“Mrs. Dominguez, is it okay if I speak to your son a moment? Don’t worry, he’ll be okay,” Hector said.
“Sure, no problem,” replied Anna.
It wasn’t like Anna had a choice—she knew exactly who these people were and how they operated. She wasn’t going to argue with them, it would only make matters worse. Hector asked Edwardo to walk with him.
“Hello, Edwardo. How are you holding up?” asked Hector.
“I’m all right,” replied Edwardo.
“Do you know who I am?” Hector asked.
“Yes sir, you are the king’s right hand,” Edwardo replied.
That was what all the region heads were called. The king’s right hand was the cartel overlord for all of the business in Florida. He lived somewhere in Miami, and only the other district heads knew who he was.
“How did you know that?” Hector asked.
“The way you carry yourself and the way that these men have set up a formation around you. These guys are here to protect you,” Edwardo answered.
“Boy, you are as smart as they come. Son, your father, he was an Honourable man, and may God so help the person responsible for his death. Whoever did this will pay, I guarantee it. With that said, I have to be straight with you. Your father was a vital part of our business, and that business has to continue. Do you know how the business works?” said Hector.
“Yes sir, I do. My dad stored and distributed drugs for the cartel,” Edwardo replied.
“Yes, that he did and did it excellently. From this point on, we will need someone to take his place. We do not allow women in this line of work, so we cannot approach your mother. You will have to take over. Normally, in situations like this we would take over the establishment. However, your dad, may his soul rest in peace, had developed a special relationship with the community and his customers. We don’t want to mess with a good thing. Now, I know that you are still in school, and that is not a problem. We won’t stop you from going to school, all we ask is that you make yourself available for the deliveries and pickups. Do you understand what I am asking here?” Hector said.
“Yes, I do. I am willing to take over my father’s duties,” said Edwardo.
“Okay, that’s good. We will obviously extend the same payment arrangement we had with your father to you. You can use the money to look after the restaurant and your family. Also, we know that from now on the restaurant will need some security. We will put a couple of our guys on watch. They will always be close by,” said Hector.
“Can I talk to you privately?” Edwardo asked.
“Of course—boys, fall back, but stay close,” Hector instructed his security detail.
“Mr. Gallegos, I was there when my father was killed, and I know who did it,” Edwardo said.
“Is that so? Wait a minute, one of the cops we have on our payroll told us you said that you weren’t around when it happened,” Hector said.
“I was there, I was hiding in one of the cellars underneath the kitchen. I heard everything. Zorro Loco and another guy came to the restaurant that night. My dad had a bad feeling, so he pretended like he was only going to get drinks for Zorro and his friend. When he came into the kitchen, he told me to hide in one of the cellars until the coast was clear. While I was hiding, Zorro walked my dad back to the kitchen, and that’s when I heard everything. He told my dad to hand over all the drugs, and once he got them, he shot my dad. After that he and his friend ran off,” Edwardo said.
“Zorro did this?” Hector asked, looking rather angry.
“Yes, he did. The reason I am telling you this in private is because I want your permission to get revenge for my dad. I would like to kill him myself, and I didn’t want the word getting to him,” Edwardo said.
“Are you sure about this, kid? Running your dad’s business is one thing, but killing a man, that is entirely different. Once you go there, there is no turning back,” warned Hector.
“He took my father away from me, he has deprived my family of a father and husband. I am only seventeen years old, there were still a lot of things I could have done with my father. I would like to look Zorro in the eyes when it happens,” Edwardo insisted.
“I have never heard a seventeen-year-old talk like this. You talk with so much confidence,” Hector said.
“I watched my dad and learned how he carried himself, I also listened to how he spoke to people. Everything that I know about life, I learned from my dad. I could have learned a lot more had Zorro not done what he did,” said Edwardo.
“Fair enough, Edwardo, you not only have my condolences, but you have my absolute respect as well. You have my blessing on taking out Zorro, but I will have to give you support. My men will have to be there with you when it goes down, do you have a problem with that?” Hector asked.
“No, sir, I do not,” replied Edwardo.
“Good. Listen kid, I am truly impressed by you. This is going to be the beginning of a wonderful relationship. However, I must warn you. Don’t ever cross me,” Hector said.
“Like my father, I am Honourable. You will not regret your decision, Mr. Gallegos,” said Edwardo.
“You’re the man now, and I expect you to handle your business accordingly,” Hector said.
“You have my word,”
