As we got into the car after the meeting, Martin was shocked and raged at the same time. He felt I had used him to earn a cheap score with the Senator. He banged the door of the car and looked at me.

“What was that for? You do not think you could carry me along in your new scheme? We are supposed to be a team, but instead, you operate in the shadow of deception. I am tired of this Cassie, Larry, is this how you operate with her?” Marvin said with so much vehemence in him.

“Are you asking me a question, or are you accusing me? Could you pick a side at least?” I asked, smiling as he was acting like a little boy.

“I guess I am doing both as you refused to let me in on anything,” he said.

“Listen, Marvin, I want you to know that everything I do is for you and your unborn children yet to come. Like I said earlier, all truths can not be revealed to you at the same time for your sake. I will do some now because you need to know,” I said.

I explained to Marvin how I and Larry have been working with the Senate President and 80% of the senators, including Senator Alby, the majority leader. I told him that they were working for the contractor and against each other, but I united both of them to work together against the contractor and for me.

“You have got yourself a good deal to expand your influence and your company with the Industry Bill. If I were you, I would call your contract wife, June, make peace with her, and get her to get the bill together. I hear she has been a force in writing and proposing industry bill such as this one,” I said.

Marvin sighed, he felt calmer and was already looking so sorry for what he said. “Is ther any other truth you may want to reveal?" he asked.

Oh yes! You have been a Patron of the Martinez Gang and you owe them approximately $100 million and that is why you have not been attacked by anyone. They have been protecting you under Larry’s leadership,” I said.

“What! This is crazy!” he exclaimed.

“I know and one last thing. I am the deputy leader of the Martinez Gang, while Larry is in charge of the largest territories of the Martinez Gang. You can go ahead and call us Mafia Lords,” I said, smiling and looking at my lover as he shook his head in laughter.

“Well played, I love this. Thank you for looking out for me and for revealing this set of truths. I hope more will come. I have asked for the security funds to be released to you,” Marvin said.

Larry and I drove to the Martinez Gang headquarters immediately after we had finished with Marvin. I wanted us to discuss certain concerns with Sancho. We met Sancho on his way out. He turned back and ushered us back into his office.

Once the door closed behind them, I turned to Sancho, the Martinez Gang's Supreme leader and my longstanding ally. "We've made a significant move, Sancho. The police are now under our umbrella." I said, with eyes on him, waiting for his reaction like a baby waiting for its meal.

Sancho, however, wore a skeptical expression. "Cassie, the police weren't meant to be part of the Martinez Gang. Our operations are discreet and underground. Adding law enforcement to the mix brings unnecessary attention and risk." Sancho said as if he had thought this before now or someone had informed him prior to this meeting.

Larry, ever the pragmatist, chimed in. "Sancho has a point, Cassie. Our operations have thrived because of our ability to stay in the shadows. Bringing in the police might compromise that," Larry said. If not that I had known him, I would have sworn that he was the one who tipped Sancho.

I was caught between loyalty and practicality and had to consider their words. "I understand your concerns, but we need all the resources we can get. Officer Page and his boss can provide valuable information and support."

Sancho shook his head, his disapproval evident. "Cassie, we've built something formidable setup and structure without involving the authorities. Bringing them in changes the game, and not necessarily for the better."

Larry, in agreement with Sancho, suggested a compromise. "What if we keep the police operations limited to only Cassie and me? We'll handle the coordination, and the rest of the gang remains as it is."

Now, I was torn between conflicting perspectives, I weighed the options. The delicate balance of the Martinez Gang, a web of alliances and clandestine operations, hung in the balance.

"I'll agree to the compromise," I conceded, acknowledging the wisdom in limiting the police involvement, thus in what Larry had suggested.

Officer Page and his boss, now aligned with the gang, represented a powerful asset. Yet, the delicate dance of power demanded caution and strategic maneuvering.

In the corridors of hidden agendas and veiled alliances, the Martinez Gang prepares for the next phase. The police, now a discreet extension of our operations, brought both opportunities and risks. I was willing to take both.

I knew what it entailed and was not going to give in. This means that the police will not be after us, and we can cover our tracks very easily.

As Larry and I departed from Sancho’s office, I turned towards him. “Larry, next time give me a heads-up before you counter my opinion again,’ I said.

“I did not know what we were going to discuss with Sancho, I would have pre-informed you,” he said.

“I don’t get you,” I said.

You used to allow me to speak freely, Cassie, that is why we have grown. My suggestions would never be to hurt you but to protect you and keep your leadership,” Larry said.

“Then keep it that way, when you think you need to counter me, call my attention, you are not Marvin, he does not understand the game, I do. So please act accordingly. Is that okay?” I said, looking at him sternly.

"Okay, Boss,” he said, smiling.