Page 36 of Hunted By the Cartel

I was pregnant and hadn't expected to get arrested. That was one of the reasons why I did what I did. However, even if I had known this was going to be the consequence of my actions, my decision would still have been the same, without a doubt.

It had been three long months since I was arrested and charged with involvement in the Nightshade Wolves cartel. The irony that I was imprisoned for a crime I didn't commit wasn't lost on me.

The more I thought about that, the more I hated it. I did everything not to be involved with the cartel, to make people understand I didn't have anything to do with their criminal dealings, but it didn't matter in the end. The police saw that I committed a crime and wanted to imprison me.

My only solace was knowing that Diego, my former lover and the father of my unborn child, was also behind bars, serving time for his actual association with the cartel.

Or maybe I should hate that as well. If he was out, he could help me more. In here, his hands were tied.

During my time in prison, I reflected on the series of events that had led me here. It all started when I received that fateful letter, threatening my life due to an outstanding debt to the Nightshade Wolves.

Thinking about that, I couldn't help but wonder if I could have done some things differently, but probably not. At the time, I did the best I could.

In a desperate attempt to buy myself time, I had reached out to the cartel, only to find myself face-to-face with Diego, the cartel's second-in-command. Even now, I remembered every single detail of what happened during that encounter. I knew he could also remember everything.

Our meeting had been tense, and despite his intimidating demeanor, I had felt an undeniable attraction to him.

"Mr. Whisperwind, are you ready?" Lila's voice snapped me out of my reverie as she stood at the cell door, her eyes filled with determination. I was aware she was going to come, so her showing up here wasn't unexpected.

Her unwavering loyalty had been my lifeline during this ordeal. Without it, I didn't know what I would be doing. Probably brooding about my current predicament.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my voice echoing my apprehension and resolve. I knew what awaited me was a delicate negotiation, one that could potentially secure my release.

I had been thinking about it for so long. Everything had to go right. Otherwise, it was all going to be a huge waste of time.

Taking a steadying breath, I followed Lila out of the cell and down the sterile hallway. My heart pounded in my chest as we approached the interrogation room. This was it — the moment that would determine my future. I had been rehearsing for this occasion for so long.

The room was stark and impersonal, with a metal table and several chairs occupying the space. Great. If I thought that this couldn't be worse, I just learned how wrong I was.

Seated at the table were two figures: a stern-looking police officer and a woman with a no-nonsense demeanor. I recognized her as Detective Williams, the lead investigator on my case. It only got worse. Her presence made me feel more tense.

"Mr. Whisperwind, please take a seat," Detective Williams said, gesturing to the chair across from her. Her gaze was intense, and I knew she saw right through me.

She wasn't going to give me an easy time. I had to be more prepared for our meeting than I thought I had to be.

I slowly lowered myself into the chair, my hands clasped nervously in my lap. Lila remained standing, her presence providing me with a sense of comfort. She was my only friend here. I wished Diego was here with us, but he wasn't.

"You've expressed a willingness to provide information about the Nightshade Wolves cartel," Detective Williams began, her tone businesslike. "We're interested in hearing what you have to say, but we need to understand your motivations. Why are you suddenly willing to cooperate?"

I took a deep breath, knowing that my next words would be crucial. What she wanted, I couldn't give her. I didn't have much information on the cartel. It was as simple as that.

"Detective, I want to make one thing clear: I was never a member of the Nightshade Wolves. My involvement with them was solely due to a debt I owed, and it was a mistake I deeply regret. If I could do things differently, I would do it."

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "I understand that my actions may have contributed to the perception that I was a part of their organization. But I assure you, my only intention was to buy myself time to repay the debt. I had no knowledge of their illegal activities beyond what was necessary for my transaction with them. I hope you can understand that."

Detective Williams leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And what exactly was this 'transaction'? We have reason to believe it involved a significant sum of money."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, knowing that full disclosure was my only option. There was actually a lot of money involved. To kickstart my company, I needed it.

"Yes, it did. You see, a few years ago, I found myself in a desperate situation. My tech startup was struggling, and I made the foolish decision to borrow money from the Nightshade Wolves. It was a one-time loan, and I intended to repay it as soon as my business took off."

Lila remained silent, but I felt her supportive presence beside me. It made all the difference. If she wasn't here, I would be a lot more stressed.

"I understand that borrowing money from a criminal organization was incredibly reckless and irresponsible," I continued. "And I take full responsibility for my actions. But I want to make amends and assist you in bringing down the cartel. In exchange, I'm hoping for leniency and protection for myself and my loved ones."

I exhaled, hoping that was going to be enough. Her reaction was going to tell me a lot.

Detective Williams exchanged a glance with the police officer sitting beside her. "Mr. Whisperwind, we appreciate your willingness to cooperate. However, we need to be clear about the terms of our agreement. Should we accept your offer, you will be required to provide substantial and verifiable information about the cartel's operations. In return, we will consider reducing your sentence and offering witness protection."

---