Savages

188

Jesus goes to see a man he knows.

Who will be very happy to buy this merchandise at a good price.

Antonio Machado owns five taco stands in South Orange County, a good cash business to own, because he moves a lot more dope than chimichangas.

Jesus chose Señor Machado because the man has ties with El Azul. The jefe will get his kick-up, Jesus will make Machado look good and get favors in return, and they’ll all make a lot of money. Even better, Machado is happy to lowball his offer to Sal and Jumpy, then pay Jesus the real amount, which will cover his kick to both Machado and El Azul.

It’s good, smart business.

Would be, anyway, except—

Jesus lacks a vital piece of information.

Señor Machado has seen certain video clips. He’s had visits from Lado, who explained to him that he should know which side his tortilla is buttered on, and this El Azul business? Don’t lose your head over that.

The Queen lives, Tio.

Long live the Queen.

And he’s also received, just this morning, an Amber Alert on a certain shipment of marijuana that suffered a misfortune: in no uncertain terms, our good friend Antonio, anyone who moves that yerba puts his own cabeza on the block. Anyone who sees or even hears about that yerba and doesn’t pick up a phone …

Machado picks up the phone.

Goes out in back of one of his stores, where the counter is busy with schoolchildren coming to visit the Mission, and he makes the call.

“You’re a good friend,” Lado says. “We knew we could count on you.”

Set up the sale.