Chapter Text
Chapter 1: First Impressions
When the doorbell rang, Jack glanced up from plating the night’s meal. In the dining room the sounds of clinking china as Gabriel set the table ceased. His partner must have gone to answer the late visitor. Which struck Jack as strange. All those close to them had a key and were welcome at anytime. Making sure the gas stove was off, Jack joined his husband in the foyer. What he found worried him.
Gabriel sat in a chair with a devastated, hollow expression masking his typically pleasant demeanor. A piece of cheap tan paper lay at his feet. Jack picked it up and frowned at the words. ‘G. Reyes. May 30. 207 High Street. Regret to inform you Emanuel Reyes is dead. Come to Havana for reading of his will. Diaz. An English telegram from Cuba? More importantly the older gentleman who crashed their wedding reception had passed away. Clearly the man meant more to Gabriel than the dancer let on.
“Gabriel?” The beautiful burnt caramel eyes turned towards Jack seeking answers. Jack reached out to cradle Gabriel’s strong bearded chin in his gentle hands. “My condolences.” What else could he say? Gabriel leaned in and closed his eyes. Jack held him close. Would hold him always him close.
After the lengthening silence gave their dinner the time to grow cold, Gabriel heaved a great sigh and pulled back. His voice was rough from unshed tears though it remained sturdy. “I have to go.”
“To Cuba?”
“That’s where Havana is.” Gabriel stood and brushed his hand along Jack’s cheek as though memorizing it. “Diaz is the family attorney. His requests are to be treated with the same respect as any command from the Reyes Cartel. Failure to do so usually means repercussions.”
“You said the Reyes family disowned you.” Now Jack was confused.
“That is what I believed from his departing words. And no one has bothered us since. Jack… With Uncle Emmanuel gone… I do not know who is in charge or what that will mean for us. There are still a few cousins who might want me out of the picture for good.”
“Then why return?”
“Because apparently Uncle Emmanuel left something for me in his will. Which means he either never bothered to change it or never legally disowned me…. Either way this cannot be ignored. The family will only wait so long before they take what they want.”
“I’m coming with you.”
“Jack. This is Cuba. The home of the Kings of Havana.”
“So? I know they’re brazen and dangerous, but would they really murder a police officer on vacation?” When Gabriel had no immediate answer Jack smiled. “Then you find the trunk and I’ll save what I can from dinner. We’ll eat, pack, get Jesse to watch the house, then leave as quickly as we can get a ticket.”
“I refuse to take one of those planes.” Gabriel grumbled and reluctantly withdrew from Jack’s embrace.
“A train and boat will take longer. How soon do you need to be there?” Jack only waited until Gabriel’s scowl answered the question for him. “Then it is a plane to Florida at least. We can compromise and sail the rest of the way.”
***
A noticeable change overcame the performer as their ship docked in Havana’s harbor. His partner stiffened when land came in sight. Tighter eyes and pinched mouth. Jack was staring at a man he didn’t know. A dangerous aura emerged from the hopeless romantic the detective had grown to know on the dance floor. Jack slipped his fingers between Gabriel’s gripping the railing. The muscles under the dark skin relaxed at the touch. “You’re worrying too much. As you have already said, your cousins know about us. If they haven’t taken action then, why do so now?”
“Because Uncle Emmanuel would have stopped them.” Gabriel heaved a sigh to put the ocean wind to shame. “There is nothing to change that now. With any luck we’ll only have to deal with them at the reading of the will.”
Gripping his partner’s hand tightly, Jack kept his smile gentle and his eyes warm. “Remember, we’re in this together. Whatever happens.” Though reluctant Gabriel nodded to convey his agreement. Should something happen to either one of them, the other would seek revenge. The detective knew his partner worried for his safety on this trip, but then Gabriel also implied that as a former mafia boss he was at greater risk.
Disembarking from the ship was its own wild affair. Gabriel argued with the porter about where their trunk was going. It seemed the young man had orders from someone he was terrified of. Finally Gabriel agreed and they followed the porter to a sleek black car, reminiscent of Gabriel’s. Only the driver was not a kid. The older man tipped his hat to Gabriel with a wide smile. Jack’s understanding of Spanish was good enough to understand the greeting. “Señor Gabriel. Welcome home.”
