The Salamanca family is the dominant mafia force in Newark and the surrounding areas, controlling all drug markets across several cities. Every gang in the region relies on them for their supply.
When the Salamanca family seeks information, the extent of their reach is terrifying; there's little that can remain hidden from them.
However, Hector Salamanca was taken aback this time. The individuals who had taken the wine from Sean seemed completely unaware of who he was. They didn't know which gang he belonged to or how he sourced his goods. Sean had always notified them each time he made a trade.
"What a bunch of idiots! You don't even know where you're getting your supplies from, yet you're buying from him!" Hector thundered, pointing at several gang bosses. Silence fell over the group, and everyone lowered their heads, fully aware of the Salamanca family's brutal reputation. Those who provoked them didn't live to tell the tale—like Daniel, who had been brutally beaten just over a month ago.
"Wait for that guy to contact you again. Call me immediately, and then get the hell out of here." Hector waved dismissively, and the gang bosses hurried away in fear.
Unbeknownst to Sean, he was now in the crosshairs of the Salamanca family. His recent success in deterring local gangs had not yet solidified his standing in the area. Compared to Salamanca's extensive control over drug channels, Sean was merely a minor player.
Sitting on a large sofa, Sean addressed his subordinates. "Jonas, you're in charge of expanding our presence in Jersey City. With your background, you'll fit right in; all the old-timers there will see you as one of their own."
Laughter erupted among his men.
"Smile, everyone! From now on, I'm your boss, and you're all my younger brothers!" Jonas jested, and the group echoed their agreement, calling him "boss."
Sean felt confident in Jonas's abilities. The smuggled wine market was vast, and they had plans to conquer it all. "Sooner or later," he thought, "we'll dominate the entire region."
Expanding into Jersey City wouldn't be difficult. With Newark's success as a template, Jonas could easily forge agreements with local gangs and establish trading times.
Just as the deal was being finalized, Hector Salamanca received word on the other side. "Little mouse, I've finally caught your scent. Let's see which sewer you crawled out of," he snarled, his face twisted with menace.
In the early hours of October 2, 1984, north of Jersey City, Jonas stood by his car, cigarette in hand but unlit. Frowning at his watch, he muttered, "It's taking too long. Where are they?"
"Do you think something's gone wrong?" asked a new comrade beside him.
Jonas shook his head, contemplating whether to retreat and check back later. Just then, a line of headlights appeared in the distance.
"What's going on? Why are there so many cars?" Initially relieved, Jonas quickly grew concerned.
"What should we do?"
"We wait. Let's see what these Jersey City guys plan to do. I can't believe they'd dare to act up."
"If they do, should we fight back?"
"No," Jonas replied, recalling their boss's orders. "If they try to rob us, let them have it. We'll just collect what we're owed later." He grinned, his white teeth gleaming ominously.
Soon, over a dozen cars pulled up, and dozens of gang members stepped out, though none approached immediately. They all stood by their vehicles, eyeing the front car.
Jonas felt a chill run through him. This was spiraling out of control.
Suddenly, a bald man exited one of the cars, followed by a thin figure in a black coat—Hector—who scrutinized Jonas like a vulture eyeing its prey.
"Are you Sean?" Hector's voice was raspy as he locked his gaze on Jonas.
"Sean is my boss," Jonas replied defiantly. "Who are you?"
Without answering, Hector sneered. "You have half an hour to contact Sean. If he doesn't show up, we'll toss his body into the Hudson River. If we even find it."
With that, Hector turned and walked away, uninterested in further conversation.
Two of his men remained, instructing Jonas, "You two come with us. Make the call."
Jonas exchanged glances with his comrade and decided, "I'll go."
The two men escorted him to the nearest phone, where he quickly dialed Sean.
Sean was taken aback by Jonas's call. Something was clearly amiss; Jonas should have been in the middle of a trade.
After hearing the situation, Sean took a deep breath. While he anticipated backlash for encroaching on established territories, he had While Sean had anticipated backlash for encroaching on established territories, he hadn't expected it to come so soon and so fiercely, especially in Jersey City.
"How many people are there, and what kind of firepower do they have?" Sean asked, getting straight to the point. He needed to know what they were up against.
"There are sixteen cars, and I recognized many gang bosses from Jersey City among them. As for their firepower, I couldn't tell," Jonas answered, his voice steady despite the tension.
"Ask them who they are," Sean instructed.
Jonas turned to one of the Latino men standing guard. "Sean wants to know which family you belong to."
"The Salamanca family," the man replied curtly.
"Sean, did you hear that?" Jonas relayed.
"Yes, I heard," Sean said, his voice calm but cold. "Jonas, I apologize for putting you in this situation. I underestimated the danger and neglected security."
"It's not your fault. I should have been more cautious myself," Jonas replied, understanding the gravity of their predicament.
"Listen to me carefully. If anything happens to you, I will use every resource at my disposal to bring down the entire Jersey City gang and bury them with you," Sean promised, his voice filled with a deadly resolve.
"Alright, I'll be waiting in hell," Jonas said with a grim smile.
Hector Salamanca waited patiently, his eyes never leaving the clock. He knew the kind of man Sean was—ambitious and ruthless, much like himself. He expected Sean to show up, but he also knew he had to be prepared for anything.
In the meantime, Sean was gathering his trusted men. "We need to move quickly," he commanded. "Prepare for a confrontation, but remember, our goal is to negotiate first. If that fails, we fight."
His men nodded, understanding the stakes. They armed themselves and headed toward Jersey City, their minds focused on the upcoming confrontation.
Back in Jersey City, Jonas stood firm, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of Sean's arrival. He knew that his boss wouldn't abandon him. As the clock ticked closer to the deadline, tension filled the air.
Finally, the rumble of engines signaled Sean's arrival. A convoy of cars pulled up, and Sean stepped out, his presence commanding immediate attention. He walked towards Hector with deliberate steps, his face a mask of determination.
"Hector Salamanca, I presume," Sean said, his voice steady.
Hector turned to face him, a predatory smile playing on his lips. "So, you're Sean. I've heard a lot about you."
"And I about you," Sean replied. "Let's cut to the chase. What do you want?"
"I want to know who you think you are, encroaching on my territory," Hector growled. "You're playing a dangerous game, Sean."
"I'm here to do business, not start a war," Sean stated. "But I won't back down if you push me."
"Business?" Hector's eyes narrowed. "You think you can just walk in and take over?"
"I think there's enough for both of us if we're smart about it," Sean countered. "We can either find a way to coexist or tear each other apart. Your call."
Hector studied Sean for a long moment, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded. "Alright, let's talk. But know this, Sean. Cross me again, and there won't be a second chance."
"Understood," Sean replied, extending his hand. "Let's make this work."
Hector shook his hand, the agreement sealed. Both men knew this was only the beginning of a tenuous alliance, but for now, it was enough to keep the peace.