The Cartel Lozano: The Rise Of The Little One

By TS Alan

Elena Lozano had the world in the palm of her hands. Being the youngest daughter of the most powerful cartel boss, Juan Esteban, she had the life of luxury and wealth. With no worries to speak of, Elena Lozano could do what she wanted when she wanted. Growing up, Elena learned from her father the ways of running an efficient cartel organization as she was always with him. But Elena never thought that she would ever run a cartel, let alone her father's, until her world came crashing down upon her. Elena Lozano not only lost her parents at the young age of thirteen but she ended up in an assassination attempt that drove her to the point of insanity, making her shoot and kill her closest brother in her life at the age of sixteen. But the final straw that caused Elena to make the hardest life-changing decision in her young life was when her brother Matias was killed by rivals.

What will the young sixteen-year-old Elena choose? Will Elena assume control of her family's business? Or will she choose to walk away from it all? Her father's legacy? Her family's livelihood? Will the young Elena Lozano make the right choice? Will she pick up the mantel and run her family's business? Or will she turn her back and leave it all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798885057448

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

About the Author

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The Cartel Lozano

The Rise Of The Little One

TS Alan

Copyright © 2022 TS Alan

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 979-8-88505-743-1 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-744-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Acknowledgments

I wish to acknowledge first my publisher, Fulton Books, for their belief in this book and the story and for presenting it to the world and its many readers. I wish to acknowledge the wonderful staff at Fulton Books—from the editors to the great graphic designer—who brought the cover to life exactly how I had envisioned it. Thank you so much. I also want to acknowledge my publisher assistant who worked diligently in making sure the book was ready throughout the entire process. Last but not least, I want to thank my family, especially my daughter, who was excited about the book and waited patiently for its debut, and my wife, who supported me throughout those many nights of typing away in front of the computer. And to my friends who are too numerous to mention but they know who they are: Heather, Wayne, and Brian, who supported me every step of the way with their encouragement, allowing me to bounce ideas off of them, listening, and of course taking their time reading through the many rewrites and the rough drafts while pointing out the good and bad points of the story so it was ready for you, my readers. I cannot thank everyone enough who graciously gave me their time to see this project come to fruition. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all for making this dream a reality. I hope that you, my reader, will find this book enjoyable and an entertaining and captivating read and that you love it just as much as me while I was creating it.

Chapter 1

Gunshots! Bullets going in all directions. Every angle. There was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Sixteen-year-old Elena, shrieking with her hands on her head, ran into the closest building entrance that she could find to hide. The gun battle raged behind her as she ran into the establishment. She quickly looked back as she saw the deadly gunfight play out before her. Elena quickly hid behind the counter that provided her some protection as the sound of gunfire continued to erupt outside. Just as she turned around to squat down behind the counter, Elena saw Antonio, her bodyguard and protector since she was young, who was always with her in public, get struck. The only friend and protector that she knew. Antonio's body jerked with every bullet that struck him. He looked in the building where Elena ran into. Antonio gave a weak smile at her before turning to look up into the bright sunlight. Elena locked her eyes with his as Antonio fell to the ground. Antonio was killed right in front of Elena.

Elena cried out in anguish as she watched Antonio fall dead to the ground. Her blood pressure, heartbeat, and respiration immediately increased as Elena's anxiety and severe fear took hold. Elena immediately began to think that she would be next. Shaking, Elena huddled up against the wall and the counter, trying to become as small as she could. She closed her eyes, hoping that no one saw her come inside the business. The hired killers noticed that their opponent was vanquished and lying dead upon the pavement. They began to go through the neighborhood, looking for any other gunmen that might have hidden inside the buildings to get away from the dangers that were seen out in the street. As they went from building to building, the gunmen threw makeshift bombs inside them. Soon explosions could be heard in the block with the sporadic gunfire as they created a scene of violence and panic. One of the men went into the business right alongside their target's vehicle as he saw the back passenger's side door open. Sensing that their main target, the leader of the Lozano Cartel, was hiding inside, the killer walked inside with his automatic rifle at the ready.

Elena heard the door slowly open and the sound of explosions and gunfire in the background. Her anxiety increased to such heights that Elena thought that it would never cease. The sense of fragility and despair began to creep up inside of her as she heard the footsteps getting closer. The sounds of crushing glass under each footstep made Elena shudder with fear and dread. She closed her eyes so tight that Elena began to get a headache. But Elena began to say to herself that a headache was the least of her problems. Now she was beginning to believe that the men who killed Antonio would now kill her, if for nothing less than being a witness to the orchestrated hit. The closer the footsteps became, the harder Elena's heart beat to the point that it felt like it would explode out of her chest. Then the footsteps stopped.

