C14 Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen: Undercover

Two weeks later...

Warehouse 11

The air in the dimly lit warehouse hung heavy with tension as Vandel, the enigmatic leader of the cartel, sipped his beer. Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered as Fernando, one of his trusted men, rushed in, nearly out of breath.

Vandel's temper flared at the abrupt intrusion. "What the heck is wrong with you? Why would you barge into this building with such noise?"

"I'm sorry, boss. I didn't mean to disturb you, but there's something urgent you need to know," Fernando replied, still catching his breath.

Vandel's irritation simmered, and he demanded, "Alright, speak up. What exactly is going on?"

Fernando wasted no time, delivering the news that had disrupted the peace. "The Los Zetas cartel—they're here in El Paso."

"What? How did those annoying leeches return to my island?" Vandel exclaimed, his anger boiling over as he smashed his drink on the floor.

"We don't know how it happened, boss. Our men stationed at the border didn't inform us, so we were caught unaware," Fernando explained, trying to maintain his composure.

"Now, tell me, what exactly are they up to this time?" Vandel asked, taking a deep breath to regain his composure.

Fernando continued, "Well, they want to set up a meeting with you."

Vandel's expression darkened further. "The audacity of those fools! They dare to make demands from me. Alright, ready the cars, because we are going out."

"Where's Antonio?" Vandel asked as he made his way toward one of the waiting cars.

"Boss, you sent him out to assist Don Alfonso in overseeing the shipment of raw materials due to arrive today," Fernando replied.

"And Miguel?" Vandel inquired.

"He hasn't arrived back yet from the..."

"Isn't there anyone else available who can assist me?" Vandel interjected, scanning the surroundings for any available men.

"Hey, you there!" Vandel called out to Mason, who was standing guard outside the warehouse.

"Yes, boss," Mason replied, approaching Vandel's car.

"I'm going out right now, and I need you to follow me. Your only job is to protect me, nothing else," Vandel instructed Mason firmly.

"Yes, sir," Mason replied, taking a place in the car behind Vandel. A few more men were gathered before they left the warehouse.

Two hours later...

After a lengthy drive, they reached the location where the Los Zetas cartel had set up their operation. Vandel stepped out of his car, scanning his surroundings with a watchful eye. Rowen was instructed to accompany him inside, while the rest of his men remained outside, preparing for a potential confrontation.

"Welcome, El Tamalón. It's been years since we've seen each other," Eduardo greeted, wearing a mask of faux sadness.

"Stop with the theatrics. We both know it's just for show," Vandel replied curtly. "Now tell me, Eduardo, why did you come back to this island?"

The conversation between the two men carried an air of history, revealing they had known each other for a long time.

"That's no way to welcome an old friend, but since you're not interested in talking to me, I won't beat around the bush. I came back to El Paso for business," Eduardo replied, a smug grin playing on his face.

"Business? And just who do you think you are, and where do you think you are? You act as if this place is somewhere you can come and go as you please," Vandel retorted, struggling to contain his anger.

"I should be the one asking you that question. It seems you've forgotten your roots. Remember, on this very island years ago, I was the supreme ruler and the only drug lord in El Paso. Before you could even dream of forming your own organization, I supported you. I helped you make a name for yourself. I made you all that you've become today. But now, you're full of pride and greed for too much power that you no longer know your place on this island," Eduardo raged.

"My place?" Vandel scoffed. "You stand here acting self-righteous as if you've truly done anything good with your life. Yes, I won't deny that back then, you helped me start this business. But let's not forget that I've paid more than enough for all you've done, and I even added the interest."

Vandel continued, his voice dripping with scorn, "Maybe you've forgotten that years ago, you didn't willingly hand over this island to me. You simply ran away when you could no longer endure the constant interference of the cops in your business. You left me behind without a warning. But I did everything I could to make this island what it is today. Now, I control everything and everyone on this island

, including the cops. That's something you could never do."

"You ungrateful bastard! How dare you?" Eduardo seethed.

Vandel's patience wore thin, and he delivered a final ultimatum: "Am only going to say this once, so listen carefully. If you know what's best for you, I'd advise you to leave this island before dawn tomorrow, or else you will have only yourself to blame for whatever happens. I won't repeat myself again."

"Bastard, I'll show you who's boss!" Eduardo shouted, drawing his gun with hostile intent.

"Look out!" Rowen's shout echoed through the room as he pushed Vandel out of harm's way, taking the bullet meant for his leader.

The sound of the gunshot triggered an immediate response from Vandel's men outside. They stormed into the building, overpowering Eduardo's men and forcing Eduardo and his cohorts to retreat.

Back at the hideout...

Fortunately, Vandel's personal physician, Doctor Martinez, was able to remove the bullet from Rowen's abdomen. It was a stroke of luck that no vital organs had been harmed, ensuring Rowen's survival. Doctor Martinez advised that Rowen should avoid any strenuous activity and get plenty of rest to aid his recovery.

Vandel expressed his gratitude to the doctor with a firm handshake, followed by a generous payment. The doctor left, leaving the room in a semblance of normalcy.

Shortly thereafter, Fernando reported that Antonio and Miguel had arrived.

"Well, what are they still waiting for? Tell them to come in," Vandel ordered.

Fernando hesitated, explaining their reluctance. "They feel too ashamed to see you, boss, given the fact that you almost lost your life today, and they weren't there to protect you."

Vandel's stern expression softened. "Their theatrics are unwarranted. They weren't here during the critical moment, and this display accomplishes nothing. Tell them to enter, for the final time."

Antonio and Miguel entered the room, their demeanor marked by contrition.

"You've chosen to grace me with your presence at last," Vandel remarked, his gaze piercing.

Antonio and Miguel offered their apology in unison. "We're sorry for arriving late, boss."

Vandel's tone turned incisive as he addressed their actions. "Apologies? What good do they serve? Were it not for Bryson, maybe you would be apologizing to my lifeless body. I entrusted you with a mission that should have concluded an hour prior to my departure, yet you failed. Fernando, you were by my side, but your absence during the critical moment was glaring."

However, Vandel abruptly shifted his focus, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Nevertheless, dwelling on this serves no purpose. What I demand now is simple: deliver Eduardo's head to me within the next twenty-four hours, or prepare to endure the consequences."

The ominous ultimatum hung heavily in the air, the weight of Vandel's words leaving no room for ambiguity. Antonio and Miguel, though chastened, nodded in unison. "Yes, boss."

With their fate hanging in the balance, they departed swiftly, entrusted with a mission that would test their loyalty and resolve within Vandel's unforgiving world.