. Hanna opened her eyes and stared at the baby with an irritated expression. She grinned. “Charlie.” Charlie was still asleep. Hanna's voice became louder. “Feed the baby.” Charlie woke shortly afterward. She immediately realized Emmanuel was crying. She picked him up and began trying to calm him. At the same time, Destroyer woke up. Hanna looked at him. “You said someone would take us to Alvaro.” Destroyer nodded. “Yes, Boss.” “Then we have to stay alert.” She got out of bed. “Bring out our weapons. We may need them.” Destroyer immediately began preparing.

A few minutes later, Hanna, Destroyer, Charlie, and Emmanuel left the hotel. They climbed into a rented car and drove away. Destroyer had already located the person who knew where Alvaro Gonzalez could be found. They followed the man's directions until they reached the area controlled by Alvaro's cartel. The place was heavily guarded. Men stood around the entrance, watching every vehicle that approached. Destroyer slowed the car. Charlie looked nervous. “Are you sure they'll let us in?” Hanna looked at her. “They will.” She glanced toward Emmanuel. “We're here to negotiate.” Destroyer stopped at the gate. One of the guards immediately approached. “Who are you?” Destroyer looked at him. “We're here to see Alvaro Gonzalez.” The guard frowned. “Do you have an appointment?” Charlie leaned forward. “Tell him we're family of Willy Harris.” The guard looked at her suspiciously. “Willy Harris?” Charlie nodded. “Yes.” The guard stepped away and made a phone call. Everyone inside the car remained silent.

After several minutes, the gate finally opened. The guard stepped aside. “You can enter.” Destroyer drove through. The compound was even larger than Charlie expected. Several armed men watched them as they drove deeper inside. Eventually, they stopped near the main building. Several men came forward to greet them. Alvaro Gonzalez had agreed to see them. Charlie stepped out of the vehicle carrying Emmanuel. The moment she saw Alvaro, her emotions overwhelmed her. She began crying. “They murdered my uncle.” Alvaro stared at her. “They killed him.” He looked at Charlie without showing much emotion. “Why are you crying?” Charlie wiped her tears. Alvaro continued. “And what exactly do you want from me?” His eyes then moved toward the baby in Charlie's arms. His expression changed. “You have some nerve bringing the baby here.” Charlie looked down at Emmanuel. Then she looked back at Alvaro. Hanna remained silent. She was watching him carefully. Destroyer also said nothing. They had finally found Alvaro Gonzalez. And now the real negotiation was about to begin.