Elena's breathing became rapid as she began to believe that she would be dead with her last moments being curled up against the wall. All her life's moments flashed through her mind. Even the last conversations Elena had with Matias, her older brother. How Elena wished that she did not argue with Matias, especially considering it was over something so simple and stupid. Now Elena began to feel that she would not be able to apologize to him for her impetuous decision. She heard the click of the gun. Elena held her breath. With her eyes closed tightly, Elena waited for the moment that she dreaded all her life. To be shot and killed. Just like all the undesirables in Cali. The shooter pointed his rifle at the girl who was trembling and scared like a small child who became separated from their mother. He smiled as he pulled the trigger. Click! Elena flinched.

The shooter pulled the trigger again. Click! Click! Police sirens were heard in the distance as the shooters raced toward their vehicle to get away. Cursing his bad luck, he ran out of the establishment toward the others. Mierda! Maldito rifle! Hoy debe ser tu dia de suerte! said the rough-voiced man before he ran out of the building. Urging his fellow killers to clamor into their vehicles, the hired killers made their getaway just in time.

Then the most unnerving moment occurred for Elena. Silence. Elena's fear continued to grip her tightly. She was afraid to move or look. So Elena stayed where she was and prayed that the silence would remain, hoping that the man with the rough voice would not return to finish the job that he had started. In the distance, Elena could hear the shrill screams from the injured outside the building. Shaking her head, Elena started to cry, lonely and deathly afraid.

The silence was broken with the sound of crushing glass. Elena's heightened fear got stronger as she believed the man with the rough voice had returned. She trembled like a person experiencing hypothermia. Once again fearing the worst, Elena tried to control her anguish. But her whimpering was too strong to suppress. With her head down and her knees up toward her chest, Elena waited for the gunshot that she knew would come soon. The crushing glass would suddenly stop as Elena braced herself for the sound of gunfire and the bullet to strike her dead. Agonizing and praying for a quick death, Elena kept her eyes closed.

Ele, said a somber Sebastian as he walked inside the building and around the counter. Ele! Elena did not move. She did not open her eyes. Elena sat there, trembling. Sebastian went up to her and bent down as he softly touched her shoulders. Elena screamed. Sebastian quickly grabbed his little sister and held her tightly. Ele, said Sebastian, relieved. It's me, Seba. You are safe now. Elena opened her eyes and saw her brother, Sebastian. Sighing in extreme relief, Elena pushed her face into his chest and cried loudly as the tears flowed down her cheeks like the Cauca River. Sebastian held her tightly as he tried to calm her down. He sighed deeply in relief that his little sister was still alive and unharmed. He stood up and assisted Elena in getting up off the floor as they quickly ran out of the building and into Sebastian's waiting vehicle. Elena saw men running and checking out the scene before they signaled that everything was clear, and no remaining shooters were found.

Okay, everyone! yelled Sebastian as he put Elena into the back seat of the SUV and got in after her. The driver, Andres, looked into the back as he saw Elena with red eyes and streaks down her cheeks from the crying. Sebastian closed the door and said, Vamos. La policía ya está en camino. Necesitamos salir de aquí ahora! Andres nodded his head and sped away, just missing the other shooters who were running toward their vehicles as the police were just coming on the scene.

Sebastian dialed Matias, his older brother and the boss of all bosses for the Lozano Cartel. Hello, answered Matias.

Hey, Matias, said Sebastian. Whoever orchestrated this hit was not fooling around. They bombed just about every building in the block besides killing countless others.

How about Elena and Antonio, are they all right? asked Matias with hope that they would be.

Antonio is dead, answered Sebastian. Elena is alive, but they must have had many gunmen as they sprayed a lot of bullets all over the place.

Okay, said Matias. Are you heading back here?

Yes, replied Sebastian. We are heading home. Should be there within twenty minutes.

Sounds good, replied Matias. Will see you then.

Sebastian turned toward Elena who was trying to recompose herself. She still was wiping tears away as she continued to tremble. Sebastian put his arm around her and held her tightly. You will be okay, he said. You will be okay. Elena just nodded as she continued to stare out of the window. Her mind was still playing out the scene in vivid details. Antonio getting shot and falling dead with his eyes staring toward Elena. The rough-sounding voice of the male standing in front of her with an automatic rifle pointed straight at her head. She tried to think about other things with the hopes that it would make those visions go away, but it did not. Her mind was fixated upon the incident and the carnage that played out in front of her.

