Cruz Gallardo

Head of the Gallardo Syndicate Rp account for moblandhq

[dcvilsson]

Cruz Arturo Gallardo ~ Head of the Gallardos

(Gallardo Syndicate)

〈 Alfonso Herrera / 41 / he/him 〉see CRUZ GALLARDO over there? they have quite a reputation for being IMPATIENT. some would beg to differ & say that they’re more DEDICATED. rumor has it they are a/an HEAD OF THE GALLARDO SYNDICATE. the FORTY THREE year old has been around los angeles for FORTY THREE YEARS just keep an eye on them — in this city, everyone’s hiding something & it’s only a matter of time before their true colors shine through. 

Cruz was born as the only son of the leader of the Gallardo Dynasty and born and raised to one day become the head of the Syndicate. It had been passed on for generations and expected to be continued for many more. Despite the expectations and duties, he never complained and considered himself lucky to have grown up in a loving and caring home.

His mother was devoted to him and his sister and led the life of a typical trophy wife. She was aware of her husband's many affairs and just accepted it, because she knew she couldn't change him. But it did destroy her little by little and a part of Cruz always resented his father for treating her that way. His father on the other hand loved his life style and lived the high life simply because he could. He had the power and means and of course the money and took advantage of it.

Despite the issues at home, when it came to it they always had each other's backs. Blood and Honor above all else was something he had engraved in his brain and tattooed on his arm. Cruz inherited his father's short temper but he learned to control it. However, when someone messes with one of his own, nothing can hold him back. From a young age, he was trained in all the disciplines his father found useful. He speaks Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic and English fluently, some German and Japanese. Cruz plays the piano, is a great shooter, had military training and dance classes. Of course he visited elite schools and universities and never had to care about money. And he hated all of it until he realized how many doors it could open when the name Gallardo alone wasn't enough.

As much as Cruz took after his father business wise, he never wanted to be like the man who raised him in his private life. He didn't turn down a good party, when he was young, had his short term relationships like any young man would but that changed the day he'd met Alma, a beautiful woman he fell for upon first sight. The two hit it off and their relationship evolved quickly. He proposed to her two years later and they were planning their wedding, a future together. But tragedy struck during a trip on his yacht. Cruz blames himself for the accident and never really got over it. Later he found out it was a rivals gang who manipulated the yacht to get back at him. The biggest secret he carries around with him up to this day is, he didn’t only lose his future wife that day but also their unborn child. She was almost five months pregnant and they were going to tell their families at their wedding. But it never came to that.

He's a capable business man, doesn't shy away from hard work or even doing the dirty work himself if he has to. Cruz tries to be a fair leader but he'll do anything and whatever it takes to protect his own. He can be either the life of a party, fun to be around or the complete opposite, a cold, merciless thunderstorm. It all depends on the situation and his mood. One thing is for sure, if you're not his blood, you'd do better not to trust him.

Now he's 43 and the pressure to continue the family's lineage grows stronger by the day but he doesn't think it would be right to bring a child into his world. And he's not ready to open up again, even five years after the accident. He does feel like he's failing his family's legacy but would never admit it.

Family always comes first to him and he will use his influence and power to keep them safe and ensure they don't get in trouble. Despite his dislike for his father's betrayals towards his mother, he never took it out on his half brother Caleb. In fact, they're very close and each other's anchors in a world full of storms. No matter what Caleb does, he bails him out. Blood is thicker than water after all.

Connections:

~ Caleb Gallardo: half brother

~ Javier Alvarez: cousin

~ Marisol Gallardo: half sister

[ovrdrivess]

"will do. we can always see the opportunists from a mile off. shouldn't be too hard to recruit." he would send some of his most trusted guys out to do that, ask them to bring anyone willing back to him and he'd assess whether they were right or not.