“Señor Rosario, it is good to see you,” Gabriel lit up as he approached the driver. The dancer did continue the conversation in English for Jack’s benefit. “This is my friend, Jack Morrison. I expect him to receive the same respect given to any member of the family.”
“Of course, señor. My instructions are to take you directly to the manor. You room is prepared for your visit. I hope this does not inconvenience you.” Rosario opened the rear door for them. To Jack none of this suggested that Gabriel had been disowned. Or the employees of the Reyes Cartel like Gabriel more than the primary family.
Gabriel motioned for Jack to enter the car first. “No, Señor Rosario, it does not. I suspect they know I would delay this meeting otherwise. But if won’t trouble you, mind taking the route along the beach?”
“It will add a twenty minute delay…”
“And I’m sure Rafael will yell at me for it. I just need a bit of time before I meet them.” The driver nodded and shut the door after Gabriel slid in beside Jack.
“Is your family that bad?” Jack raised an eyebrow as he processed the encounter.
“Depends on what they want. Rafael is the worst when it comes to demanding I fall in line with the family expectations. It’s Ariel I’m worried about. He’s… less accommodating with my preferences.” Gabriel sighed and gazed out at the bustling sea port. “If Uncle Emmanuel was smart, then he put the oldest of his sons in charge. Adrian is more rational than the others. However he is also a hardliner. When he makes a decision he sticks to it through any means necessary. Still he is the most likely of Uncle Emmanuel’s three sons to follow their father’s wishes.”
“And I thought I had a crazy family.”
“Only from your perspective. Though I have to admit, their type of crazy was by far more entertaining.” Gabriel’s fond smile returned as he slipped his hand into Jack’s. “Besides, this might be my only chance to show you my home.”
“You’d better only be saying that because they’d kick you out.”
“That’s what I hope.” Another heavy sigh from the former mafia boss. The car turned a corner to a panoramic view of the ocean. Gabriel’s eyes brightened and his smile broadened. “Welcome to my backyard.” Glittering blue waters as sun blazed high in the sky. Jack had to admit it was the exact blue of the feather his partner wore at their wedding ceremony. Along with this realization came the understanding that he had an unfettered view as the car drove along the winding beach road.
“Beautiful.” Jack breathed the word in reverence. The waters of New York Harbor and Coney Island were not nearly this extraordinary.
“And just beyond that copse of trees is a lagoon with tidal pools. There is always something new to find when the tide goes out.” Gabriel’s quiet excitement grew as he shared little secrets of the coastline continued up until they turned into a drive of a white mansion. Once they past the wrought iron gates, Gabriel’s cheerfulness disappeared. Though he seemed more relaxed than when on the ship. “I do apologize for not teaching you enough Spanish.”
“I’m sure it is enough.” Jack glanced out the windshield. “No time to be concerned now. Looks like we have company.” A tall man trotted down the stairs with several others trying to keep up.
Gabriel took a moment to close his eyes and breathed slowly. “That would be Rafael and his lackeys.” Those burnt caramel eyes focused on Jack with deep devotion. “I’ll try to keep the conversations in English. Translate when they’re stubborn. Jack, thank you for coming with me.”
“This is not something anyone should do alone.” Jack squeezed their hands where they still connected. Rosario opened Gabriel’s door first. The performer steadied his expression somewhere between the cold tightness of the murderer he could be and the polite gentleman Jack came to love. They were aspects of the same person but always felt so different. This was a compromise. Jack waited until Gabriel stood between the car and his cousin before exiting the vehicle. He still heard every word they exchanged.
“You’re late, Gabriel. Rosario was supposed to take you here immediately.” Rafael was gruff and authoritative. A man used to others obeying his whims.
Gabriel displayed his disinterest by straightening his already impeccable white linen suit. “And he did exactly as he was told. No detours, no stops. You however failed to dictate which route we were to take. And since it has been several years, I wanted to see the beaches again.”
“Why do you have to be difficult? Father should have cut you out of his will when he forbid the family from taking vengeance.”
