Page 32 of Cartel Devil

“You want me to check on my way home?”

“Would you mind?”

I stare at Alejandro. He knows I won’t say no. He also knows I’m the only logical person to do it since everyone else lives in the same neighborhood as Javier. I’m the only one leaving Queens.

“Send me the address. Tell the others goodnight.”

I attempt for casual, but I’m practically sprinting out of the house and to my car. It’s late enough that traffic isn’t horrible—though it’s all relative when you consider how busy New York streets are around the clock.

I circle the block and get the lay of the land. I didn’t recognize the bar’s name, so it’s not Mafia owned. Sera wouldn’t go to an Irish, Russian, or Colombian place, so it must be unaffiliated. I immediately recognize three men who’ve served the Mancinellis since before I moved to the States. They’re good at what they do, so that puts me slightly at ease.

I park a block away. That’s where I could find a spot, and it’s unobtrusive. I slip into the bar through the back door. I’m in jeans and T-shirt, and I’m Latino. No one bats an eyelash as I cut through the kitchen. I scan the dance floor, but I don’t see Sera or Tre. I ease through the crowd until I spy them at the bar. Marco’s holding a glass of water and blocking anyone from approaching them.

I remain in the shadows and observe. I assess everything going on around them, and I perceive no threats.

Me

It’s crowded. Marco’s right next to them. Let Toria know they’re safe.

It takes a couple minutes before I get a reply.

Alejandro

Good to know. Thanks. See you in the morning.

I slide my phone back into my pocket. I could leave now that I’ve reassured my cousin everything’s fine. But I can’t make my feet move. I won’t feel comfortable going until I’m certain Tre’s safely out the door and in a Mancinelli vehicle.

“Back the fuck up!”

I turn toward the dance floor as a guy shoves someone into a table.

“My girl said no.” He’s pissed, and the woman next to them holds her wrist.

“I didn’t do shit to her. She came on to me, then played the victim when you came back. Fucking cock tease.”

I might have felt bad for him since the woman doesn’t look like she’s in pain. She looks guilty. But then he had to call her names. I watch the boyfriend slam his ham hock of a fist into the other guy’s jaw. The unfortunate dupe shoves the boyfriend off him. I shift my focus to Tre since I know a fight’s about to break out. The couple isn’t alone and neither is the other guy.

Marco turns toward the commotion as three more men get involved and fists start flying. I push through the crowd and get to Tre as Marco reaches for both women. Tre and Sera slide off their stools and grab their purses.

“She’s with me, Marco.”

“What the⁠—”

“Get them outside, then ask questions.”

I wrap my arm around Tre’s shoulders and pull her against me as Marco does the same to Sera. Mancinelli men encircle us as we hustle the women outside. I draw Tre away from the line outside and angle her where no one can see her.

“Are you all right?”

“Yeah. Where’d you come from?”

“I’d like to know that too.” Marco just has to butt in like he has since we were teens.

“I was inside.”

I shoot Marco a warning glare, and I know he takes it to mean I had a meeting I can’t discuss in front of Sera and Tre. When I look back at Tre, I know she believes the same thing. That’s fine by me. I don’t need her thinking I’m stalking her, even if I’m there on Toria’s behalf.

“Let’s get you in the car.” I turn her away from Sera and Marco and in my car’s direction.