Success, Opulence and Power Hebru Young (ebook reader online .txt) 📖

come into some drugs. I have eight bricks of cocaine and six bricks of heroin, and I want you to help us move it,” Eddie said.

“Where did you get the drugs?” asked Raphael.

“I think it’s best if you didn’t know. Let’s just say I found them,” Eddie replied.

“The drugs belonged to Guillermo, didn’t they? I knew it, I knew my cousin was a gangster,” Raphael laughed knowingly.

“Well…” Eddie said.

“Okay, you don’t want to tell me where the drugs come from. I can respect that. Now, what’s in it for me?” Raphael asked.

“Seeing as there are four of us, I think it’s only fair we split the profit four ways. Does that sound fair to you?” Eddie asked.

“Hey, it sounds more than fair to me. I haven’t invested any money here, so it’s all profit,” Raphael replied.

“Oh, hi mom. Look, Uncle Raphael is here,” Eddie interrupted, not wanting Anna to hear what they were talking about.

Anna loved Raphael, she knew he was involved in some shady dealings, but she loved him all the same. As far as she was concerned, he was there for her family when they first emigrated to the United States. He also made sure they obtained identity documents—a gesture she would never forget.

“Raphael, how’s it going, what are you doing here?” asked Anna excitedly.

“What, a man can’t drop in to check on family?” Raphael said, with a big smile.

“Don’t be silly, come over here and give me a hug, you. How are Angelina and the kids?” Anna asked

“Everyone is okay. Hey, you all should come over for dinner soon,” Raphael said.

“Of course, of course. Don’t worry, we will do that very soon. So, would you like something to eat or drink?” Anna asked.

“No thanks Anna, I’ll be leaving shortly so don’t bother,” Raphael replied.

“Okay, no problem. Well, I came out to check on the boys, but I can see they are in good hands. I need to go back to the kitchen, but we will see you soon. Send my love to Angelina and the kids,” Anna said.

“I will, thank you,” replied Raphael.

Anna knew something was up, she knew that Raphael had some business with Eddie, but she wasn’t going to get involved. She had no worries because she trusted Raphael. Anna knew he wouldn’t do anything that would get Eddie hurt, even if Raphael had ulterior motives.

A couple of customers turned up, so Isabel emerged from the kitchen and took their order. On her way back to the kitchen, she said a quick hello to Raphael, then went to sort out the customers’ order. It didn’t get too busy at the restaurant that evening, so the guys were able to carry on talking, but lowered their voices. The last thing they needed was word getting out about the new venture. Raphael was excited—a significant amount of money was coming his way, and all he had to do was make the necessary arrangements to sell the drugs.

“So, Edwardo, I have a plan that will guarantee we move the drugs over six weeks. It has to be at least six weeks because we have to move slowly, so we don’t draw too much attention. The cartel is active in my neighbourhood, and I don’t want to step on their toes. But we should be able to do it completely under the radar over six weeks without them finding out,” Raphael said.

“That makes sense. I was thinking we should sell nickel and dime bags to make a bigger profit. This means we’ll need as much help as possible, that’s why we need Alex and Chris. If they help, we should be able to move the stuff quicker,” Eddie said.

“Nickels and dimes—ha-ha—what do you know about nickels and dimes, Edwardo?” said Raphael.

“Come on. Uncle Raphael, I live in North Walnut Grove and I have eyes and ears. I see and hear things. This stuff is hard to miss in our neighbourhood,” replied Eddie.

“Yeah, I guess so, man. Yeah, Alex and Chris will definitely help make the stuff move a lot quicker. But I think we need to keep all options open. If we can sell wholesale, then we should; it doesn’t all have to be nickels and dimes for us to make a decent profit. Tell me something though, does anyone else know about this?” Raphael asked.

“Nope, just us. The people here now are the only people that I can trust,” Eddie said.

“Good, so when do you want to start?” Raphael asked.

“I don’t know, we can start as soon as you’re ready, I guess. How about next week?” Eddie said.

“Next week might work. We need to figure out the best way to get the drugs to my place in Fynnwood. There are too many eyes on the restaurant and on your house right now. I don’t want people here to see me helping you move the package. Sin Nombre controls North Walnut Grove and most of Fynnwood. We need to be careful every step of the way. We’ll only be able to sell in Alicante Grove, that area doesn’t belong to Sin Nombre. The dealers there can buy from whoever they want. You guys will need to be in Alicante Grove every Saturday for six weeks. How do you boys plan on selling this idea to your parents?” Raphael asked.

“I might not be able to be there every Saturday. Something might come up at the restaurant that my mom or Isabel won’t be able to deal with,” Eddie said.

“Yeah, that’s something else I wanted to ask, what does it feel like taking over for your dad? You know, now that you’re the man and all,” Raphael asked.

“You know about that?” Eddie said.

“Come on Edwardo, this is me you’re talking to. I can put two and two together: the drugs that we’re pretending didn’t belong to your father, two