Gabriel seemed mildly surprised. Jack stood beside his partner as support, though it did not seem to be needed right then. The soft chuckle held none of the mirth usually infused in those vibrations. “Vengeance? Really, Rafael. Not a single man loyal to the Reyes Cartel went to prison. Not even questioned. I ended Alcazar’s rampage which limited your reach into New York. That was why Uncle Emmanuel sent me in the first place.”
Rafael fumed silently. It was another man who interrupted. Shorter and bulkier though still with a strong family resemblance. “You’re the one who had to go pretend to marry a cop. And a Gringo at that.”
Gabriel stiffened with barely contained fury. His voice cold and nearly unrecognizable. “I suffered the legalities of the plan to stem Alcazar’s murder spree. And though the law does not recognize my chosen union, it is not pretend. I consider it far more sacred than the farce this family forced me into. But you should know, Ariel, that I will not tolerate the use of that insult. Use it again, and I’ll be sure you won’t be able to speak.”
“Enough.” A third brother appeared at the top of the steps. The similarities in their faces could be nothing less. This had to be Adrian. “Señor Diaz is here and we are wasting his time. Gabriel, your man can wait in the parlor until we’re through.”
“No.” All eyes turned to the former mafia boss in shock. “Jack will join me.”
“This is a private family matter.”
“And he is my family. More than any of you. I’m here at the request of Uncle Emmanuel and Señor Diaz. I am no longer obligated to abide by this family’s peculiarities. Jack stays with me, or have you required your spouses to wait in the parlor as well?” Apparently that question halted the brothers. This was their father’s will and testament. Jack understood their desire to have the details read in private. The wives of these men must be present to give support to grieving sons. That was normal courtesy. Not quite the comparison Jack preferred, but that was why he accompanied Gabriel. He never wanted to see that grief on his partner’s face again.
Adrian nodded to the continued surprise of all present. “Very well. Arguing will only delay and we have wasted enough of Senor Diaz’s time. But mark my words, Gabriel, if he tries anything that threatens this family or its business, neither you nor he will leave this island alive.”
“I understand perfectly, Adrian. And you have my word that will not happen.” Gabriel’s tight words should have terrified Jack. Yet it was the promise made on his behavior that worried him the most. No man should be responsible for another like that. Though it made an effective deterrent. Not that Jack planned on trying to take down this cartel by himself. Gabriel’s cousins were heading up the steps into the mansion when Gabriel turned towards him. “Sorry, that exchange happened quicker than expected. Did you understand any of it?”
“A surprising amount. They are all intense personalities.”
“They are. Come. I do not wish to test Adrian’s patience any longer.” Gabriel led the way.
“So is this where you grew up?”
“No… This is.. was Uncle Emmanuel’s home. I did spend the last years of college here and many times took a room in between international jobs. My father’s house is further down the road. I haven’t been there since his death. He never updated his will so everything went to his older brother. Uncle Emmanuel let me keep my father’s viola and paid for me to complete my education. After that, working for the family was the only option.”
Jack didn’t know what to say. He placed his hand on Gabriel’s shoulder to offer support as best he could. “That time has past. No matter what you have a home in New York.”
“I know.” Gabriel sighed yet again. “Let’s join them before Adrian changes his mind.” Gabriel marched towards the underlings in suits lining the marble staircase. Jack should not have been surprised to learn Gabriel grew up in a place like this. The man was a gentleman underneath the gruff mafia exterior.
Within the mansion artwork adorned the walls, straight out of a museum in Europe. Gabriel’s cousins led the way into a study fully stocked with the classics. In English, Spanish and the book’s native language. The Reyes family had expensive tastes. Several women were already within the study. The wives of Gabriel’s cousins. Did they have sisters? One stood when Gabriel entered and though tears stained her dark complexion, she had a welcoming smile for the wayward son of the Kings of Havana. “Gabriel! I didn’t think you’d actually come.”
“Constanza! Finally a friendly face.” Gabriel opened his arms to receive her embrace.
“Señor Diaz, please begin.” Adrian cut the reunion short. The older man behind the desk nodded and opened the briefcase. Everyone in the room settled into a chair or beside their partner.
Before the attorney could begin Gabriel interrupted in English. The annoyance left on his cousins’s faces made Jack nervous. “Please excuse my rudeness. But could I ask that anything referencing myself be translated into English. I will do it myself if I must. I wish Jack to have the same knowledge as I do.”