"all right, all right," he nodded, hands raised in faux surrender, "i'll talk to him. he thinks he's got a reputation to uphold too, not that i'm saying his supersedes yours, but you know how he is." caleb was fairly confident that there were few people in the world who could try to teach javier to show respect. his cousin didn't bend to the will of others, no matter who they were.

"i get it. but trust me when i say he's not a loose canon. i know what you think, cruz, but he's more of an asset to this family than a liability." caleb was probably putting his own head on the line a little here trying to get cruz to cut javi some slack. really, he just needed attention and eyes to be averted from his cousin until all of this shit died down.

"well, colour me intrigued," he said as he met his brother's eye. "i take it you're gonna be mysterious for now?" he let out a small laugh, not one of amusement, more because he expected cruz to be holding some cards close to his chest. and he didn't blame him. caleb gave him a brief nod, understanding what was being asked of him. "my lips are sealed."

[dcvilsson]

Caleb's reassurances settled like dust in a dimly-lit room, visible, but not quite substantial. Cruz watched his brother’s hands lift in that performative surrender, the gesture too smooth, too practiced. "Assets don’t gamble with territory wars over a fucking insult at a card game. Assets don’t make me waste bullets cleaning up their messes. Assets know their place." He leaned forward, the leather of his jacket creaking. "You vouching for him, Caleb? Because if he fucks up again, it’s your credibility burning too. Not just his."

A humorless smirk touched Cruz’s lips as Caleb called him mysterious. As if this were a game. As if he had a choice, but unfortunately he didn’t. Not until he knew for sure where his brothers loyalty really was. "Can't be careful enough these days." he muttered, the words deliberate and cold. "We have too much to lose to take chances." Caleb thought Javier was misunderstood. Javier thought he was untouchable. And Cruz? He knew the truth: loyalty was currency, and most people were spending it too fast and too easily these days. Some even threw it out the window. Soon, very soon, the rats would show themselves. And when they did, he’d be waiting.

[born2fight]

Although small and cozy compared to many other lavishing places throughout this city, the diner had been known amongst citizens for its particular charme and delicious food. Guests never ceased to come back, keeping the staff busy. Today had been no exception and so there was no time for a break, therefore she was indeed looking forward to finish up and leave. However, it would have to wait until the last guest had paid and left.

A leather covered menu was handed to the gentleman seated by the window, greeted with a friendly smile and tired eyes. “Here you go, Sir. What would you like to drink?” Her quip sounded gentle and kind, while she waited for his response. To her surprise he had made up his mind rather quick, much unlike most guests ever had. “The kind of man who doesn’t waste time. Very well.” Her joke was not meant to offend, yet Frida had no filter and often stepped on someone’s toes without intention. “I’ll have you know, Sir, most of our clients say it’s the best in the city but you’d have to try for yourself in order to be able to judge.”

[dcvilsson]

Cruz watched the waitress, Frida, according to her nametag, as she spoke. He appreciated the honesty, no false modesty, no corporate script. Just someone telling it straight. Cruz tapped the cigarette pack against the table, a habit more than an intent to light up. "Best in the city, huh?" His voice was rough, worn thin by the day, smoke and whiskey. "That’s a bold claim. But I’ve been burned before by so called best burgers that tasted like paper with ambition."

A corner of his mouth lifted, not quite a smile but an acknowledgment of the absurdity. He’d eaten in places with gold-leaf decor and truffle-infused everything, only to leave hungry for something simple but tasty. This diner, with its chipped laminate counter and the faint smell of grease and coffee, felt more honest than any of them. Cruz nodded, sliding the pack back into his jacket pocket. "Noted." He closed the menu. "I’ll risk the chili burger. Let’s see what the fuss is all about. And a black coffee."

