Free The Cartel by A. K. Alexander

through here for years now, as many other families from Mexico have. But I like the way you do it. You’re honest. You give your people, no matter how simple, what they pay for—a one-way trip to Miami. Many of the other families aren’t nearly as fastidious. They steal their clients’ money, leaving me with a heap of uneducated foreigners I don’t want hanging around my doorstep. You understand?"
     
    Antonio and Javier both nodded.
     
    "Therefore, I'd like to make you a few propositions that should increase your business ten-fold. The first is, we make a deal. I allow only your organization to transport your people up here. In return, I see to it they get to the States. Together we shut down all the other organizations. Voilá , you and yours monopolize the trade, my friends."
     
    "And what do you want out of this?" Antonio asked.
     
    "Smart man," Levine replied, shaking a finger at him. "I want a mere five percent off the top, nothing more, nothing less."
     
    "And how do we know you don't set this up with all the others?"
     
    "As I said, I like the way you gentlemen do business. I'm not in the game to fuck anybody over. If I can find a couple of honest partners who feel the same way, then why do I need anyone else?"
     
    "How do we get rid of the others?"
     
    "Force. If they don't back out peacefully, we use a little force. Nothing commands more respect than a well-placed threat. Wouldn't you agree?"
     
    “I like it, Antonio. I think we should see how it goes. Besides, we can still run them through Mexico into San Diego,” Javier said.
     
    "Javier is right,’ Simon said. “I don't need any part of that. I'm only talking about the Colombians, Brazilians, those people wanting to go to Miami."
     
    Antonio nodded his head in agreement. The words of the deal sounded good, but he still wasn't sure he trusted Levine. The man had been in bed with the Italians and he wondered if they weren’t indirectly behind this idea. And he didn't like the idea of sharing money with anyone. But if it would help flush out some of the competing organizations back home, it would be well worth it.
     
    "You mentioned something about more business?" Antonio asked, intrigued by Levine's offer.
     
    "Yes, but first we feast. A man cannot think on an empty stomach. Eat, my new compadres . Isn't that the word you use?" Levine snapped his fingers.
     
    Three waiters appeared, setting down trays of food. Antonio's mouth watered as he realized he hadn't eaten anything all day. Letting down some of his defenses, he decided old Levine might not be so bad to do business with, after all.
     
    He and Javier filled themselves on the dishes before them, downing medallions of beef in a Bordeaux sauce, sautéed vegetables, garlic potatoes, and cheesecake dripping with raspberry glaze. By the time the meal was finished, Antonio patted his stomach and loosened his belt.
     
    He noticed Javier’s demeanor had changed drastically, seeming to relax for the first time in weeks. Antonio smiled at the sight of the familiar twinkle in Javier's eyes.
     
    After the feast and the table were cleared, the men shared cognac, while three gorgeous native women, clad in nothing but chiffon skirts, danced for them. After a few dances, Levine ordered the women away and got down to business.
     
    "I want to help you organize. I know you dabble in marijuana and heroin, but I think I can see to it that your dabbling turns into a lot more. Enough to profit all of us greatly all the way around.”
     
    Antonio leaned in, curious as to what offer Levine would present. He motioned for him to continue.
     
    “You are esteemed men in your countries—respected, good businessmen. Politicians.” He eyed Javier. “Would you be interested in setting up plans with me to run the drugs in a much larger volume through the Bahamas, and then into the States? Then you could put the money back into my investments here, such as the casinos and hotels, and we launder the money