“Then that is a task you take upon yourself.” Adrian announced cooly. Gabriel bowed his head in acceptance. Ready to relent to his family’s wishes. What followed was a long recitation of Spanish as Diaz read the last will and testaments of Emmanuel Reyes. Gabriel sat with his eyes closed focusing on the words. His brow creased from what he heard. The Spanish was too technical for Jack. He recognized some names and phrases to know that most spoke to Emmanuel’s own children. That was to be expected. It was enough to make Jack wonder why Gabriel had to be present for this.
When Gabriel tilted his head and opened his eyes, Jack started to pay attention. The gentleman whispered the English translation for Jack’s benefit. “And to Gabriel Reyes, son of my late brother Ezekiel, I leave what his father intended to give his son. The house and property and the trust for its maintenance will rightfully belong to him upon completion of the legalities. All items within the house will belong to him, such a list is included with the deed. To my family and everyone bearing the Reyes surname, I want it known that Gabriel has given more than his share to maintain the family business. It is because of him our territory and income grew to this extent. I granted him distance from further expectations after his last success. I expect the same respect be given to him after my passing.” Gabriel’s voice caught and his jaw was tight from maintaining his composure. Jack honestly did not need to know more. He placed a gentle hand on his partner’s shoulder, trying to let him know it would be okay.
The attorney glanced up when Gabriel ceased translating. The battle of emotions paralyzing the performer must have triggered sympathy from the graying lawyer for he continued to read this portion of the will in English. “Gabriel has full right to travel to and from this nation. No one has the right to keep him from his home. Though you all have your differences that you must come to terms with, I accepted Gabriel as one of my children the day my brother died. He is not to be harmed just as none of you would harm your own siblings. This is my final request of my family. Look out for one another. You all will be stronger for it. Signed Emmanuel Reyes.” Diaz collected the papers and returned them to the briefcase. “Gabriel, I’ll have the documents in my office when you are ready to sign. Adrian, if there is anything you should need, do not hesitate to call. I am sure there is much you must discuss.” The attorney rose from the desk and handed the leather briefcase to Emmanuel’s oldest son, the new head of the family.
Adrian’s eyes were for the pair from New York. For Gabriel sitting stiffly in his chair as he processed all he just heard. Adrian’s hard brown eyes turned to Jack. “Tell Rosario to take him to the cemetery. We have much to discuss. And if it is distance he is seeking, then he has no business remaining here. I will grant you one night here should he require it.”
Jack nodded his understanding. “Thank you for your consideration.” He was going to have to be the charitable one. “Let’s go, Gabe.” Jack pulled lightly on his partner’s arm. Those wide eyes seeking direction turned towards him. It was painful to see his dancer so vulnerable. Still he rose and followed Jack to the door.
There he paused. “Adrian… After tonight, you’ll have no need to deal with me in the future. I may winter at the house occasionally. But you’ll get no trouble from me regarding your business.”
“And the American?”
“Only if you get caught on his turf. He has a job to do and I won’t ask him to look the other way for you.”
“Then that is how things will be.”
Gabriel waited just a second longer then exited the study, closing the door behind him. Jack tried not to ask questions though his curiosity reigned supreme. Not until they were tucked into the backseat of the car as Rosario drove them to the cemetery did Jack finally voice a question. “Will they honor the wishes of your uncle?”
“I don’t know. Adrian might. At least for awhile. So long as I stay out of his way. The other two could easily do their own thing. I doubt their older brother can control them they way their father could.”
“Gabe… It sounds like you and him were closer than you’re letting on.” Jack finally got to the heart of his concern.
With a heavy sigh, Gabriel reached for Jack’s hand. “I was barely seventeen when my father died in the crash. He was trying to out run the police after they caught him and his team smuggling weapons and drugs onto a plane bound for Miami. This was before Uncle Emmanuel turned this family into the all powerful Kings of Havana they are today. I was off at University for the day. No one came to get me. I came home to an empty house. When I finally made it to the estate, the whole family had gathered for the wake. Uncle Emmanuel took me aside and told me what happened. He wouldn’t let me open the coffin to say goodbye. From then on I stayed under his roof. I learned international business and law at school. Practical application with him. Apparently I was the only one who had been interested in going to University. My cousins scoffed at how useless those years appeared. Though I think Adrian started to see the benefit once I started traveling. I was fluent in four languages. Knew enough to be a lawyer in three countries. Ruthless enough to secure blackmarkets. I was Uncle Emmanuel’s right hand overseas. And I did everything asked of me to pay him back for taking me in. When I was home, I hid away in the night clubs. He knew, but never stopped me.”
