It was assumed that Rafael, eldest son to Hector, would eventually take over the family business. But his father rarely spoke openly about Raphael’s role in the future. And Rafael wasn't so sure he wanted it.
When Rafael was young, his father would say things like, "this will all be yours someday," as he pointed out a window overlooking hundreds of acres of property. But what parent doesn't say something like this to their children? Dreams of parents hold universal truths. But what father kills a mother and then asks his son to wear the crown? What kind of son would Raphael be if he accepted it?
"We will never speak of the other day with your mother. She will always be remembered for the life she lived, and not for her betrayal of me. But before we put it to bed forever, I want you to understand this, blood of my blood, my Rafa," Hector paused to kiss Rafael's forehead after calling him by his childhood nickname. Hector locked eyes with Rafael before continuing, "Betray me, and your blood will run down the back of Red's throat."
The dog licked its chops, running its tongue around the sharp edges of its teeth while making eye contact, or seemingly so, with Rafael.
"I would never—"
Hector held up a hand, his index finger pressing Rafael's lips closed. "Shhh. Words matter little, my son. Worth is only found in deeds. Honoring me and our family means doing whatever it takes. I keep the promise made to my father. And you'll keep the one you make to me. There will come a time soon where I will ask you to prove that you're ready to lead this family.
“The seat I hold is a fragile one, and people are always looking to dethrone me. My life might not be the one you envisioned for yourself, but it is the future I ask you to accept. You're a thinking man. And that's good. This family needs that. But it also needs a man of action. Our greatness was not built on charity and good will. Will you bear the burden and responsibility of carrying the Fuentes family into the future?"
Rafael opened his mouth to speak, not sure what he intended to say. His mind still reeling from his mother's murder. Now that murderer was asking Raphael to fill his shoes. Rafael was grateful his father continued his pontification.
"I know you've got the intelligence. Hell, you're smarter than me. That's not where my concerns are rooted. In the Fuentes Family we act. Are you willing to do the things that I have had to do to get us here? Because the only way we will ever be able to maintain our power is through demonstration of that power. Do you have the strength to plunge your blade into an enemy's gut when the time comes? Everything I've built, and my father before me, depends on the answer you give here and now. Are you ready to kill, if need be, to protect all that you hold dear?"
Rafael saw only his mother. But his mouth uttered words that betrayed his heart and he felt a piece of himself die as he spoke his answer. "I am."
"What a relief that is to hear, my Rafa. When your opportunity presents, be a man of action, act swiftly and decisively. Matters of life and death are not to be taken lightly." Rafael heard the words, but his mind kept taking him back to the sound of his mother's choked gasps in the minutes she sat dying while strapped to a chair.
One of the twelve cell phones neatly arranged on a nearby table vibrated. Hector's assistant answered and then walked it over to his boss.
"Sir, it is one of your friends." Even in open air conversation, surrounded by guards and a walled fortress and acres of land enclosed with the Fuentes compound, they spoke code. The veiled speech was done more out of habit, but there was always the looming fear a government agency or rival cartel was eavesdropping.
Hector took the phone. Rafael remained within earshot to pick up both ends of the conversation. If his father hadn't wanted him to hear, he would have sent Raphael away. The fact that he didn't meant he wanted Raphael to listen.
"An American woman by the name of Daphne Nighthawk was poking around the department lobby this morning." Both men stood shoulder to shoulder and listened as the informant spoke. "She's looking for that girl. The redhead we moved through here the other day."
"And where is she now?"
There was a long pause. "I'm working on that as we speak."
"I pay you good money to handle these problems. I might be forced to seek assistance elsewhere." The threat unspoken, lingered in the air.
"Mister Fuentes, I tried. I did. I offered to have her come in to make a statement. She got spooked and left."
"You should've stopped her. You're a big strong guy. Couldn't stop a little woman from slipping away."
"She's not little. And besides, that loony reporter was in the lobby again."
Hector sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Find her. No excuses."
"And how would you like her handled?"
"I'd like to have Juan Carlos speak with her before she sets sail for the afterlife. Keep me posted." Hector ended the call and tossed the phone to his assistant who caught it in midair and then returned it to its rightful place. He then turned to his son. "Seems like your opportunity to prove yourself may rise quicker than I expected."
"Do you think it would be best handled by The Viper?" Raphael asked.
"He's returning from cleaning up that mess in Arizona. Plus, it gives me a chance to see you in charge. I'm leaving you as oversight on this problem. It should be a good warmup for things to come. How much trouble can one woman be?"
"I won't let you down." The words sickened Raphael. All his planned resistance to his dad's pressure folded the instant Hector confronted him.
"This will be your first test. And please, whatever you do. Don't fail me."
Eleven