Brothers War

‘Papa!’ the child exclaimed, leaping from his father’s arms, squatting and squinting his eyes to take a closer view on the skirmish on the grass. ‘The ants are killing the grasshopper’, turning his head towards Guero as he said in a more agitated tone. ‘Yes’ Guero replied. Nothing, his son’s perplexed sight, he asked ‘Don’t you want the grasshopper dead?’ ‘claro que no’ the 7 year old replied, shaking his head vigorously, his curls bouncing as he did. ‘The hopper is bigger and is supposed to be stronger’. Guero took a faint smile on his son’s naivety and replied ‘Los miembros de la familia unidos, jamas seran vencidos.’ which translated to if family members are united, they will never be defeated. ‘Focus on the ants my son, they are strong because they work together’. It was past noon and the dying sun beat down on the back of Guero’s neck as he sat on his open field spending the stolen time he could afford with his younger son. He was on a simple dark linen suit, his hair slicked back and glistened from the sun’s rays. He took a quick glance around, as his eyes narrowed in thought. He had come a long way from his humble beginnings. Guero was not born into a life of crime or surrounded with cartels. In fact, he was born and raised in the outskirts of Sinaloa. He was instilled from a young age a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. The economic situation found him to be in a peasant family. He had to work hard and smart to get where he was. Out of the Sinaloa outskirts, Guero made his fortune in the drug trade. He came to be known as one of the most powerful drug lords in Mexico and his dealings extended to most parts of the world. It was in his teenage age his life took this turn. He had always dreamt of a life of luxury and away from poverty and was quick to take on the drug trade. Fraught with risks, he started out as a courier transporting small quantities across the border into the United States. It was dangerous work but the consistent self-promise of wealth kept him going. ‘Yay!’ the child exclaimed. Guero hurriedly took a scan around as he uprooted himself from his thoughtful trance. This action had become instinctual over the years due to insecurity in his line of work. He took a discerning look at his son who had an outstretched arm with a wide grin exposing his missing tooth. ‘Que pasa?’ Guero inquired. Stepping forward as he revealed the little object in his palm he said ‘I scattered the ants, now the grasshopper is free!’ He beamed at his father in a manner of satisfaction. ‘You’ll learn better’ Guero smiled back with a tinge of disappointment. ‘Let’s head inside, mama will be done preparing Tacos’. Guero saw his wild and fiery spirit in his younger son and knew that such skill would be invaluable in protecting their empire. He intends to imbibe from this young age a philosophical view to grow his reputation as a fearless enforcer within the family. He lifted the boy in his arms effortlessly as they strolled through the garden walkway. The air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers and water trickled from hidden courtyards creating a sensory of nature. Before the garden stood a mansion, a symbol of Guero’s wealth. It has an impressive façade adorned with wrought-iron balconies. Despites its western architectural outlook, it has a blend of indigenous influence. Locals who are loyal to his empire employed their services as guards and stood watch around the bliss of his home sharing a fraternal interest of strength, wealth, loyalty and family. Effects of his humble beginning made Guero loyal to his roots even with his mast of wealth. He frequented his hometown, providing for the community that had raised him. He built schools, hospitals and housing, earning him a complex reputation but altogether respected. Whispers of him on the Mexican streets grew through his reputation of having an uncanny ability to navigate the treacherous waters of the drug trade and a mind akin to business. This made him establish relationship and quickly rise through the ranks. ‘Know how to use your strengths and weaknesses’ He would always say during family meetings. Guero grew to be insightful in the game of power. His early days on the tough turf of drug trade saw him expose his weakness only when he intends to gain sympathy from his colleagues. As he excelled further in business discussion and away from mere peddling, it was detrimental to expose weaknesses discussions. He then played by serving vigorously and gaining trust. Altogether, he concealed his intentions and made efficient use of deception. At the heights of the game, he switched to equality and justice, a way of retaining power. This way, he managed everyone by distributing resources-allocating fewer to the strong and more to the weak. Guero stood as an epitome of allure and the power of ambition and destiny. Jimmy sat in the dining fully indulged in the non-fictional book he had with him, completely oblivious of Guero and his brother’s presence. ‘You know you’re dead’ Guero said patting the young man’s back. With a smirk, Jimmy replied ‘The Lion should be comfortable in his den’. He stood up and took the