“So that’s why you ended up in that marriage. Because he used you.”
“He did. And I was well aware of it. But when your choices are doing as you’re told or disappearing into the Atlantic, you end up taking the option that gives you a chance. Uncle Emmanuel wasn’t cruel. He treated me like his own son. Let me do as I pleased so long as business came first. You can’t live with someone for years and not miss him when he’s gone. I just…. What he said in his will… I didn’t know. I thought he disowned me. Not… reward me with freedom from that life.”
“I always thought he meant more than you let on when he showed up at our wedding ceremony. He didn’t seem like a bad guy.”
“I suppose he wasn’t.” Gabriel lapsed into silence, gazing out the window onto streets that must be familiar to him. Jack could only be present for his partner. When the car stopped and Rosario opened the door for Gabriel, the performer had control of his exterior emotions. Though Jack knew Gabriel’s mind was a wreck. He would have to wait until they were in private to shield his partner and allow him to grieve properly. Both were surprised by the basket of flowers the old driver held out to Gabriel. “When…?”
“Forgive my boldness, but you have not been home in many years. I thought perhaps you would wish to visit your parents.”
Gabriel nodded respectfully as he accepted the basket. “You are too kind, Señor Rosario. And I’ve been nothing but trouble for you.”
“No trouble at all, señor Gabriel. Take your time.”
Jack came around from his side of the car to witness this small exchange and despite the circumstances it was good to see Gabriel with someone on his side. The driver tipped his hat as he dismissed himself. As Rosario walked across the street to a bench, Gabriel turned towards the cemetery. Marble and granite headstones lined perfectly manicured lines. Some were decorated with more flowers than others. The largest collection of color marked their destination. Emmanuel Reyes had many visitors. Gabriel stopped by the headstone but did not lay down any of the flowers. “Jack… Is it wrong of me to not mourn him?”
“There is nothing wrong about how you feel.”
“It’s hard to believe he is actually gone. He was such a dominating part of my life that I almost don’t know what do without him.”
“Gabe…. I can’t tell you what to do. But you won’t be alone whatever you decide.”
“I know.” Gabriel sighed. The dancer moved his feet to the older part of the cemetery. Fewer flowers decorated the headstones here. In this less popular area Gabriel slowed to search the names. The years must have added graves around what he once knew. When he found what he was looking for, he knelt and removed the flowers along with a couple of candles from the basket. With the candles lit and flowers neatly arranged, Gabriel sat back, pressing the heels of his palms tightly against his eyes.
Jack folded his body to sit next his partner. The names Ezekiel and Gabriella Reyes were etched into the marble. The shared gravestone was well taken care of though Gabriel’s offerings were the only ones. Jack wanted to say something to comfort his partner, but this was his burden. The candles were burning low by the time Gabriel removed his hands from his eyes. “It’s beautiful here.”
“My father chose the site for my mother. We would come here every Sunday afternoon. Father insisted on laying flowers after church. I stopped doing both when my father died. I couldn’t even come here after his funeral. Then I started doing more work for Uncle Emmanuel. Going overseas. Trying to get as far from this place as possible. I’m sorry, Jack… I wanted your visit to be a pleasant one.”
“Gabe… This is fine. Really it is. I’m glad you let me come. For better or worse, we’re in this together. And I get to pay my respects to your family. You never told me you were named after your mother.” Jack gently teased his partner with the newly gained information.
The performer blushed at that comment. “Apparently it was my father’s idea. Still better than Francis.” Gabriel’s grin lightened the atmosphere immediately. “Come on, let’s get something to eat.” Jack was treated to a taste of the night life in Havana. Some street food and bands on the street corners. It was the novelty of sweetened shaved ice on a warm evening that won Jack over to the pleasures of the islands. It wasn’t the same as an evening in Lavender Shade but it was close. When they were safely ensconced back in the car, Gabriel leaned in close. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you on an evening stroll along the beach.”
