This chapter is part one since in part two they will be focused on Colombia as well.

꒰ COLOMBIA PART ONE ꒱

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

❝ 𝐈 𝐒𝐀𝐖 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 ❞

Sofia and Ana sat in the station hearing the news of the recent sighting of Estella.

"Well, what did she look like? Is she okay?" Sofia questioned standing up from her chair. Kiki sighed and decided to sit down to explain everything he knew so far.

"She was fine. She was well-dressed smoking a cigarette outside an expensive restaurant. We believe that she was taken there to participate in a meeting with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo." Kiki stated looking at the somber faces on Sofia and Ana.

"What did she say?! Did she tell you anything about what happened to her?" Sofia's green colored eyes widened in fear for her older sister.

"Sadly she didn't say anything. I told her we could help her and before she could reply Miguel Ángel and Isabella Bautista came out of the restaurant leaving me no choice but to leave her." Kiki glanced at the two girls whose faces suddenly dropped. Sofia and Ana missed Estella so much and wanted her back into their lives.

"Look I'm not trying to say that the possibility of Estella being forced into the cartel isn't true. But we have to take a look at the other theory which is perhaps she did join by choice. So I want to ask if there were any strange things she said to hint she wanted to join a cartel or run off? Anything suspicious in her behavior?" Kiki asked knowing that there were many possible ideas on Estella's case. Ana swallowed the gulp in her throat wanting to come forward with what she knew but was too scared to do so.

"What? Are you joking? Sure me and my sister did something crazy by running away with a narco but this is out of character for her. I don't see it happening! She wanted to leave Guadalajara not join a cartel and she would never lie to me." Sofia began to cry feeling crushed. She felt like it was her fault for even getting involved with Rafa knowing none of this would have occurred if she hadn't met him that night at the club.

"I'm sorry. I know this is a distressing moment for you, but I'm doing my job here. I know you were in contact with Rafa after you were sent home. I know this since we nearly arrested him because we tracked the location of the call he made. During this phone call did he mention anything? If she was forced into the cartel surely, he would know unless he didn't tell you." Kiki continues to question Sofia who quickly felt stupid. She hadn't thought about Rafa and why she hadn't asked him about her sister. She didn't want to believe that he would do that to her.

"No. I didn't ask him nor did he say anything about her. B-But he might not even know he's not even the boss of the cartel. For all we know maybe Miguel and that Isabella girl only knows about her." Sofia said glancing at Kiki and Ana hoping they would agree with her. Kiki wrote down some notes knowing that this was not probable but he didn't feel like breaking the girl's heart once again.

"Now Ana did you hear anything suspicious from Estella before her escape?" Kiki's words hit Ana like a train realizing she did have crucial information about Estella that she hadn't told anyone. It was heavy on her mind, and she needed to say all these things before she went insane.

"Of course she doesn't-"

"Sofia por favor. Let me talk. I do have very important information. I haven't told anyone this including you Sofia and for that, I'm deeply sorry." Ana's eyes started to tear up staring at Kiki who was now curious to hear what information she possessed. Sofia shook her head in disbelief not knowing what Ana meant by all of this.

"She did say things about running off because of Jackson. He's the man her parents want her to marry since he's a very wealthy man back in the United States but Estella despised him. He's abusive, and she told me numerous times about her wanting to run away and even her plans with the entire fake kidnapping. But there was times where she would ask me about the cartels I think it was at Rodolfo's Sánchez's wedding where she asked if I would ever join one. I thought it was a joke, so I took it lightly but she didn't answer it, and looking back at that it was weird for her not to." Ana sobbed knowing the next part of the story was too much for her to even put into words.

Sofia furrowed her eyebrows as tears ran down her pale face. She didn't want to believe that her sister would do this.

"And then?" Kiki questioned staring at Ana who looked away.

