Page 17 of Savage Rule

Because he never joined the Sinacore Alliance, the Ramos Cartel don’t have their backing. Maybe they think it’s too late to ask now. Maybe they heard how Marco Tadesco tried and was denied.

But they need alliances and that has forced Sergio out of hiding. They couldn’t find it in Florida, among the rivals they’ve fought for control. His only option was to seek backing elsewhere.

A meeting has been called with Armando Esquibel, head of the Lastros Cartel in Texas. It will be taking place at Original Sin, a gentlemen’s club here in the Quarter known as neutral ground. Anyone that goes inside must abide by the laws set bythe owner. No weapons. No murder. In essence, it’s a safe space for criminals to go about their illegal business.

But Sergio won’t stay in there forever. Eventually the meeting will end and he will leave the safety of the club’s walls. And lucky for me, I know exactly where he’ll be heading.

I hate rats. Not the furry, cute four-legged kind, but the greedy human kind. I hate how quick they are to sell out anyone to save their own skins and how they seem to multiply and hide in every dirty hole of every dirty city.

Dealing with them comes with the territory. It was in the job description, right next to:must be willing to die for the boss.

Unfortunately for Sergio Ramos, dealing with rats is also part of his. His rat comes in the guise of his right-hand man, Jorge Ruiz.

In exchange for his boss, Jorge was promised the position he’s so desperately wanted for years. To play leader of the Ramos Cartel.

Jorge was only too eager to accept the offer.

After the charade that was the meeting with Armando, a ploy to get Sergio to leave the security provided by his loyal men in Miami, he is to meet his fate. Namely, me.

It’s not difficult sneaking into the barely guarded hotel where they’re staying. Something about that bothers me. I don’t like that this is a set up. That Sergio’s own men are looking the other way as I move quietly past them toward the adjoining suite.

When I step out onto the balcony and see the French doors of his room open, my heartburn flares to life. I grimace and push my fingers into my stomach, but it does nothing to alleviate the pain.

I swallow down the acid that’s threatening to bubble up and climb over the iron rail that separates the two balconies.

A slight breeze blows through the sheer curtains. Beyond them, a heavy set older man is on an antique settee cutting a cigar.

“Do you mind?” he says.

“Smoking isn’t allowed in this room,primo.”

Sergio laughs. “I believe we can break the rules for today. I already did with the contract I signed.”

“Armando is a powerful ally to have against Gideon Black.”

“And all it cost was half our market.” Sergio shakes his head. “It doesn’t feel right.”

Footsteps sound before a man that looks like younger version of himself appears with a lighter. “It was a good deal.”

“Was it?” Sergio peers up at him.

Just as he says that, I step through the sheer curtains and into the light of the room. Sergio’s head turns to me slowly, almost as if he’s unsurprised to see me, maybe even expecting to.

“What’s this?” he asks, a curious smile on his face.

“This is me, breaking the rules,” Jorge replies.

“The rule of respect and honor?” Sergio arches a brow.

“There is no honor amongst thieves. You taught me that,primo.”

“And for teaching you to survive, you sell me to the Ferryman. That was the actual deal after all, wasn’t it?” Sergio nods. “Of course it is. It all makes sense now, this push to leave Miami.”

“I gave you a chance, cousin. Remaining in hiding only makes us remain weak.”

“And what does cavorting with the enemy make you.”

Jorge takes a puff of his cigar and blows the smoke in Sergio’s direction. “If you would have let me take control?—”

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