[dcvilsson]

Starter for: Maurizio /closed

@maurizio-giordano

Cruz placed his next bet with a flick of his wrist. The clerk’s fingers trembled slightly taking the cash. He felt the familiar weight of his own pistol, snug beneath his tailored jacket. He never liked crowded places. Too many variables, too many eyes. His security detail shifted subtly around him. Maurizio stood closest, a silent presence at his shoulder. “I feel like luck is on my side today“ Cruz chuckled lowly, raising his glass towards the bodyguard. “To winning bets and growing fortunes“

Maybe he went a little ahead of himself but he was in a good mood so far. And Cruz wasn’t exactly known for being the most humble person the world has ever seen either. He could be but not when it came to bets. “Gotta keep an eye on those Riley‘s. Sore losers, probably up to something as we speak.“ While he wouldn’t trust any of the rival syndicates, the Riley’s were definitely the ones who probably didn’t even know what the term fair game even meant.

[dcvilsson]

[aarontaylor]

Alfonso Herrera for Open Magazine (April 2018)

[dcvilsson]

Starter for: Frida /closed

@born2fight

Location: small restaurant

When his personal chef unexpectedly got sick, Cruz decided to grab dinner on his way home after a long, exhausting day. The evening air was cool but comfortable, as he entered a modest, cozy restaurant, tucked away from the chaos of the main street. He chose this place because it was one of the rare ones, where even someone like him could stay unnoticed at least for a little while.

Choosing a booth by the window, Cruz settled heavily onto the seat and sighed, before he took the pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. Almost immediately, a young waitress approached and placed the menu carefully before him. He paused and offered her a brief nod in thanks, before letting his eyes roam over the menu. “Is that chili burger any good in here? Be honest.” His expression was serious but not completely unfriendly either, while he waited for her response.

[violentcnds]

it’s almost invisible, the crack in his composure—there and gone before a second glance. his mouth pulls downward, jaw tightening hard enough to ache. the anger has been building for months, years maybe, something sour and volatile he’s swallowed down one time too many. now it’s leaking through, and for a moment it makes him look like a stranger—dangerous in a way that’s hard to meet head-on.

“don’t you ever say that to me,” javier mutters, low and sharp, his voice edged with something that isn’t just defiance but insult. “don’t you ever tell me i’ll be the downfall of this family. not after everything i’ve done for it. not after what i’ve done for you, for uncle joaquin.” his eyes cut through the haze between them. "i've always done everything you ask. i’ve kept it clean in the papers, i've protected marisol's reputation god knows how many times, gone after every director and producer you felt wronged by. babysat those doped up starlets and kept them in line—don’t act like i don't put this family first."

his hand twitches at his side, a sharp exhale through his nose as if trying to smother the heat before it burns too far, too hot. “¿quieres hablar de familia esto, familia aquello? what about my wife? she's been smeared and shut out, she's not getting any work. all while you sit there pretending it isn't your problem. she's family, is she not? or are you trying to get back at me for something? because a single phone call from you, cruz, and it ends. that's all it would take... but you haven't lifted a finger."

for a moment, it appears as though he might keep going, like the dam might break and the fury pour out in full. but, then javier draws in a breath, straightening his shoulders, burying it all back under. his voice drops lower, harder, the calm of someone ready to compromise because the stakes cut too close. “i’ll do what you want. i'll contact one of our guys at the precinct and see if they’ve got anything—rumors, leads, a scrap of evidence we can work with... but, don't ever say those words to me again." javi doesn’t flinch as he says it, doesn’t let on that he already knows there’s nothing to find, because he made sure of it the night he and caleb left that halperin kid in pershing square.

[dcvilsson]

His observant gaze caught the way his cousin‘s jaw tightened briefly and Cruz knew his words hit home. At least the family wasn’t entirely indifferent to him, even if Javi’s priorities were off sometimes. And maybe now he had him exactly where he wanted him. „Never said you haven’t in the past.“ It was a subtle hint but it said more than enough.