"Uhm it was the night where she had ran away from Rafa's house. She had called me late at night while I was getting ready to sleep and I picked up and she told me something about her leaving Guadalajara. But before I could hear more I heard screaming and voices from men who I do not recognize yelling "Tranquila" and I proceeded to call out for her but then the short call ended." Ana explained instantly regretting everything. She shouldn't have encouraged her to fake that kidnapping.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sofia whimpered not comprehending what the hell was going on. Kiki nodded his head in shock writing down everything Ana had confessed.

"Excuse me for sounding cruel but how does this all point to her wanting to join a cartel? If anything it indicates that she was kidnapped and then forced into the cartel." Kiki asked. Ana lifted her head and wiped away her tears.

"She might have been forced into it. But I know Estella she wanted nothing more but independence and that distinct feeling of euphoria. Eventually, over time, she would come to enjoy it."

⋆┄┄┄┄┄┄┄✧┄┄┄┄ ⋆

Colombia. It was a beautiful country filled with incredible people and scenery. But unfortunately, Estella was not here to relax under the sun near an amazing beach. She was here to accompany Miguel Ángel along with Isabella to speak business with the Colombians.

Estella sat in a chair between Isabella and Miguel Ángel while she nervously fiddled with her gold hoop earrings. She had never been to Colombia, despite her various trips to different countries throughout her entire life. She always wanted to visit but never thought it would be like this. The DEA agent she had met at the restaurant remained on her mind and she didn't know what to do. She questioned if she would ever see him again to receive additional information but she was doubtful of that.

"Colombia es un país muy bonito. ¿No?" Miguel looked at Estella and Isabella as the three waited for the men who were shortly going to arrive for the discussion.

"Sí," Isabella replied crossing her legs. Miguel Ángel stared at Estella who didn't respond to the question and instead stared thoughtlessly at the wall. He was smart enough to know something was going on with her behavior.

"Don't you agree with me, Estella?" Miguel asked once again lighting up his cigarette that was placed between his lips. Estella turned to face him with a genuine smile.

"Yes, it is. I've never been here before." Estella answered staring at Miguel Ángel before turning away.

Miguel Ángel grinned to himself realizing that over time Estella was becoming more talkative and seemed to be into this cartel business. He didn't want to force it on her and was surprised about what happened during the day at the restaurant. She didn't run off when it was so easily to do so. Estella didn't want to admit it either, but all of this interested her even though it shouldn't have. However, one thing she wanted from her past was her family back. Perhaps they would support her ridiculous decision to do this but knew that the chance of that happening was extremely low.

Isabella watched the two from her seat and couldn't help but speculate something. She dismissed the thought and soon three intimidating men walked into the room. Estella swallowed the gulp in her throat and tried her best to kindly smile at each one of them. She knew she had to act more confident if she ever wanted to get further involved in this because nobody would ever listen to what some weak girl had to say. She needed to be demanding and needed to have the attitude to accomplish just that.

The conversation began right away with no time to waste. Miguel Ángel needed this more than anything else.

"Matta made this introduction so that I can offer you something new. Something safer and permanent. Right now, we move weed easily to any border city in the US. Not sure if you guys are familiar with the Sonora-Tijuana corridor. It's all ours. We bring in tons through there. By land or sea, I can bring it in. Now picture this: Your cocaine and my distribution. We will bring in more powder than what comes through the Bahamas. Fucking American agents in Florida, they won't even know where it's coming from." Miguel Ángel explained to possibly prove to them that he was capable of handling cocaine. He chose his words cautiously recognizing he couldn't screw this up. This was a big opportunity, and he wanted nothing more than this.

Estella, on the other hand, was extremely anxious. His speech was convincing but would it be enough for them? She didn't know why she wanted Miguel Ángel to be so successful in this meeting but thought it would be huge for her. She didn't know when or how she would earn his trust but wanted it to be quick. She needed to prove that she can be independent and perhaps even thrive in this business as well. But it was hard to have a proper conversation with him as she was too shy to start one up herself. Talking with attractive men was always difficult for her since she tended to say all the wrong things.

