Page 72 of Powerful Deception

Standing by the doorway is Bennett’s nephew Elliot with two other gentlemen dressed in suits similar to mine. Two gentlemen that I know well.

Leonardo Morales, the head of the Muertos cartel and Santos Reyes, his right-hand man.

My dealings with the cartel have been sparse. Alberto used to deal with them before he died, especially since they had ties in Canada or something. When I took over, that relationship dissipated almost out of existence. But just because the relationship ended, doesn’t mean that I haven’t kept up with their dealings.

I have to be in my line of business.

I know that the founder of the cartel, Ronaldo Morales, Leo’s father, was killed by the Drug Enforcement Agency nine months ago. I also know that Leo and Santos escaped charges and Leo is now hold’s the title of his father.

Everyone in this business knows who these two men are. Knows how deadly the cartel can be, but they aren’t as deadly as me.

Which is why Lorenzo snorts a bit and doesn’t reach for his gun as he sees the two men.

I can also take Leo Morales anytime he fucking wants.

“Dante, Lorenzo, you know my nephew, Elliot.” Bennett tells us, waving over to the slightly younger version of him. If I didn’t know he was his nephew, I would say it was his brother since there is only a ten-year age difference between them.

“It’s good to see you again, Dante. How are the kids?” Elliot asks, extending his hand for me to shake.

With a nod, I shake his hand and answer. “They're good. Growing like two little weeds.”

“I’m sure in no time that will be old enough to be running your business.” He states.

Never, I don’t voice.

My kids will never be involved in this business. I will burn this family to the ground, before my kids are involved in this type of life.

But I just give him a nod and turn to the two men, standing a few feet away.

“Should I address you as Mr. Morales, or is Leo still okay?”

Leo gives me a smirk before holding out a hand for me to shake.

“Leo is still fine,” he says as I take his hand. “I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I’m sitting at the head of the table.”

I nod, understanding. “I was in your position not too long ago; I know what it’s like. My condolences to you and your family.”

Leo gives me a nod before the two of us both turn to the other’s right hand and greet them.

With seconds of our greeting ending, the six of us are sitting around the conference table.

When nobody says a word and is just looking at each other like a bunch of school kids doing a group project, I speak.

“I have my theories, but does someone want to tell me why we are here? I have shit to do.”

The two men that look alike, don’t say anything or move, so my stare turns over to the two Mexicans. They only have to give each other one look for me to know that they called this meeting.

Eventually, Santos clears his throat and meets my stare straight on.

“We wanted to see if you would be interested in a few business opportunities.”

Again, with the cryptic business opportunity bullshit.

“What kind of business opportunities?” I ask, weary of where this is going.

Santos gives me a smirk. “The kind that involves you letting the Muertos Cartel use your streets to move product.”

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