“Sounds memorable.” Jack couldn’t wait.
***
They shared a room without anyone questioning their arrangement. Jack tucked his partner close to his chest, felt the silent sobs of a man finally allowing himself to grieve. Jack still didn’t understand the relationship between Gabriel and Emmanuel. It was not truly that of a mentor, nor did the two hate each other. Jack forced himself to stop wondering. The grief could easily be that for his parents.
Morning was not nearly as peaceful as the evening. Jack woke to an empty room and shouting down stairs. He quickly threw on appropriate clothing and raced towards the commotion. Almost certainly Gabriel would be at the center of it. In the great foyer Gabriel squared off against Ariel. “I don’t see why you’re putting up a fuss. We’re leaving today. My business with this family ends when I sign the papers in señor Diaz’s office.”
“You should never have returned. And brining that pansy of a gringo here. You’re nothing but a disgrace to this family.”
“Fine by me. But I told you to never use that insult.”
Jack saw his partner prepare for retaliation. “Gabe! Stop. It’s just a word. It’s not worth it.” Almost immediately Gabriel relaxed his stance. Gabriel did not tolerate bigots but Jack did not want to see family members fight. “I’ll get the trunk and we can leave.” At least Gabriel was listening to common sense. Perhaps they should have stayed in a hotel. As soon as Jack turned his back a loud smack told him a fist impacted flesh. Immediately Jack’s eyes returned to the conflict. Gabriel held his cheek as he struggled into a fighting stance. He had backed down at Jack’s request and now suffered for it. Jack caught the dark gleam of fury within his partner’s eyes. The detective wouldn’t humiliate his lover by demanding he stand down again.
Ariel gloated as he shot a series of punches through Gabriel’s weakened defenses. “You should know that no one leaves this family unless dead. If that’s what you want, then I’d be happy to oblige. I’ll even send your gringo after you.” Gabriel blocked his head, searching for his opening, while his cousin wasted his own breath. When the former mafia boss struck it was hard and fast, sending Ariel floundering. Gabriel did not press his advantage. Whether because of the audience or his own honor, Gabriel held his ground.
Others from the family stood in doorways to watch. Jack wondered if this was a common occurrence between these two. Then Rafael called out and confirmed it, “Ariel, just end it already. That Nancy Boy is only good at shooting.”
The heavy glower on Gabriel’s face was nearly foreign for the gentleman Jack knew. But this was also part of who the man was. Jack wouldn’t get in the way. No matter how trivial this fight was in his eyes.
Ariel growled as wiped a trail of blood from his lip. “What do you think I’m doing?” The youngest of the Reyes main family launched another round of attacks.
Gabriel bided his time by blocking punch after punch. Jack could see him planning his next attack when Constanza rushed between them. “Stop it, you idiots!” A flash of metal forced Gabriel to change tactics as Ariel did not stop. Wrapping his arms around the woman, Gabriel twisted her out of the way. This left his back wide open for the knife.
Gabriel grunted in pain. Jack leapt over the banister to stand between the family members. Gabriel straightened, steel in his voice and hot coals in his eyes. “Jack, don’t get involved. It will give Adrian what he wants.” Those eyes flickered towards one of the doorways where the new head of the Reyes Cartel watched silently. He was reminded of the ultimatum. “Constanza, you should know better than getting in the way. Go with him.”
“Gabe. You don’t have to do this.” The cut appeared shallow, but it still worried Jack. He took Constanza by the hand and pulled her to the sidelines. If Gabriel would not let him join the fight, then at least he could honor his partner’s wishes.
“I don’t have to do anything, but I won’t let this slide.” Gabriel turned to face his cousin. “Ariel, it doesn’t matter what you think. I’m leaving.”
“Father gave you everything and now you just turn your back on your family?” Ariel surged forward with renewed vigor, forcing Gabriel back on the defensive. “No one walks away.”