Cruz sighed, although he wanted to roll his eyes at his cousin‘s tantrum. All this fuss about the career of his wife. How fortunate Javi was, if that was his only concern in life. Cruz on the other hand didn’t have the luxury to only think about himself or his personal feelings with all the responsibilities he had: keeping their name clean, making sure no one stepped out of line, sealing deals to make the family grow, keeping an eye on the books and businesses amongst so many other significant aspects that affected the whole family and syndicate - some of them being matters of life or death, not just a career.

„Are you done with your assumptions and accusations, Javier? Because I am.“ He wasn’t just annoyed now, he was starting to really get pissed off. How could he be so self centered? As if Cruz didn’t have any other worries and things to do. „it is indeed the least of our problems at this point. We’ve got a shitload of other, more pressing matters to handle, than your little wife‘s career - which, if I remember correctly, she ruined herself. Cause and consequences, Javier.“ Cruz took a deep breath to calm himself, his stern gaze never leaving his cousin. Even Javi had to learn, sometimes it took more than a name and the right amount of money to fix something. In fact, some things couldn’t be reversed, no matter how much was paid for it.

The color of his eyes turned darker, out of anger and frustration but he still didn’t raise his voice, even if he felt like a parent trying to educate his bratty child right now. „Not everything is about you and your wife, Javier. Sorry to break it to you. We’ve got an alliance with the most powerful family in the industry to uphold and make sure we stay alive and out of la cana, because, without the Halperin‘s help and if everything goes south with our business, there’s no way anyone could help your wife‘s fucking career…“ He took a sip of his whiskey, not from the glass but the bottle and that was never a good sign. „A single call from me was by far not enough for them to even consider working with her again, by the way.“

He let the words sink, slamming the bottle back onto the desk, while his raging gaze bored into Javier‘s. „You see, once again you’re wrong, but instead of just asking, you choose to insult me and make me regret I even tried.“ Cruz stood up and walked towards the large window, but his gaze still didn’t leave his cousin, holding his breath for a moment, before he continued: „The Halperins were working on the next big thing. Historical drama, several parts, their most expensive production so far. It was going to be huge. And if I do what they’re asking, they’d even consider her for the leading role. But obviously, that project has been put on hold now, since they’re mourning the loss of their son, as you can imagine.“

„You see primo…their problems are ours too and that boy’s death does indeed affect all of us in more ways than one.“ He crossed his arms in front of his chest, his eyes cold and calculating. For a moment the tension in the room grew so thick it felt like the house was about to blow up. For once, Javier seemed to back off of bit and Cruz didn’t expect that but part of him was relieved. It wasn’t like he wanted to fight with his cousin but he had to see the bigger picture at all times. It was the only way to remain on top of their game. „The onlything I want, Javier, is for you to consider the fact, there are far bigger things in motion than what meets the eye. And to think before you overreact.“ Finally, he calmed down a little, the look in his eyes softened just slightly. „Don’t give me a reason to and I won’t have to.“

[ovrdrivess]

"fair point." he had to concede that because cruz certainly wasn't wrong about it. "unless he's trying to break the stereotypes to throw the cops off? who the fuck knows what goes on in the mind of a sick fuck like that." he tried to play devil's advocate, offering a nonchalant shrug. "but you could be right."

caleb gladly took the cigarette, retrieving a small lighter out of his pocket to light it up. he inhaled slowly before letting a cloud of smoke disperse around him, shifting his gaze back to cruz. "you go it." and he would do what he could in terms of digging into the halperins. sure, they were connected to their family, but they had so many skeletons in the closet that it couldn't be that hard to unearth something he could use.

"makes sense. half of the cops are just clockin' in for the extra pay-check and not doing enough for it. some new blood would be good. i can add that to my list of to-dos if you got other things to be getting on with." caleb had heard whispers about some other members of their noble police force who could be swayed in their direction for a decent price.

caleb scoffed a laugh at the mention of his cousin. "ay, you know javi. he doesn't mean the disrespect, it's just like another language to him. take it with a pinch of salt, i do. lo sé, si no lo hiciera, me volvería loco." caleb tried to make light of it, but didn't lay it on too thick. he knew cruz wouldn't take well to that. "i'll talk to him though, remind him who's calling the shots."