"Yes, we know about your reputation. What you've accomplished." The man who sat in the chair said.

"But this hand-off system of yours...marijuana is one thing coke is another, no?" Some other man spoke up not seeming to like Miguel's proposal. Estella listened in wanting to gather as much information she could. She understood that man's point she wasn't an expert on cocaine but she knew it was certainly much harder than dealing with marijuana.

"I don't agree with that." Miguel Ángel argued. Estella glanced at Isabella who had an expression of concern.

"A market of $4 billion versus whatever that shit makes."

"What my partner means is that...when things because more valuable trust comes at a higher price, no?" The man in the chair further explained. Estella peeked at Miguel Ángel who exchanged the look back. She turned away feeling very nervous.

She didn't know what Miguel Ángel thought of her. He had much more important things to think about like this entire meeting but the question still prevailed in her mind. Did he think that she had the skill for this business? She had many questions and for a second worried more about his opinion of her than the entire discussion with the American agent, she had seen at the restaurant.

"Yes, everything has a price, and it must be paid, right?" Miguel Ángel answered. Estella noticed the third man who hadn't spoken the entire meeting who happened to be holding a cigarette in his hands.

Pacho Herrera sauntered to where everybody remained and decided to join in on the meeting. Estella perked up at him as he opened his mouth to say something.

"Music to my ears. Because it will be paid by you."

Miguel Ángel's face dropped along with Isabella's. Estella pursed her lips not wanting to interrupt the discussion with her opinion. She couldn't wait until she was at least eligible to give her viewpoint but right now according to Isabella she was still "learning."

"What the...sorry?" Miguel Ángel was stunned not comprehending what Pacho meant by this.

"The payoffs, the middlemen, all of that comes out of your end." Pacho clarified sipping his drink.

"You'll have to excuse us, our friend here is slow to warm up to new people." The man named José said implying to Pacho.

"It's okay, I agree. We'll pay." Miguel Ángel nodded his head once again looking at Estella who didn't return his gaze. She could feel his stare from the corner of her eye but didn't want to stare back. She was a bit uncertain about him and didn't know what to think. She couldn't get too close with anybody in the cartel especially somebody like him since she knew that it would ruin a lot.

"Sicilia Falcón still runs Tijuana. He has a lot of well-connected friends there. In México and the United States." noted Pacho.

"I have friends too. A lot."

"Well, that's good."

"But we know him...and not you, so what do we do? Where does he fit in all of this?" Pacho proceeded.

Miguel Ángel then turned to Isabella knowing what he was going to do.

"Out of everyone here, the one that knows him best is my associate, right?" Miguel Ángel said about Isabella. The others had smirks on their faces interested in what the pretty girl would say. Estella glanced at the three men who also seemed to stare at her as well.

"Before the beauty starts what about that one. Are you his other associate?" José, who leaned on the table, inquired. Everybody stared at Estella who felt her cheeks get hot. Miguel Ángel glared at her questioning what she would say. He didn't exactly know her place in this yet but her answer to this question would perhaps increase his trust a bit if answered properly of course.

"Uh...sí claro. Pero creo qué Isabella debe tener la oportunidad de explicar la información ahora." Estella nervously picked at her white nail polish hoping this answer would be acceptable enough for Miguel Ángel. The man chuckled and nodded his head in amusement seeing Estella so anxious.

Miguel Ángel smirked seeing how professional she had answered the question. She could have said a million other things but instead chose to answer in a well-mannered way which gave Miguel confidence that she would be exceptional in this business. He wanted to earn her trust to maybe even learn more about her. He knew it wouldn't be simple since he had practically dragged her all into this but he didn't want to destroy her life by doing this. He wanted her to give her the future she deserved and to be able to trust her enough so she would be able to see her family and be on her own. He didn't know why he wanted to but knew it was the best he could do.

