The hospital room has now become a temporary sanctuary for me. Doctor Jake had been good to me and I promised him that his hospital would be well protected amidst the storm of all these and the uncertainties they produced. It became a space for crucial discussions.

In the quiet confines of the hospital room, the air thick with a sense of urgency and shared responsibility, Larry ushered Sancho inside. Marvin, who was present by my side, acknowledged Sancho with a nod, and the room became a convergence point for the key figures in the Martinez Gang. As Larry ushered Sancho into the room, the atmosphere carried the weight of shared responsibilities and the intricate tapestry of the Martinez Gang's future.

I propped up in the hospital bed and acknowledged Sancho with a nod of silent gratitude for his presence in this trying time and weird moment. Marvin also welcomed Sancho with a nod of acknowledgment.

"Sancho, thanks for coming," Larry greeted, recognizing the significance of this meeting.

Sancho, a seasoned figure in the Martinez Gang, nodded in acknowledgment. His demeanor was a blend of respect and determination, and he responded, "Anything for Cassie. How's she holding up? Larry, you said it was urgent."

I offered a small smile, appreciative of the camaraderie that defined the Martinez Gang. "I'm hanging in there. We've got some important matters to discuss."

“Okay, Cassie, I am listening. You know I have not got all day,” Sancho said, reminding me he was still my leader and the head of the Martinez Gang.

“How many times have I saved the Martinez Gang from disaster or kidnap?” I asked.

“Cassie, please get to your point,” replied Sancho.

“How many times have I saved your ass, Sancho?” I asked again.

“Is this why you asked me to see you or what?” asked Sancho, who was now feeling irritated that I asked those questions.

“You want to declare my seat vacant because I took a bullet for the gang?” I asked, as I was now very angry.

“Cassie, we got information from your closest ally here, Larry, that you would be out for months and that does not sit well with me or the gang. We need our operations manager fit and running,” Sancho said.

I looked at Larry with a kind of surprise on my face. I never told him to tell Sancho for months, I said a few days. What was in his head? What was he thinking about asking for months? Who told him I would need months to recover? The bullet missed my heart.

“Larry, is that what you told Sancho?” I asked vehemently, and everyone was now looking concerned at me. I felt that Larry betrayed me.

“Yes, Cassie, considering the doctor's decision concerning your condition, I had no other option than to ask for time for you to heal completely,” Larry said.

“What condition?” asked Sancho.

Marvin got up to explain and plead with Sancho because he now understood what Larry meant and why he was seeking for that length of time, it was because of my pregnancy. “What Larry is saying is that because of the injury she sustained from the attacker while trying to prevent her from harming me. She would need a few months. I am sure you could cover for that, and she has Larry who can as well take her place till she recovers.”

Marvin spoke more reasonably, but that did not stop my anger. This world only knows violence and threats, and he just spoke like a typical business man.

“I like this coming from the patron himself, I cannot neglect the words of our major financier. As you have said, so be it.

Honestly, Sancho was lucky I did not spit out my venom, so if Marvin had not intervened he would have declared my seat at the table vacant. He was indeed lucky. I would have killed him and all the members of the Table.

As the four of us settled into a collective focus, the future of the Martinez Gang emerged as the central theme of their conversation.

"We've managed to maintain some semblance of order, but decisions need to be made. The gang is looking to Cassie for guidance. You know that they need to know that their head of operations is in charge. Whatever Cassie says, I will relate with the table if that is okay with you," Larry explained, framing the current state of affairs.

“That’s fine by me, and we also need funding that has also come from Cassie’s operations,” said Sancho.

So he knew all this but wanted to declare my seat vacant. I decided that from this moment Sancho was no longer an ally. I would take him out if need be, at any moment I deem fit. He had always wanted to take her out too, because he owed her.

Marvin, his gaze unwavering, spoke up, "I will provide every fund you need for all your operations, but you may have to pass that through Larry since Cassie, will still be in the hospital. We're navigating uncharted territory, but we can't let the gang fall into disarray. Cassie, what are your thoughts?"

I took a moment to collect my thoughts, recognizing the gravity of the decisions that lay ahead. "We need stability, and the gang deserves clear leadership. However, my priority is ensuring everyone is safe. We need a plan that accommodates both."

Sancho, the seasoned member who understood the nuances of the Martinez Gang, offered his perspective. "Cassie, the gang respects you. They're willing to wait, but we can't keep them in limbo for too long. We need to make decisions that secure the gang and its operation. I am going to hold off the Table members as long as it takes. You may need to come by once you are summoned when they urgently need your presence."

“That’s fine, I can work with that,” I said.

A collaborative dialogue unfolded, each voice contributing to the symphony of decisions that would shape the future. The delicate dance between the group and gang loyalty required finesse and strategic foresight.

In the hospital room, amidst the sterile surroundings, Larry, Marvin, Sancho, and I became architects of a plan that balanced ours and emerged as a beacon of hope.

Immediately, Sancho left. I called Larry and told him thank you, but I also informed him that I wanted a mark on Sancho. He disagreed that this was not the right time, as Sancho’s popularity was growing and a lot of gang members had fallen in love with his leadership. That was the reason he was speaking with all the boldness he had.

“There is no need for that. Cassie. Get well first and when you are done with the babies they will not know what hit them. If we needed to buy out the whole guy, we would. I will also inform the Senate about this plan. Let’s keep it rolling,” Marvin said.

I did not know whether to be happy or concerned. Marvin is now a Kingpin!