[dcvilsson]

Cruz nodded once, a small gesture of approval. One of the things he appreciated about his brother was his ability to see the bigger picture, to understand where he was coming from and what was at stake. It made things easier for him to deal with. „Some are just waiting to retire. Never hurts to add new allies, just make sure they’re trustworthy. Too many rats out there.“

But he wasn’t just talking about the police but that was to be revealed soon enough. A smirk curled around his lips at Caleb‘s scoff. „Me vale madres! I can‘t have him overstepping all the time. Got a reputation to uphold. And if it’s not me, someone else is going to teach him some respect. They just might not give him the special family treatment he got from me.“

Whether their cousin meant the disrespect or not didn’t really matter. As the head of the family he had to put him in his place now and then before it got out of hand. „Disrespect is not another language in our world. It’s a death wish. People disappear or worse for saying one wrong word to the wrong person.“ it wasn’t a threat, just a matter of fact.

His eyes searched for his brother‘s as he leaned in, his voice low. „Between the two of us, hermano. We‘ll soon see who we can still trust and who’s not as much on our side as they claim to be. Not a word to anyone, including Javier, estamos? “ The glint in his eyes was almost dangerous, making clear he was up to something.

[violentcnds]

a slow breath pushed through his nose, like cruz’s words weren’t new, just the next beat in a song he’d heard all year. his hand adjusted the cuff of his shirt before he leaned forward a fraction, elbows resting on his knees.

“papers are saying it was the werewolf,” it was said almost conversational. “same as the others this year. moonlight killings. you’ve seen the headlines... the city’s eating that story up.” he let the corner of his mouth lift just barely, not quite a smile, more the ghost of one. “that kind of noise? it’s going to keep the the cops busy and chasing shadows for weeks. no one has figured out who this guy is.”

and it sure was a story. javier may have been getting a little ahead of himself, but he's fully convinced and that he and caleb played their cards well. from the scandal rags to the L.A. times, everyone was talking about how the werewolf struck hollywood's golden family. there was no telling if they believed it, but it was juicy story. johnny halperin was a nuisance and if the werewolf story didn't stick, it would just be assumed he'd gotten himself into something deep with his partying and drug habits. either way, javier and caleb would be in the clear. the only thing left was thwarting cruz's suspicion.

he glanced toward the window, like the view outside had more weight than cruz’s glare. “you and i both know these things… they have a way of sorting themselves when the right people want them sorted. no reason for us to go digging into it. halperin's have their own reach. let them pull the threads.”

only then did he meet cruz’s eyes again, tone cooling to something closer to reassurance. “we’ve got our own house to keep in order. last thing we need is to go making a mess over a problem that’s already got a name and a face in the papers. they'll move on to the next story in no time."

he straightened, brushing an invisible crease from his trousers. “unless you’re looking to chase ghosts. in which case…” the pause was deliberate, faintly challenging. this is how it's been with them for the last few months. sniping, arguing, and backhanded comments. javier and cruz had never been close, but, until now, he had always respected his older cousin. “i'll pour you a drink and wish you luck.”

[dcvilsson]

A low laugh tore from deep within his throat. Not an amused one. More the dark kind, a warning one. „Headlines. Papers. Don’t be ridiculous. Since when do you believe in the crap they’re trying to sell? No chingues güey.“ Cruz spat briefly. „What’s next? You going to try to convince me you still believe in fairy tales?“ He took a deep breath to calm himself. His glare unwavering. „That’s exactly why we run the city, Javi. Because we’re not like the rest of them.“

He couldn’t care less about whatever rumors, gossips or stories were spread. Cruz never went with what the crowd believed. That’s what got him and the Gallardos to where they are now. The way Javier behaved, the fact he was so insistent about dropping the case only made him even more suspicious. „I’m not repeating myself, Javier.“ His word was final. He’d already said everything that needed to be said and he absolutely hated the way Javi thought he didn’t have to listen, like he was above everyone else. Maybe he needed a reminder of who called the shots here.

