Marcos basically just said,“Really? Again? I’ve warned you too many damn times. This time, I’m making an example out of you.”
And then, when he pointed the gun at him the second time?“Do it again, and you’ll lose the other hand too.”
The injured man nodded quickly, clutching his hand.
Marcos sighed and waved the other guard over. “Take him to the back.”
The guard grabbed the injured man and dragged him away.
I just stood there staring at him, heart racing. “You… you just shot him.”
Marcos slid the gun back into his waistband like it was nothing. “Unfortunately.” He sighed. “Look, I’m sorry you had to see that. This is not the official greeting I wanted for you… but always expect the unexpected in this business. Dude has a hand problem when it comes to women.”
I folded my arms. “Well, congratulations… you solved it.”
He smirked. “That won’t happen again. I promise.”
Clearly.
He gestured toward the hallway. “Follow me.”
I hesitated for a second, but eventually I picked up my pace.
The inside of the warehouse looked completely different than the outside. It was clean, organized, and quiet.
We walked into a smaller office space in the back where two chairs sat across from a metal desk.
Marcos motioned for me to sit.
I did.
He sat across from me and pulled out a tablet. “Let’s get started.”
Straight to business.
“But first…,” he said, a small smirk on his lips. “I gotta say… I’m surprised that you came. I know I said I expected you tocall,but to see you actually here? I’m a bit shocked.”
I shrugged, trying to keep my voice steady. “Well, you talked like it was worth it.”
“It will be.”
Marcos reached over to the side table and lifted a short glass of amber liquor—rich, dark, the kind that looked expensive just by the way it clung to the sides.
He swirled it once. “Drink?”
I shook my head. “I’m good.”
“More for me,” he shrugged, bringing it to his lips.
Marcos took a slow sip, eyes still on me over the rim, then another quick one before setting the glass down with a soft clink.
His whole demeanor shifted back to less casual and more businesslike.
He moved to the chair across from me and sat, posture relaxed but focused.
I folded my hands in my lap, waiting, trying not to look nervous.
Marcos leaned back slightly. “Alright,” he started, tone smooth, sliding into whatever this meeting really was. “What’s your full name?”