I remained breathless through the ride, the words still lingering in my mind long after he’d erupted inside. I would remember his words for some time to come.
“There will always be monsters but sometimes they can become your hero.”
Miguel
Miami
Three weeks.
Three weeks of bullshit.
Three weeks of long hours.
Three weeks of needless violence.
That had been my world since returning from Cuba. I remained on edge, furious that certain aspects of shipping had gotten out of my control. Yeah, my father had warned me not to make connections of any type with the snake, Santiago. What I hadn’t anticipated were the episodes of retaliation from other sources.
It seemed no one wanted to deal with the man from Cuba, his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, and a man who buried more bodies than any mafia regime I knew of, a detriment. His share of enemies was significant. I’d taken a gamble. While I never lost, my decision might cost our family millions.
That wasn’t something my father would take without punishment. However, Santiago had kept his end of the bargain, performing to the parameters I’d laid out in the contract without question. He was a calculating son of a bitch, but he obviously knew not to cross me. His shipment of almost pure cocaine as well as several thousand cases of cigars was being distributed as planned.
But I would keep a watchful eye.
I trusted no one.
Today was a family party, my niece’s birthday. This was a day for celebration, not for talk regarding business. I pulled into the driveway, surprised at the number of cars. My sister wasn’t one for huge family events. Elena also had no patience with any of our soldiers, balking at the need for safety. She lived a fairytale life with a doctor husband and one beautiful little girl.
I always worried about her, but we were no longer close. As far as my older sister, I had no doubts that Daphne would be late as usual, a sticking point in my father’s eyes. He hated tardiness of any type, had cut off a man’s hand for being fifteen minutes late for a meeting.
Carlos Garcia was brutal in every regard, something my sister enjoyed risking.
After parking, I grabbed the two presents, scanning the perimeter as I usually did. The day was excruciatingly warm, highs in the upper nineties. At least there was a welcoming breeze. As I walked up the driveway, I heard the sound of lilting laughter and for the first time in days, I thought about Valencia.
I’d even purchased the very CD highlighting her incredible talent, although I’d either not had the time or the inclination to listen. I made mental note to do so tonight.
The truth is I hadn’t wanted to let her go but I had no choice. She was not only the daughter of a known enemy but also a weakness I couldn’t afford. I hadn’t lied to her about the reason I cared for no one. There wasn’t a possibility I could keep them safe. The laugh was so much like hers and when I noticed the girl from afar, her long black hair swishing across her waist as she walked, I almost called out Valencia’s name.
I’d sent my most trusted man to be here today, making certain that no one entered who hadn’t been invited. Cordero Sanchez had been with me since I’d taken over a significant portion of my father’s business. Both intelligent as well as trustworthy, his oppressive size often came in handy during difficult situations. He acknowledged me with a respectful nod, standing guard just as ordered.
I could take comfort in the fact that no one would dare try to make a hit on our family on a day of celebration. Then again, one never knew. Was there honor amongst criminals?
Chuckling, I headed around to the pool, standing just outside the iron gates as I studied the various guests. My father had pulled out all the stops. There were senators, high-priced attorneys, actors, and musicians of all types as well as our family enjoying a sunny afternoon in Miami. I also noticed the various soldiers, some even dressed as partygoers.
As if my sister wouldn’t see through the guise.
My father must be worried about the recent rumblings to risk her wrath. I headed into the gate, moving quickly toward the mound of presents on several tables. My niece was already as spoiled as my sister had been.
“Miguel!”
I heard my brother-in-law’s voice and tried to plaster on a smile. Few people, including my sister realized how much I loathed the man. Winston Calhoun was a pompous prick who had pushed the envelope of abuse more than once. One more time and I wouldn’t resist making her a widow. “Winston. How are you?” I continued walking, doing my best to ignore him. I was surprised by his ostentatious attire, the floral shirt something I would never have thought he’d be caught dead in. The man was an arrogant and opinionated doctor who lorded his expertise and wealth over everyone.
“Doing well, my man.” He slapped me on the back.
My God, the man was drunk and it was only two in the afternoon. “Where is the birthday girl?”
“She’s swimming. Her mother is going to turn her into a fish.”
I noted the edge in his voice and resisted wrapping my hand around his throat. I dropped off the gifts, giving him a harsh look. “Well, I’m going to see if I can find her.”
“Yeah, you just do that.”
Another man who knew better than to fuck with me.
“Unkie!” There was nothing like the sweet sound of Selena’s voice. The little girl had yet to learn that she indeed came from a family of monsters. At least she’d been sheltered from the majority of our life.
I bent down, shaking my head as she splashed me with water. “Is there a little angel having a birthday today?”
“Me! Me!” she squealed.
“I don’t see her.” I glanced across the pool and the dour expression on my father’s face was a good indication of his mood.
“Here I am, Unkie!” Giggling, Selena splashed me again, managing to spray water all over my sunglasses, remnants trickling down my face.
When I playfully reached out to grab her, she jetted away from the edge of the tub. “I will get you for that, little monster.”
Monster.
The word had entirely a different meaning than it ever had before. I knew the way Valencia had thrown it in my face was meant to hurt me, but she’d discovered the truth all too quickly. I’d allowed the business to turn me into something my mother was likely ashamed of.