„You still didn’t get a thing. You don’t listen. That’s your problem. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let it be the downfall of this whole family.“ His voice was surprisingly calm but it carried a lot of weight. And calling the other by his full name did the rest. All Javier had to do for once in his life was listen.

He shook his head once, his glare steadily on Javier. „We‘re not taking the easy way out. Not until I know for sure the cabrón got what he deserved for messing with our allies.“ Cruz emphasized the last word to make sure even Javier got the message this time. „This is not about the public. A story. It’s about honor. Keeping our word.“

„You’ve gotten away with a lot of mierda, simply for being blood - but my patience has a limit. Don’t push it.“ It was more of a promise than it was a warning. He was already debating on having the disrespectful man tied up in the dungeons to teach him a lesson and bring him down from whatever ego trip he was riding this time, all it took was one sign to his men and he’d get what was overdue. Javier was walking a very thin line and Cruz was done with his antics. More than done. “Last chance. You’re either with the Gallardos or against. Choice is yours.”

[ovrdrivess]

"oh, that. well, it doesn't feel like they have to sell it so much, i don't think. it's got all the markings of the moonlight killings as far as the cops are saying. why, you got another theory? i'm all ears." he tipped his head, intrigued about what his brother was about to say. and then he spoke again, and caleb didn't show any kind of reaction on his face to his words. "okay," he replied slowly, "what are we gonna do?"

he met cruz's gaze, both listening to him and trying to figure out how he was going to play this. no, they couldn't unearth who was responsible for this, because that meant throwing javi and himself under the bus and he wasn't about to do that. caleb was loyal, but not to a fault, and he would look after himself when he needed to.

"alright." caleb nodded, keeping his voice low. "just tell me where you want me to go and i'll take a few of the guys with me. how about i speak with the halperins first? can't rule 'em out, the whole family's a mess. and what about our inside man with the cops? i'm assuming you've already met with him, got all the intel they've got?"

[dcvilsson]

He listened to his brother’s words, surprised how easily he let himself be convinced by the story of the press. “Except it didn’t fit the ideal victim type. It would be too easy. And even if it was the same guy, I’ll find out who it is.” That was all he was giving away for now, until he knew for sure he was on the right track. Cruz knew he had to move with caution, even when it came to family these days.

Everyone had a price. And at the end of the day they’d all sell their grandmother for the right number or reason - may she rest in peace. Cruz was no idiot. The real question at stake was whether he could still trust the ones closest to him to a default or not. He lit a cigarette and offered one to Caleb. “Just do your thing. Let me know what you find. In the meantime, I’ll do what I do best.” He reassured with a confident half grin, inhaling the smoke of the cigarette.

“Por supuesto! But they’re not the brightest of lights either. I’m making new acquaintances. They’ll be useful. More powerful than the police. More effective too.” He smirked with a knowing glint in his eyes but without actually laying his cards out there. “And before I forget. Remind your cousin I won’t tolerate anymore disrespect. He got away with too much mierda, ya basta! Estoy harto de sus caprichos.”

[violentcnds]

javier stepped inside, letting the door click shut behind him. he didn’t sit right away. just stood there for a second, taking stock. cruz behind the desk, the sharp cut of his voice, the weight in the air like something already decided. he finally moved, slow and deliberate, lowering himself into the chair across from his cousin with the ease of someone used to walking into rooms where the real conversation didn’t start until halfway through.

"didn’t think i’d be up this early unless a studio was burnin’ down or someone owed us six figures and a kneecap,” he said, tone dry, but not without that quiet edge. he adjusted the cuff of his shirt absently, like he had all the time in the world. his gaze flicks up, meeting cruz’s. calm, measured.

