Chapter 65

Perez, the elder brother, leaned against the cold, gray wall, deep in thought. His eyes bore a calculating gleam as he spoke, "Carlos, you're right that Chao aims to profit in two ways. He wants a piece of our drug earnings, and now he's set his sights on controlling the gambling den."

Carlos, his heavily tattooed arms crossed over his chest, narrowed his eyes. "It's like he's trying to squeeze every opportunity for profit in this place. The gambling den alone can bring in a lot of bucks, and we can't let him dominate it."

Perez let out a contemplative sigh. "Chao's greed knows no bounds, but we need to be strategic in how we handle this. Right now, we should let him think he's winning in the gambling den. Obscurity can be our ally. We'll observe him and strike when the time is right."

Carlos's brows furrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, you're saying we should let him have his way for now? That doesn't sit well with me, Perez."

Perez's voice remained calm and composed. "Carlos, patience is our greatest weapon here. If we move too hastily, Chao will see us coming and retaliate. We need allies within the prison, and we need to weaken his support base before we make our move."

Carlos grumbled, clearly frustrated with the idea of letting Chao have any advantage. "But every day we wait, he's gaining more influence and more bucks."

Perez nodded slowly, acknowledging his brother's concerns. "I understand your frustration, but remember, this isn't just about taking on Chao directly. It's about reshaping the power dynamics in our favor. We'll bide our time, gather allies, and when the moment is right, we'll strike. Chao won't see it coming."

Carlos reluctantly agreed, realising the wisdom in Perez's strategy. "Alright, Perez, we'll play it your way for now. But we can't let Chao think we're backing down. We'll keep a close eye on him and the gambling den."

Perez smiled, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Good, Carlos. Let's remember why we're here. We're not just surviving in this prison; we're thriving. And to thrive, we must be patient and cunning."

The next day  arrived with a buzz of anticipation within the prison walls. Anthena and Liam, united in their mission to understand the changes occurring in their microcosm of power, decided to pay a visit to the newly resurrected gambling den.

As they approached the dimly lit room, the sounds of shuffling cards and hushed conversations filled the air. Inmates from various walks of life had gathered here, drawn by the promise of excitement and the chance to win a few bucks.

Chao, seated at a makeshift table, observed the proceedings with a calculating eye. He had orchestrated the revival of the gambling den, and it was clear he intended to maintain a tight grip on its operations.

Upon spotting Anthena and Liam's presence, Jake, one of Chao's loyal followers, bristled with protective instincts. He took a step forward, ready to chase them away, but Chao's raised hand halted him in his tracks.

Chao, his demeanor calm and composed, addressed Jake firmly, "Hold, Jake. We can't afford to chase them away, not yet. Anthena and Liam are not here to play cards; they're here to observe."

Jake, though initially resistant, recognized the wisdom in Chao's words. He stepped back, albeit begrudgingly, and allowed Anthena and Liam to continue their surveillance.

Anthena and Liam, undeterred by the initial tension, moved deeper into the room, their eyes scanning the scene. They noted the inmates at the card tables, the cautious exchanges of bucks, and the subtle undercurrent of power dynamics at play.

Chao, ever the opportunist, approached Anthena and Liam with a measured smile. "Gentlemen, it seems you're interested in our little gathering. Feel free to watch, but keep your hands off the cards and the bucks unless you're willing to play."

Anthena acknowledged Chao's warning with a nod. "We're not here to interfere, Chao. We're here to see how things are unfolding."

Chao's smile widened slightly, revealing a hint of amusement. "Very well, observe all you want. Just remember, this den isn't just about cards and bucks. It's about control and influence, and you'll find that those who control the game also control much more."

With that cryptic remark, Chao returned to his seat, leaving Anthena and Liam to continue their watchful vigil. As the games continued, the tension in the room simmered just beneath the surface, and the fate of the gambling den hung in the balance.

Amidst the gamblers and card players, the enigmatic figures of Perez and Carlos Lopez made their entrance. Their presence sent a ripple of curiosity through the den. They were known as the Lopez Brothers, newcomers to the prison, and their reputation as contraband lords had preceded them.

Chao, always keen to maintain control, wasted no time in approaching the Lopez Brothers with a welcoming smile. "Perez, Carlos, good to see you two here. I trust everything is going smoothly with our arrangements?"

Perez, the elder of the Lopez Brothers with a shrewd glint in his eyes, regarded Chao for a moment before responding, "Chao, everything is in place. The first batch went off without a hitch, and we're prepared for the next."

Carlos, the younger of the two, nodded in agreement. His heavily tattooed arms were a testament to his history of enforcing authority, but at this moment, they remained relaxed. "We're here not just to discuss business, Chao. We've heard about the resurgence of the gambling den, and we thought we'd pay a visit."

Anthena, who had been observing the unfolding scene, couldn't help but feel a surge of intrigue. The Lopez Brothers' arrival added a layer of complexity to the situation. He nodded in acknowledgment as they exchanged greetings. "Perez, Carlos, it's been a while. I see you're wasting no time in getting acquainted with the prison's affairs."

Perez responded with a grin, revealing a glimmer of camaraderie with Anthena. "Hey, Anthena, old habits die hard, you know? We like to keep our fingers on the pulse of things, even in a place like this."

The Lopez Brothers' nonchalant demeanor, contrasting with their notorious reputation, raised questions in the minds of those present. The den had become a melting pot of personalities, each with their own motives and ambitions.

Chao, recognizing the delicate balance of power at play, decided to maintain a cordial tone. "Well, gentlemen, you're welcome to observe and participate if you wish. Just remember that the rules of this den are like the currents of the ocean—ever-shifting and unpredictable."

Perez and Carlos exchanged a knowing glance before nodding at Chao. "Of course, Chao, we'll keep that in mind."