Free Covertly Strong (The Strong Series Book 1) by N.A. Alcorn Page A

become a very popular retirement and vacation spot for Americans and Canadians. This was once considered one of the calmest, most nonviolent areas within the Mexican border, but that all went to shit once La Familia Arturo set up residence in a small compound just outside the city of Guadalajara. This ‘familia’ has become notorious for the violence it’s bestowed upon the Mexican people. They have recently gained a reputation in targeting innocent tourists—kidnappings for ransoms have begun to pick up in the area.
    Agent L-55 was in Guadalajara over six months ago to gain intel on this Mexican drug cartel. She found leads that provided the CIA with key information and proof that La Familia Arturo was beginning to delve deep into drug trafficking—gaining connections with other cartels throughout the world. Colombia, Costa Rica, The Philippines, and Russia seem to be their primary sources. The Arturos have been moving heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine into southeastern and southwestern United States for the past three years and only seem to be getting stronger, bigger, and more precise.
    Chief Dubois pulls a picture from the pile that rests on her lap, placing it front and center. “Hector Arturo—he’s taken the reins since his brother Juan died. There is high suspicion that Hector actually killed off his own brother just so he could take control of the Arturo Family. We’ve linked him with the Al-Asaad-Amad, a known terrorist group that currently resides in Pakistan. We need to know what his relationship is with them. That’s where you come in.”
    “What do you think his relationship is with Al-Asaad-Amad?” She pulls her focus away from the photograph and gives him sharp eye contact.
    “Drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and we’re concerned that Hector Arturo seems to share the same ideals—in relation to the destruction of America—as this terrorist organization. Since he’s taken reign of La Familia Arturo, he’s expanded their compound. We have intel that shows him voicing fanatical religious beliefs,” Chief informs as he slides his phone out of his pocket and accesses a video for her viewing.
    The screen shows Hector from a distance, surrounded by at least one hundred people, standing inside of the Arturo compound. The place has expanded since she was there six months ago. It’s downright shocking how large they’ve grown in such short time.
    Everyone within the compound follows him inside, chanting and praising Hector.
    “Lode Hector! Lode Hector!” The sound echoes inside the SUV.
    Hector begins to speak and Sloan’s jaw drops at the fanatic and radical words that are coming out of his mouth. He urges his people to follow him into The New World Order— “Il Nuovo Ordine Mondiale.” He continues to shout and scream untruths regarding the American people and demands that his familia follow his commands—to stand with him and fight for the destruction of the United States. He even goes on to exclaim in Spanish, "Our family doesn’t kill for drugs or money. We don’t kill innocent people. We will only kill those who deserve to die. This is our divine justice, our purpose, our undertaking.”
    The video ends as loud screaming, cheering, and applause take over the room.
    “What kind of fanatical religious beliefs does Hector Arturo have?” Sloan questions as she shakes her head in incredulity.
    “He has his own beliefs. He’s a loose fucking cannon. The man seems to think he’s the next Messiah and has somehow managed to brainwash these people into following his lead.” Chief Dubois rubs his hand across his shaved head before sliding a pair of aviators over his eyes. Frustration exudes from his entire demeanor.
    “Is Al-Asaad-Amad the same terrorist organization that was linked with the Taliban at one point?”
    “Yes.”
    “So I’m guessing Al-Asaad-Amad is supporting this asshole because he’s so anti-America,” she responds with a stern edge to her voice.