“something with one of the producers? you need me to lean on somebody? or is this about that problem with the union boys last week?” he let it hang there, offering possibilities, none too pointed. giving cruz the space to show his hand first. "whatever it is, i’ll handle it.”

[dcvilsson]

If there was one thing Cruz couldn’t stand, it was disrespect and Javier sometimes liked to test his patience. His own short temper was boiling inside but he had learned to control that, no matter how difficult the other made it. He didn’t waste time with small talk and got right to the point. “Worse. The son of our allies was murdered by some idiot trying to mess with our business.” The tone of his voice was serious and it was obvious he was furious about the news. Not just mad or angry. “Someone’s made it personal. You know what that means.”

There was a glare in his eyes that spoke volumes. "I assure you, I am going to find out who’s behind all of this. And when I do, the authorities will be the least of that fucker’s problems.” His voice remained calm but Javier knew him well enough to understand the danger behind his tranquil demeanor. “No. This one’s for me to handle.” He leaned back in his chair, only slightly. “Good thing we know none of ours is involved, right? Because we all know the consequences of betrayal in this family.” His vigilant gaze never left Javi, studying him closely, while he continued after a small pause. “Seems like someone needs a reminder not to mess with the Gallardos.”

[chief-walker]

Malik merely raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Halperin boy, his eyes sharpening but his expression remained mostly unreadable. "Indeed, it seems there's always something brewing," he agreed, his voice a blend of curiosity and caution. He knew better than to take lightly to the appearance of someone from another syndicate in his domain, especially one as sharp as Cruz Gallardo. The chief knew all too well that the events surrounding the boy’s disappearance had been troubling, and he had his own suspicions about the situation. However, he kept his cards close to his chest, preferring to listen and observe rather than reveal his hand too soon. The presence of someone like Cruz in his territory was not merely by chance. The city was a chessboard, and every move had its motive. The question was whether this was a friendly pawn or a knight in enemy colors, feigned or otherwise.

With a nod to the bartender, he indicated the man should serve Cruz the requested Scotch. As the drink arrived, Malik leaned back in his seat, his gaze still on the rival, studying his every move. "Cruz," the name rolled off his tongue with the ease of familiarity yet there was a hint of something else underlying the tone of his voice. "What brings you to the heart of Walker territory tonight? A quest for knowledge or a desire to stir the pot a little?" He took another sip of his bourbon, savoring it as he awaited the other man's response. Despite the tension, he couldn’t help but appreciate the cut of Gallardo‘s suit and the confidence, which practically radiated off him. It was a trait he could respect, even in adversary — not that he’d admit to such thing.

[dcvilsson]

Cruz had already given the orders to his own to treat this case as a priority. He wasn’t sure how much the other syndicates knew or if they played any role in it but he was about to find out. And when he did, he was ready to raise hell. “Question is, who’d benefit from it?” It was just a simple question but his tone of voice was filled with a certain kind of sharp edge, that made clear he was testing the waters. “I think there’s enough going on to ensure no one’s getting bored anytime soon. For now. I’m just keeping my eyes and ears open, the usual.” He dismissed the comment of the rival leader with a shrug. This was not the time to dive in head first but he also didn’t plan on leaving until he got what he came for.

He ordered a whiskey on the rocks, took a small sip and placed the glass on the table. “Who would be stupid enough to not make sure that body won’t ever be found? Only an amateur.” Cruz sighed, his gaze firmly locked on the other. It was only a matter of time until they’d find out the truth of this macabre story. “Let’s say I’ve got a personal interest in solving this case.” That was all he was going to reveal but it also should have been enough for Malik to understand he wasn’t trying to hide anything, quite the contrary. It affected his business and therefore it was in his best interest to find whoever was responsible for this mess.