“I am not turning my back on this family. I gave this family everything. I did everything asked of me. I gave up more than any of you would understand.” Gabriel suddenly turned the tables on his cousin. His strikes bore the strength of his emotions. It was a sight Jack did not wish to see again. This was not who Gabriel wanted to be. “I gave up my home to secure new markets. I risked my life on the frontlines countless times to keep the goods from being lost. Suffered gunshots, knife wounds. Beatings. And for what? To have my one small piece of happiness ripped away from me all in the name of the family business. And I still completed the task demanded of me.” Gabriel’s strikes landed with harsh accuracy. No one interfered though Rafael displayed wide eyes from surprise. Apparently Gabriel had never defeated his cousins in a brawl before. To finish it, Gabriel stomped on the hand holding the knife then kicked it away.
“Then when I finally find someone worth living for, Uncle Emmanuel shows up and makes me believe he disowned me. Taking away the chance to return. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to him. Because of him I became more than just this family business. But I lost my father to this business. Lost countless friends. You have your money, your trade routes and markets. You have your families, wives and children. When you have given up as much as I have, you’ll understand why I say this. Just let me have this. I don’t even need the house. Disown me legally if you wish. Just let me return every so often without retaliation. Let me have this one bit of happiness.” Gabriel turned towards Jack as he said this. The fires of fury gone out from his eyes. He just looked exhausted and all Jack wanted to do was take him away so he could rest.
The soft clip of leather soles on marble drew everyone’s attention to Adrian as he approached the combatants. “This is what you want, Gabriel? To be honest, we all thought father had disowned you when we learned of your witness testimony against Alcazar and further your affiliation with the detective. Having you appear in his will surprised us. I at least was certain it was a mistake. But it was his wish for you to be present, so I allowed Diaz to contact you. But Ariel was right. Ever since you entered this house, we all felt as though father favored you. As if it were his fault Uncle Ezekiel died.” Adrian closed his eyes to take a breath. It kept his composure. Apparently Emmanuel raised his son well to take over the family business. If only that business weren’t illegal drugs and artillery.
“I can’t change the past, Gabriel. I can’t give you what you want. The house and its trust fund is yours, per father’s wishes. They should have gone to you from the start. But if you’re not going to contribute to the family, I have no choice but to remove you. Ariel is right, no one leaves this family voluntarily. What he doesn’t know is how father agonized over the decisions to send you abroad. You were dispensable as you were not the primary family. You well know this. But what he asked of you was indeed greater than what he asked of us. He would constantly ask my opinion on what should be done and I concurred. Though you were like my little brother, you were the only one suited to the tasks we needed to be done. I resented you for going to university when father didn’t even think to offer it to me. But I learned how to use your skills. It wasn’t only father sending you where we needed you. Before I make the final decisions, you should know that the marriage plan to rid us of Alcazar’s rampage was my idea. Father only concurred and enacted it.
“Neither of us expected the detective as a complication. When you actually accomplished stopping Alcazar, both of us were surprised. So when father insisted on going to New York, I objected. He had no need to follow up on you. I didn’t know he continued to keep watch over you. His men are quite loyal. But then so are yours. I honestly believed he wanted to give you the Cartel and retire. When he returned from New York, all he said was that you were not our concern any longer. As I said, we thought he disowned you and left you alone. So, you have your father’s house. You have free access to Cuba and Havana. All per our father’s wishes. But the moment you leave this house, you are dead to us. I cannot in good conscious let you remain part of the family when you have no intention of being useful. Once you sign those papers, you are officially disowned from the Reyes family. Excommunicated from the church. And should you ever run afoul of us in the future, expect rightful vengeance.”
“Understood.” Gabriel held himself stiffly, afraid to allow any emotion to show. It was almost the same as when Jack watched him confront Emmanuel at their wedding. “Adrian… I never wanted Uncle Emmanuel’s position. Never wanted to be part of this business to begin with. But, even though I am not legally part of this family, should you ever come to New York, let me at least offer you a drink on the house. I do not want our parting to be a bitter one. Not even with you Ariel.” Those caramel brown eyes flickered around the room, meeting each of his cousins’ gaze. All that history together was about to end. Any good memories spoiled by their insistence on maintaining the family business. Gabriel hung his head when no one accepted his offer. Jack couldn’t protect his partner’s heart, but he could be there to pick up the pieces.