The vehicle pulled into the compound as they passed the guards who activated the electronic gate. Andres pulled the vehicle right up to the front door as Sebastian helped Elena out. Elena did not wait for Sebastian as she ran as fast as she could toward the house. Elena swung open the door quickly. She ran straight to her room. Elena closed the door with force as she locked it and immediately threw herself onto her bed. Hands on the side of her face, Elena once again cried out in anguish.

Sebastian was greeted by Luis. Miss Elena, said Luis. She is unhurt?

Yes, replied Sebastian, looking around for Elena. She is unhurt, a little bit shook up, but she will be okay. She should be able to return to her lovable, fun-loving person again. Where did she go?

I saw her run upstairs and heard a door slammed shut, replied Luis. It is safe to say that she is in her room.

Sebastian nodded his head as he headed toward the study where Matias was busy working the phones and looking over some financials of the cartel business. Sebastian knocked upon the open door as Matias was holding a conversation and waved him in. Sebastian took a seat in front of the big oak desk. Matias quickly finished the call as he sat down across from Sebastian. So who do you suspect? asked Sebastian.

It could be anybody, replied Matias. I have not figured it out yet, but whoever did the hit will know that it was unsuccessful. I have been making calls and contacted Coronel Rincon.

Coronel Rincon? said Sebastian astonishedly.

Yes, replied Matias, nodding his head. "He will conduct our investigation for us just like he has always done before with Papi. Once he finds out who the perpetrators are, he will let me know and get rid of them."

Once he does, stated Sebastian incredulously, is he going to kill them or just send them to jail where they will get out within a few years?

I said kill them, replied Matias emphatically. I certainly do not want them to be alive or get off lightly. I want to send a message to all of our enemies that you will not mess with a lion and expect to get away scot-free.

Sebastian smiled as he nodded his head. Matias smiled too, but it was not a happy smile but a devilish smile. This city is ours. It is our jungle, and no one can do whatever they please inside of it without my authorization. But the most important thing is, how is Elena? Is she hurt?

Sebastian shook his head as he said, No, she is okay. Elena is not hurt, but she is still fearful and trying to sort out the reason why someone would try to kill her. Elena still does not understand why she was a target as Elena has nothing to do with the business side of the cartel.

I believe that they meant to kill me or even you, replied Matias as he stood up and walked over to the front. I do not think that they would go after Elena. She is nothing to the power structure of the business. So I believe that they thought I would be with her this morning.

Well, replied Sebastian. I am glad that you did not go with her this morning like you would have in previous days.

Yes, replied Matias. Today I had to call people to conduct the logistics of the product to send out. I thought that I would be able to finish before she had to leave, but could not. I appreciated Antonio taking her. Unfortunately, it costed him his life.

Sebastian got up and said, I am going to check on Elena. Shall see you for dinner, but I am not sure if Elena would want to eat. Matias nodded his head as he watched Sebastian leave the study.

Chapter 2

Every night was the same for Elena. The constant nightmares that would rear its ugly head every time Elena laid her head upon the pillow. Her racing thoughts. The vivid images that played through her mind. Each scene getting more vivid with every detail. The type of details that would shake you awake and keep you up at night. The constant sounds that continued to play throughout Elena's mind. The anguish cries of the injured and dying. Gunfire and explosions. All to make her night even more excruciating. Then the worst would come. The rough deep voice of the man who was holding the automatic rifle toward her head within feet. Click, click, click.

Elena jolted awake, trembling and shaking like a leaf in a tree on a strong windy day. Drenched in sweat that poured down her forehead and onto her cheeks, Elena tried to shake her head to wipe the memory clear. But the images did not leave her in peace. There was no peace for Elena. Only a heightened fear and trepidation that would make her scream out in anguish and thrash upon her bed. The only solace that Elena would receive was the loving, strong embrace of her brother Sebastian. Sebastian would rush toward her room every night when he would hear the bloodcurdling scream emitting from the darkened room of Elena.

Sebastian, always being jolted from a good sleep, would rush down the hallway as quick as he could to reach Elena and her room. His fear would elevate with each night of the bloodcurdling screams of anguish. Each time, he would arrive to find his sister rocking back and forth quickly with her arms wrapped around her two knees that were pulled toward her chest, with her head down. Worried and concerned, Sebastian would always keep his composure until Elena would finally fall asleep. It would leave Sebastian alone in the dark with only his own thoughts running through his head. And the teardrops that would fall in the dead of night silently.