weight of his sibling from Guero’s arms. The relationship between Guero and his eldest son was a complex one. He saw Jimmy as his protégé, envisioning him as the one to oversee and take over the family business. Soon as he was of considerable age, he took Jimmy on business trips to become abreast with his negotiation skills, deal making and formation of alliances. Although it was a dangerous move exposing his son to the rivalries and deception that defined their world and the risk of their trade, but he deemed it necessary to prepare him for the inevitable. With this, he placed high expectations on Jimmy. Jimmy had an introspective personality, quiet with an analytical and intelligent mind which he developed from his observations in the intricacies of the drug trade. He stands at about 5.9’ tall and has a lean frame that speaks to his disciplined lifestyle. He carries himself with a sense of responsibility and a strong desire to protect his family. Guero sat down at the head of the grand table. The table’s surface gleamed and reflected the lights. He sat with an air of authority. As he settled, Jimmy placed the young Jackson in a sitting position and took his just to the right of Guero. Teresa, Guero’s wife and mother to Jimmy and Jackson approached the table. Her presence was an inclusion of beauty and grace. She wore a smooth fitted dress that exposed her figure. She placed her hands on Guero’s shoulder, conveying a sense of love and reassurance. They both exchanged smiles that echoed through the room, an understanding they both shared. She placed a kiss on Jackson’s head and said to Jimmy ‘como estas?’ -What is it-? ‘sintiendote como tu’ -feeling just like you- Jimmy replied The servants attended to their needs as they enjoyed their meal having a little conversation with each bite they took. Guero had brief talks on business with Jimmy. Jackson gave the moment levity with boisterous laughs as he shared tiny talks with Teresa. The air was filled with love, loyalty and they carefully understood each other and only the uncertainty of the future laughed at them and Guero feared and was aware of what disruption uncertainty brings in this line of life. Thirteen years flew by and Guero’s power had grown to unimaginable heights. Yet with every step further, he infuriated many and created secret enemies from agencies to rivals. He has not been at ease on this particular day as he sat quietly on his balcony unable to shake off the heavy feeling he has despite the cool air his surroundings provided. With age comes instincts and Guero was no exemption. His mind was filled with a sense of impending doom and he hoped the serenity will give him clarity. The house made eager preparation for Jackson’s return abroad. His studies just concluded. He was getting home a formidable man with a touch of education although, his rascality remained obvious. Getting home, his thoughts revolved on how eager he was to prove himself to his father and strive to carry on the family’s legacy. Teresa oversaw the preparation, she had sensed her husband’s mood earlier on but allowed him to be so. As the late sun casted shadows across the estate, Jackson pulled up to the front gates. His presence brought some form of subtle relief to Guero’s senses. He had longed to see his young son. ‘I’ve missed you son,’ Guero said as Jackson stepped into the house. His embrace lasted some seconds later. ‘I’ve missed you too’ Jackson replied. ‘I’ve missed everyone!’ He turned around as he took turns embracing his mother and every other extended addition of the family. Turning back at Guero, he said ‘I’ve studied as you want, I can take up a bigger role’. Just as Guero was about to reply, he was interrupted by disturbance at the entrance of his mansion. The sound of an SUV approaching at high speed, smashing through any obstacle preventing it from its forceful entry. Gunfire erupted shattering the harmonious state of the home. Bullets shattered the window sending chaotic sensation to everyone’s mind. Teresa who was closest by was caught, bullets struck her as she crumpled to the floor her blood staining the white floor. Such lovely soul left the body with drip of blood shimmering. Time seemed to slow down as horror, confusion and sorrow rushed enveloped their hearts leaving everyone little room to think. Shadowy figures extended their arms with a submachine gun from the well-fortified SUV. It was as though the event was strategically planned arriving at a moment of insecurity. Guero held Jackson to the floor ‘stay still!’ he ordered. In a muddled mess of grief, rage and determination to defend and survive as his security detail proved relentless, the old man filled with such experience smartly unboxed a strategically kept pistol and fired with precision. Jimmy was the only one unavailable during this tragic event, miles away handling business and unaware of the tragedy. As the dust settled and the echoes of the gunfire subsided, Guero had shot down two men and his security handled the rest. Jackson got up to meet a dying man with heavy shots around him. Jackson and Jimmy were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives or so it would seem.