[ovrdrivess]

caleb made his way to the club shortly after finishing up with a couple of odd jobs; loose ends that needed tying up. he regarded his half-brother with a nod as he approached, a smile in return to signal he'd seen him. he pulled back a chair and sat down, holding his hand up in polite refusal when the bartender offered him a drink. the guy should've known not to, but caleb didn't think he recognised him, so perhaps he was a new hire. or new to him at least.

"it's nice to see you too, hermano." light sarcasm dripped into his voice and the small smile that was on his face quickly morphed into a grin. "heard?" caleb had to pause to think. had he heard anything of note? nope. nothing that he could recall. "you're gonna have to be more specific. what should i have heard?" surely not the halperin kid? his death was old news by now, people had moved on, and it wasn't something they needed to concern themselves with. he'd made sure of that.

[dcvilsson]

He watched his brother closely, his eyes studying every detail, from his movements to his expression and gestures. It was a reflex Cruz rarely turned off. Especially when his gut feeling was telling him something was fishy. His eyes gleamed with wariness. “The Halperin boy. Don’t tell me you believe that bullshit the press is trying to sell.” He took a big sip of his drink, then leaned in a bit to emphasize his next words. “I’m going to find out what really happened to that boy and you are going to help me.” It wasn’t a question, it was a command. Not from brother to brother but from boss to underboss.

Cruz kept his voice low enough so no one besides Caleb could hear his words. “Our allies demand answers. And I won’t have to tell you, their issues are ours too. Whoever’s responsible for this is in deep shit. No one messes with our business like that and gets away with it.” It was a promise and Cruz always kept those, no matter what. His eyes quickly scanned the room to make sure no one was listening in or watching them. “I’ve got my best on the case. You included. I expect results!” The tone of his voice reflected the urgency of the matter.

[cnthiash]

alfonso herrera - 1983

credit: cynthia

[dcvilsson]

Starter for: Caleb /closed

@ovrdrivess

Location: ciro‘s nightclub

A small gesture with his hand was enough for the bartender to know what to do. Refill the boss‘es glass, a double. Strong and burning. Cruz was in a mood. Not a good one. But drinking wasn’t going to help or make the gut feeling he had about the latest news go away. He came here tonight with a purpose. As soon as he spotted his half brother approaching the bar, he put on his neutral poker face, even displayed a small smile despite it not reaching his eyes.

He casually leaned back, appearing normal, as if nothing had happened. As if he wasn’t onto something. „Look who the cat dragged in.“ Cruz mused, his tone of voice almost cheerful, as he ordered another round. His eyes met Caleb‘s, not a hint of suspicion clouding his eyes. He gave the bartender a short nod and took a slow sip, allowing the liquid to burn down his throat. Then he tilted his head to face his brother fully. „I’m assuming you’ve already heard?“ The question was simple. Casual. It sounded almost lazy but his eyes were anything but. His gaze as vigilant as ever, the Don studied the one person he had been sure would never betray him.

[dcvilsson]

Starter for: Javier /closed

@violentcnds

Location: Gallardo Villa

News travelled fast in this city and especially within their family and business. Naturally, due to his position, Cruz had his eyes and ears everywhere. When he’d heard about the suspicious murder of the Halperin boy, he couldn’t help but consider a highly unpleasant option. Hope died at last and he tried to give the benefit of the doubt to family until he was proven wrong and had no other choice but to act on it. It was needless to say there was way too much tension with their allies now and it was understandable, given the circumstances. It was still early in the morning when Cruz called Javi to his villa for an emergency meeting and when he did, his tone of voice left no room for an argument.

He paced the large office room impatiently as he waited for his cousin to arrive. The minutes passed and felt like hours. Stopping by the window, he pulled back the heavy curtains, his gaze scanning the driveway. When he finally spotted Javi outside, he stepped back and took a seat behind his desk, his expression turned serious and stern the moment he heard the knock at the door. „Come in.“ Cruz commanded briefly, his cold eyes locked on the door until they met the familiar face. He pointed at the chair across from him. „Sit.“