Page 41 of Set Up By the Cartel

My breath caught at the implication behind his words. Was he suggesting I accompany him in turning state's evidence? The very notion filled me with a heady mix of excitement and apprehension. That should have been clearer to me from the start. The thought should have crossed my mind.

"You want me to testify too?"I murmured, hardly daring to believe it.

"Only if you're certain,"he hastened to clarify."I know how much is on the line for both of us. I would never ask this of you unless I truly believed it was the best path forward."

Squeezing his hand back, I considered the magnitude of his offer. By including me, he was placing our fate wholly in my hands. Trusting me to stand by his side, no matter the consequences. It spoke volumes about his love for me.

"It's a big decision," I murmured, searching his eyes for any hint of doubt. "Trusting people who have always been out to get us... it won't be easy."

"No,"he concurred."But think of the alternative — continuing down this road, watching our baby grow up surrounded by people who could hurt him. Is that really the life you want for our child?"

Imagining our son caught in the crossfire of our conflicts, innocent yet paying the price for our choices — it was a sobering thought. No parent should ever have to confront such a possibility.

"You're right,"I said with growing conviction."We have to protect him, give him a chance at a better existence than we've had."

A few days later, with shaking hands, I dialed the number provided by Mateo's lawyer, heart pounding against my ribs. As the phone rang, I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to find Novak or one of his men looming in the doorway. But the room remained empty, save for the two of us and the weight of our decision hanging in the air.

"Hello?"A gruff voice answered after several rings, jolting me out of my anxious musings.

"This is Kael Morales,"I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady, even though it wasn't working."I need to speak to Detective Thompson immediately. It's urgent."

There was a pause, then,"Hold please."

Music crackled through the speakers, some bland instrumental track I didn't recognize. This moment was a little surreal.

Beside me, Mateo reached out to take my hand, squeezing with gentleness. His touch anchored me, reminding me why we were doing this in the first place.

After a few excruciating minutes, the music stopped, replaced by a crisp male voice."Detective Thompson here. How can I assist you today?"

Taking a deep breath, I launched into our carefully rehearsed story, laying out the full scope of Mateo's operation, the threats posed by Novak, and our willingness to cooperate fully in exchange for witness protection and immunity. As I spoke, Mateo leaned closer, adding his own insights and corrections when needed. He was always supportive.

The detective listened with the utmost attention, sometimes interjecting with questions or requests for clarification. When we finished, he remained silent for a long moment, as if absorbing the enormity of our revelations. Then, slowly, he began outlining the terms of the deal.

"We'll provide transportation to a safe location, set up interviews with prosecutors, and work with you to build an ironclad case against Novak and anyone else involved,"he explained, voice clipped and businesslike."In return, you will share all information related to ongoing investigations, testify in court if necessary, and maintain complete confidentiality regarding the details of this arrangement."

It sounded straightforward enough, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was being left unsaid. What could it be?

"What happens after the trial?"I asked, glancing at Mateo uncertainly."Where do we go from there?"

"We'll discuss those specifics once the initial phase is complete,"Detective Thompson replied."For now, focus on getting here safely. We'll handle the rest."

After finalizing logistics, we ended the call. I sagged back against Mateo's chest, relief flooding through me despite lingering misgivings. That had been the hardest part — reaching out, taking that leap of faith. Now, there was no turning back. Just as it was supposed to be.

Over the next few hours, we hurriedly packed essentials, keeping only what we could carry. Mateo made one last phone call to Javier, issuing terse orders and setting up a rendezvous point outside the city limits. Then, without a backward glance, we stepped into the waiting vehicle, leaving behind everything we'd known.

As the driver sped off towards an uncertain future, I clutched Mateo's hand tightly, drawing strength from his solid presence beside me. Whatever came next, we would stay together.

Eventually, the car pulled into a nondescript parking lot, where Detective Thompson stood waiting, flanked by several non-uniformed officers. They greeted us coldly, ushering us inside with barely concealed urgency. They wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.

Hours passed in a blur of questioning and paperwork as we recounted our stories again and again, filling in the gaps with every detail we could recall. Exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me by the end, but I pushed through, determined to see this all the way to the end.

After what felt like an eternity, we were led down a long corridor to a small, sparsely furnished room. Inside weretwo men in dark suits — prosecutors, according to their introductions.

"Thank you both for coming forward today,"one of them said, shaking our hands in turn."Your cooperation is invaluable in building a strong case against Novak and the Nightshade Wolves. Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to bring them to justice."

Mateo nodded curtly, expression guarded. He wanted to make sure we got out of this with minimal consequences."And our immunity agreement?"He pressed."We've fulfilled our end of the bargain. It's time you upheld yours."

The prosecutor held up a hand."Of course, Mr. Sanchez. You have our word. Once the trial is concluded, you will both be free to start your new lives under the protection of the federal witness security program."

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