Chapter 62 – $300,000 in Hand

Henry and Matthew found a modest hotel in downtown Bogotá. They chose it for its anonymity—no registration required, ensuring their stay left no trace. Luxury hotels were out of the question; they needed to remain inconspicuous.

The next morning, they set out to explore the city. They bought some essential tools at a local hardware store before heading to Bogotá Airport. There, they carefully surveyed the area, familiarizing themselves with the layout.

According to their information, Dani would be arriving on a specific flight that night. While it was straightforward for Henry and Matthew to eliminate Dani, their task was more complex: they needed to do so discreetly and secure the check.

Uncertainty loomed. They didn't know if Colombian associates would be picking up Dani, or which hotel he would stay at. They could only rely on chance.

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On the plane, Dani, overweight and uncomfortable, struggled with turbulence that made him vomit. The flight conditions were primitive compared to modern standards, and he felt a growing headache. He took two painkillers and managed to doze off for a brief respite.

Reflecting on his predicament, Dani cursed the gang business that had led him to this ordeal. He was caught in the crossfire of rival gangs in Los Angeles—the Jewish and Irish factions. His provocations had sparked violent conflicts, resulting in substantial losses for both sides. 

His own gang had suffered severe setbacks: casino raids, drug thefts, and crippling financial damage. Particularly painful was the loss in his cocoa business with Colombia. Despite being a victim, Dani had to seek out General Gustavo to secure continued cooperation and restore his finances.

As the plane descended, Dani, weary and distressed, felt the weight of his troubles. He lamented the strength of the Jewish and Irish gangs and the dwindling power of his Spanish gang. The alliance with the Irish had proven unreliable, with the risk of betrayal ever-present.

At 9:50 PM, the plane touched down. Dani struggled to rise, supported by his bodyguard. He had informed General Gustavo of his arrival by telegram but received no response, indicating that no one would meet him.

Dani was unfazed. He was accustomed to adapting to circumstances. He instructed his bodyguard to wait outside while he used the restroom.

In the bathroom, Dani was washing his hands when two young men with travel bags entered. He barely noticed them until a rope tightened around his neck. Dani's eyes widened in shock as he struggled, but the suffocation was relentless. His attempts to cry out were muffled by one of the attackers.

In mere minutes, Dani lost consciousness. Henry and Matthew, having completed their grim task, verified his death before Matthew went outside to call for the bodyguard.

The bodyguard, alerted by Matthew's anxious report, rushed into the bathroom, only to be met with the same grim fate. As he was strangled, Henry and Matthew swiftly handled the aftermath.

They opened the bathroom window and discarded Dani's and the bodyguard's bodies into the airport's service area, ensuring the scene was undisturbed. The area looked untouched, leaving no hint of the recent murders.

"Matthew, go steal a car from the airport," Henry instructed.

Matthew, adept from his trucking days, quickly located a suitable ground maintenance pickup truck. He hotwired it and returned to the scene.

Henry and Matthew loaded the bodies and luggage into the truck and drove out of the airport without issue. They headed to a remote area outside Bogotá.

Once parked in the pitch-black wilderness, they inspected Dani's belongings. Using a flashlight, they found the coveted $300,000 bearer check in Dani's purse.

"This is it, Henry. We've hit the jackpot!" Matthew exclaimed with glee.

Henry tucked the check into his bag and gave Matthew a reassuring pat. "Great. Now, let's get to work. We need to dig a deeper pit to hide Dani's remains. The boss wants him gone without a trace."

Matthew nodded eagerly, and the two set to work, preparing to bury their former target thoroughly.