Sebastian's P.o.v
"No, please, not at all. Believe me, it's just a mere coincidence that I met you here. I had come to see a friend." I tried to convince her. "I must admit you are a beauty to behold, Jasmine."
She was too stunned to speak and could only mutter a thank you.
"My mum actually works at the market area and I had gone to see her, so..."
I see.
In the next few hours, I heard my phone buzz and didn't hesitate to pick it up. "Boss, we have arrived at the headquarters and Guzman is here with us."
I nodded with a smile of satisfaction knowing that Marco isn't only one of my boys, but also a smart one. He knows my cousin had just arrived and bringing her to my mansion would only be a huge disaster. Besides, he has been working with me long enough to know and I wasn't surprised at all. "Very good, Marco."
I disconnected the call and turned to face Jasmine. "See you around, Jasmine."
I stood up from the seat at the bar I've been sitting on and she reciprocated. "See you, Sebastian."
I left the club in my S.U.V., and drove as fast as I can to meet Guzman. As I drove, my mind reeled back to my days at prison.
Prison
The word echoed in my mind like a mantra, conjuring up memories of cold concrete, harsh fluorescent lights, and the endless dim of noise. My grip tightened on the steering wheel as I relieved the struggles of my life behind bars.
But it was Guzman, who orchestrated my escape. Not only did he risk everything to set me free, but also observed the omerta in front of everyone in the courtroom following a drug trafficking situation gone wrong in the United States after providing the necessary evidences to back me up. It was an event that brought our territories together in a good alliance and has prompted me to lead a quite life ever since.
My thought drifted back to the night of the escape and I could recall the sound of footsteps outside the cell, the jingle of keys, and the creak of the door as it swing open. Guzman had stood before me, a sly grin spreading across my face.
"Time to go, amigo," Guzman had said, his voice firm and his face devoid of fear.
I feel swelled with gratitude remembering the risks Guzman had taken to save me. I could recall the feeling of freedom as we made our way through the prison corridors, avoiding and cameras.
And now he is in danger, with someone who isn't an enemy or friend. The Morales and us have maintained a peaceful and respectable boundaries overtime and I do not intend to disrupt that balance. But, Guzman's life is at stake here and I'll make sure to do my best and make him safe from Mateo's. Safe enough to live, at least!
I pulled my car to a halt on arriving at the headquarters, a non-descript building in the heart of the city. I emerged from my car and my boys proceeded to parking it.
"Welcome back, Guzman. And welcome to my humble abode," I greeted Guzman warmly with a smile as I entered, clapping him on the back.
We walked through the building with my men forming a protective escort around us.
As we walk, I led Guzman to a secure room deep within my headquarters, a room that is protected by multiple layers of security and surveillance. The room is equipped with state-of-the-act technology, including computers, phones and monitoring systems while my escorts waited outside the room.
"Okay, Guzman, we need to get to the bottom of this," I said sitting him down with my eyes locked on him. "Tell me everything you know about Mateo and his plans."
I listened intently as Guzman took a deep breath, launching into a detailed explanation of the events that had led him to seek my help.
I nodded thoughtfully as Guzman punished his story. "I think I know what's going on here. Mateo is trying to take you down, Guzman, but it's not just about you. It's about eliminating you for breaking the deal you both had and gaining control of your territory because he knew once you die, he will be able to expand his own operation."
"Yeah, right," he said, nodding his head. "But I need to stop him from achieving that. I have to stop that bastard from taking over my territory. You have to help me, Sebastian."
"I will Guzman, but I can't afford to make an enemy out of the situation," I tried to calm Guzman.
I'll think of something, but first we need to keep you safe and get you a safe house. We'll figure our next move from there.
He went quiet for a second before speaking.
"Fine"
We left the secure room and I commanded my escorts to fetch my car while they continue to guard the headquarters. We sped through the city streets, weaving in and out of traffic as we made our way to the safe house. We both sat in silence all through the journey, scanning the surrounding area for any signs of potential danger.
Finally, I pulled up my car to a plain concrete structure with no identifying marks and we exited the car.
"Well get to the bottom of this, Guzman. I promise you that. But for now, you need to lay low till I think of something," I assured Guzman as we settle in the safe house.