"So, here you are, about to meet a boss feared by many for how lunatic he can be." Dante, inside an elevator, glanced at Susie, who was dressed in a conservative outfit.
Susie turned her head and said, "Well, I wanted to know before leaving if you'll end up making enemies of the Mexicans. I need to consider finding new clients, maybe not here."
She could deny what she felt about the situation Dante was in, but deep down, she knew that one wrong step could land him in serious trouble in the future.
When she first met Dante, the family that raised him, and everything he learned while on the ranch, she felt she never wanted to leave that place. Even so, she had a brother who needed her help and a family she belonged to—she couldn't abandon them.
Dante, now with makeup simulating a massive burn on his face, entered with his only bodyguard, Crocodile. Together, they walked into the hotel room where several people were gathered, including the dangerous Felipe Lobos.
"Dante, the famous leader of the mysterious Sons of Anarchy. Please, have a seat." Felipe greeted Dante as if they were lifelong friends.
This man, who seemed friendly, was, in reality, the deepest darkness of humanity—someone willing to do anything to maintain his power, even though he didn't need it anymore.
"This is my fiancée, Susie," Dante introduced, gesturing toward Susie, who politely extended her hand to greet the man she wanted nothing to do with.
Felipe, intrigued by Dante's woman, extended his hand as well and, while shaking hers, remarked, "Charming lady. I didn't think you'd have such exquisite taste."
"I'd call it selective taste, and he's chosen quite well," Susie replied, her tone respectful yet full of hidden meaning.
She wanted to convey that Dante wasn't someone who accepted just anything. He was a man who rejected most things and only chose the very best.
Felipe nodded slightly and said, "I can understand that."
"I'm surprised you came to this meeting, considering there's an ongoing investigation against you," Dante said bluntly, opening a bottle of wine on the table with delicate, high-class movements, even though he wasn't trying to appear sophisticated.
"Well, that just shows how interested I am in you. You're like a diamond I must have, no matter the consequences."
Dante poured him a glass of wine and asked, "Do you want me to sell your product? You know I can't start a war with the Russian Mafia and your current supplier in New York."
"Oh, that. The High Table—those clowns united to stop the expansion of organized crime from Mexico and other Latin countries." Felipe didn't seem fazed by the mention of them, even hinting that he wasn't afraid of starting a fight with The High Table. This surprised Dante, who knew little about them.
"When I was handed the cannabis market, I made a deal not to distribute cocaine in New York. As a man of my word, I can't break that promise," Dante explained, mindful of his reputation.
Felipe smiled subtly and whispered, "But I don't need you in New York. Aren't there other states in this country?"
"You mean..."
"I heard you've been expanding, taking out gangs that refuse to change, and claiming their businesses as your own so easily it's terrifying," Felipe said, revealing information about Dante's recent activities.
Dante smirked faintly. This man had good sources, just as he expected.
"I'll give you a good deal."
"How much?" Dante asked, though he wasn't keen on getting involved. He knew the benefits outweighed the losses.
"Sixty percent for you, the rest for me—with one condition," Felipe said, clearly having something in mind that Dante wouldn't like.
"Explain."
"My power lies in Mexico, where I'm practically a god, moving with more security than the president himself. But here, in your country, I'm an easy target. So, I want your protection."
"Security?"
"Let's not kid ourselves. I heard about the gang attack just twelve hours ago, where men with tactical gear, highly trained and even evading the police, stormed an apartment complex and killed over thirty hitmen in no time."
Susie looked at the official documents from the prosecutor's office and was amazed at Felipe's sources, but even more so at Dante's subordinates.
Dante, as always, simply smiled and said, "Only if you promise me the same protection in your country, in case things go south here."
"Deal." Felipe didn't hesitate for a second as he extended his hand.
Offering Dante security and an escape route if things went wrong was no problem at all. Given the circumstances, both stood to gain a lot.
"Let's start with half a ton. I have the channels to move that amount," Dante said, explaining the challenges of expanding into other states.
Not only would entire families be killed, but the way everyone operated would change completely. It would take time to adapt and start selling more than they were currently receiving.
Felipe had no objections, so he quickly made the arrangements.
"From now on, the Sons of Anarchy will reinforce your security. Just don't treat them like dogs—they're my sons, and if any of them make a mistake, I'll handle it myself." These were Dante's final words before leaving.
"Of course."
After they left, Felipe's lieutenant asked, "Do you trust him?"
"I like the way he solves his problems. But what matters most is the security he can offer me in this country." Felipe stood and approached the door, where six figures in black suits awaited him.
"Felipe Lobos, I'm Tig. From now on, I'll be in charge of your security," Tig said, his expression emotionless.
Felipe nodded slightly and remarked, "I like your scar."