But it would not end with one night. Elena's torment was like a film projector that was always on replay. Showing the same vivid images of people who were maimed, burned, or dead. Repeating the same sounds of bloodcurdling cries of anguish as the injured begged for help and assistance. Some begging for the agony and pain to cease. But there was no one who could do that for them. So they laid there in their own personal hell. Hoping for death to take them. The sound of rapid gunfire and bombs exploding all around them. Everyone wishing the same thing. That the hell and fury would end. Then the images would change. To continue with the hell that her mind was giving her, the images would change to Antonio. The sight and the sounds of bullets hitting his body and him falling lifeless to the ground. The agony of seeing his lifeless coffee-colored eyes and his head hitting the concrete with such force that it would split. Each agonizing second. With eyes locking together, Elena could not turn away or erase those last moments of Antonio. But the worst was still to come. The last moments where Elena truly thought that she would not see the rising of the morning sun. The last image of an automatic rifle barrel staring straight down at her. Heightened fear and dread would once again consume Elena in her sleep. Just like it was happening all over again. The cruel fate that allowed her to survive only to be tormented later.

These were the moments that caused Elena to be jolted awake, sweating profusely, shaking violently, and looking at the door with extreme fear. The fear of that rough-sounding man coming back to finish the job that he could not do then. Elena's heart raced at the thought of being killed during the night, sleeping in her bed. It would cause Elena to take drastic actions. Elena grabbed two guns from Matias's study and hide them in her room for quick and easy access and always within arm's length. She needed that extra sense of protection as it made her feel more secure.

Each night when Elena would have her nightmares, it was always be Sebastian who arrived first and comforted her. It did not matter what time or how long Sebastian needed to stay and comfort Elena. He was there for his little sister. Always. Each night of agony that Elena went through was the same for Sebastian. Sebastian never complained. He dutifully did what he needed to do. For Elena. Every night, he could be heard running down the hallway toward Elena's room.

One evening, Sebastian was sitting in the living room when Matias and Dayanna, who have been seeing one another for over two years, would join him. They could see the anguish and bewilderment upon his face. Dayanna, being a medical professional, could sense that something was not right with him. She nudged Matias to speak with him. Go speak with him, whispered Dayanna. I will change upstairs to give you two time to talk. But something is bothering him. And I get the sense that it is serious.

Matias nodded his head as he kissed Dayanna and watched her leave the room. Matias got up and headed toward the mini bar. Do you want a drink? asked Matais, trying to break the ice. Sebastian looked over at him and shrugged his shoulders. Matias now understood what Dayanna was telling him. Matias poured two drinks and handed one to Sebastian. So, Sebastian, started Matias, what is bothering you?

Sebastian took the glass and took a deep swig from it. He swallowed as he thought about the question. He took a deep sigh and said, Why do awful things happen to good people? Why must our sweet, lovable, caring, and joyful little sister suffer? Tell me Matias! Why?

Matias heard the pain and anguish of the words that Sebastian was saying. He understood. Matias even began to think of the same thing, but he knew that their line of business and living did not bode well for those with feelings of caring and love. To survive, you had to be cold and calculating. If not, you would not survive long. At the same time, Matias tried to keep Elena out of it as best as he could. But even he could not stop Elena from getting involved. And it went all the way back to when their father, Juan Esteban, was alive.

Elena followed him wherever he went. Even if Juan Esteban did not take her along, Elena found a way to get out of the house and search for him, only to be found by Antonio and brought back home safely. Elena would always be found in the same park where Juan Esteban spent his days with her. But it came to a time that Juan Esteban could not leave without Elena. He had to take her as Elena would not allow him to leave. And he did. Juan Esteban would take her to all his meetings, business dealings, and, yes, even orchestrated hits. Elena had seen it all. And at a young age of ten. But Juan Esteban hoped that Elena would grow out of it and not love the dirty work of the lifestyle of the cartel. But Elena would not. She took pleasure from seeing it up close and personal. Elena loved it—relished it, in fact. And Juan Esteban finally submitted to the fact that one day his youngest daughter, Elena, would eventually run the family's business or her own.

My brother, said Matias. "You know as well as I do that this life and in this life, there cannot be any room for errors. You must come to a balance between warm and cold, lovable and detestable, hard and soft. But we all know that to survive that, you must always keep yourself cold-hearted, hard, and bring fear and dread. That includes those who work for you and for those who stand against you. We learned that from Papi. Now Elena is no saint. We both know that. At the same time, what she went through should have never happened, period. I understand that. They will be dealt with. But Elena can still be that sweet, lovable, caring, angelic, little sister that we both love and adore, but she must remember what kind of life we are part of. There can be no weaknesses. I just hope that she can get over this incident and carry on. If she needs help in achieving that, then I will let Dayanna take over that aspect for us. Sebastian, we need to remain strong. And destroy them before they destroy us. It is the only way, my brother."

Then let us make them all suffer, replied Sebastian. "But make them suffer longer, harsher, and deadlier. I do not want them to go