C18 Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen: New Discoveries
**A Week Later**
**Early in the Morning**
**Alvero Juarez Street**
"Have you got the package?" Manuel asked Mason as he returned to the car parked in the middle of Alvero Street. Inside the car sat Manuel and Pedro, Antonio's two favorite henchmen, who were assigned to torment Rowen regularly. Today was no exception.
Vandel had instructed them to deliver a briefcase containing a substantial amount of money to a client living on Alvero Street and collect a package in return. However, Antonio had requested that Rowen accompany them, supposedly to gain more experience. Unfortunately for Rowen, Vandel had agreed to Antonio's request, and now he found himself doing all the work while Manuel and Pedro relaxed inside the car.
"Yes, I've got it," Rowen replied, handing the package over to Manuel. He accepted it and placed it on the seat beside him. As Rowen opened the back door to get into the car, Pedro swiftly slammed the door shut in his face.
"What exactly do you think you're doing?" Rowen asked, seething with anger.
"I should be asking you the same question. Where do you think you're going when you haven't completed your task yet?" Pedro replied, locking the car doors, effectively leaving Rowen outside.
"I already retrieved the package that the boss asked for. What other task is there?" Rowen questioned again.
"We asked you to fetch us two cups of coffee and two tacos each from Dos Tequilas Cafe down the street. So where are they?" Pedro inquired, fully aware that Rowen had not followed their instructions.
"You either do as instructed, or we'll make you suffer worse than before," Manuel threatened.
Rowen didn't want to escalate the situation further. He despised being treated like a common slave, but he realized he had little choice. He sighed heavily and headed to Dos Tequilas Cafe. He ordered two cups of coffee and four tacos before returning to where the car was parked. When he arrived, he discovered that the car was gone; they had left him behind. Finally realizing he had been tricked, he angrily tossed the food on the ground.
"What the heck am I supposed to do now?" Rowen thought, pacing back and forth. Suddenly, an idea struck him. Though stuck in an unpleasant situation, he could turn it to his advantage. With no contact with Jay for weeks, he had vital information to relay. Instead of wandering aimlessly, he could seize the opportunity to inform Jay.
He hurried into the nearest convenience store, bought a new SIM card, installed it in his phone, and dialed Jay's number.
"Hello, Jay, it's Mason," he said over the phone.
"Mason, what's going on, dude? Why does your voice sound so low? Are you okay?" Jay inquired.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just being cautious. I'm in the bathroom at Dos Tequilas Cafe. I'm trying to ensure no one can overhear me. But that's not why I called. I've gathered the information and locations we need about Warehouses 12 and 14. However, I still don't know anything about Warehouses 15 and 13.
I'll send you a document after this call with all the information you need about the warehouses. Please tell Mason I need his assistance erasing the CCTV footage from the time I arrived here until now, as a precaution in case anyone wants to verify my location. Goodbye," Rowen explained before ending the call. A few minutes later, he sent the document and removed the SIM card from his phone. Afterward, he left the restaurant and returned to Warehouse 11.
**At Warehouse 11**
As soon as Rowen arrived at the warehouse, Vandel summoned him.
"Boss, you called for me?" Rowen asked, standing a few steps away from where Vandel sat on his chair. In front of Vandel was a table piled high with bundles of cash, and he was meticulously counting and organizing the money into various boxes and briefcases.
"Tell me honestly, what is your purpose in this group?" Vandel inquired, still occupied with counting the money.
"Boss, I don't understand what you mean," Rowen replied, appearing genuinely puzzled.
"I sent you on a simple mission. Your only task was to deliver the briefcase to the client and collect the package. However, you left all the work to Pedro and Manuel. Tell me, what am I paying you for?" Vandel asked as he stopped counting the money, shifting his attention fully to Rowen, awaiting a response.
Rowen knew that Pedro and Manuel had deceived Vandel by taking credit for his efforts. Yet, he chose not to reveal this, as he sought to avoid further complications. He let out a heavy sigh and responded, "I'm deeply sorry, boss. I admit I haven't been performing my duties adequately. Please grant me another chance. I promise this won't happen again."
"It had better not, because I'm not a patient man. You may go now," Vandel ordered, returning to counting his money. Rowen exited the room and made his way back to his post.
"Well, hello there, loser," Pedro sneered, blocking Rowen's path in an attempt to provoke him.
"What do you want now?" Rowen replied
Rowen replied, keeping his temper in check."I overheard your conversation with the boss earlier. I came to congratulate you on keeping your mouth shut. I also wanted to offer you some friendly advice: know your place in this cartel, and don't think of crossing those who outrank you," Pedro taunted, intentionally bumping into Rowen's shoulder before departing.
Despite the obstacles thrown his way, he had stayed patient and determined. He knew that this was just a small test of his character.
From that day forward, Rowen's patience and determination became a source of inspiration for everyone around him. He showed that no matter the challenges he faced, he would always persevere with a positive attitude.
And so, Rowen's journey continued, filled with more tests and trials. But armed with his unwavering patience and determination, he knew he could conquer anything that came his way. He had made up his mind that no matter what challenges he might face in the future, he was never going to give up.