"Pues...It's simple. Falcón can't move the kind of weight you require. I've known him for several years. He's well liked in Tijuana, but...but Falcón doesn't have what Félix has. So, you have to ask yourself, do you want to move your coke through a straw or a pipeline?" Isabella explained trying to persuade the three men who reacted by only laughing. Estella didn't know who "Falcón" was, but she knew eventually she would find out since she met new people every day now. However, although she didn't know him, she knew he was a big part of this conversation.

"In only a matter of months, Medellín will look tiny compared to you. Let's see...Do me a favor and imagine how comfortable you and your brother's life will be...when we start to move these amounts. Come on. You will be walking in the clouds. I didn't come here to waste your time." Miguel Ángel glanced at the three who stared at each other disputing if they should go with through the deal. Isabella flirtatiously smirked at José who sat near the table and Estella tilted up her head to do the same as the man turned his focus on her. Inside her head, it disgusted her to do this but knew this was business and business came with aspects you usually wouldn't do.

"Go ahead and close the fucking deal. I want to take them dancing with me. Before Pachito here break more hearts." José laughed grinning at Estella who pushed herself to stare back at the man. Miguel Ángel watched the two's interaction feeling a little shocked she would do that. He was slowly beginning to trust her perhaps even had some sort of interest in her.

"Let's talk numbers."

⋆┄┄┄┄┄┄┄✧┄┄┄┄ ⋆

"Gracias por todo, Isabella and Estella." Miguel Ángel thanked the two girls who had helped convince the three Colombian men. Estella nodded her head and turned to walk away to wherever their next destination was in Colombia.

"Wait, Estella. We need to talk." Miguel Ángel lightly gripped her arm startling Estella. She closed her eyes and then turned back around to smile at him. It made her nervous having to talk to him and this was one thing she had been trying to avoid.

"Yes, Miguel Ángel?" She looked at him put his hands inside his pockets. Isabella eyed the pair closely slightly confused.

"Thank you. You've been doing good these past few days. I think you're fit for this business." He said staring at Estella who looked away. She could feel her cheeks blushing which is something that happened when she was very nervous. His compliment was something she was not expecting. It was odd but incredible that he was starting to trust her. But she couldn't help but think about Kiki knowing that Miguel Ángel or Isabella didn't know that she saw him outside the restaurant. Clearly, Kiki was after the cartels and wanted to help Estella who unwillingly got caught up in all of this but this situation was not easy for her.

"You're welcome. I'm glad that you see that I have the potential." Estella and Miguel Ángel stood in the same spot for a few seconds in complete silence only smiling and staring at each other but the short moment was ended by Isabella who cleared her throat.

"Well, Miguel Ángel don't we have a lot to discuss about the meeting?" Isabella spoke glancing at Estella, who turned back in humiliation. That moment was strange, and she didn't want to make it seem wrong. Isabella was a bit jealous but didn't hate Estella knowing that she had no reason and that she wouldn't be immature over a married man.

"Yes, we do Isabella." He answered his stare still on Estella who walked in front of the two. Estella stared down at her feet realizing how much shit she was in. If Miguel Ángel found out that she had seen a DEA agent without saying anything about it he would certainly lose his trust in her and for some reason, she did not want that to happen. Now all she had to was keep her mouth shut and do everything she needed to do not only to keep his trust but to be to live.

⋆┄┄┄┄┄┄┄✧┄┄┄┄ ⋆

"She wouldn't do that. Right? Maybe you're thinking into this too much." Sofia shook her head walking out of the police station with Ana.

"I know her. She would because Jackson was tearing her life apart. Possibly she did get forced into it but knowing her she would grow to like it over time. The independence, the money, the feeling of prosperity. It's all she ever wanted." Ana looked away at the street thinking of her best friend.

"I know I can't judge since I'm still in love with Rafa but joining a cartel. A little crazy don't you think? I don't know what do you think?" Sofia whispered passing by others who walked on the sidewalk. Ana sighed and turned to face Sofia.

"If she is involved, we can't let her get hurt or killed. We have to protect her no matter how foolish she