Chapter One

When Supervisory Special Agent Lauren Browning assigns DEA Special Agent Harrison Lawrence a task at the DEA's Los Angeles Division in California, he is required to apprehend two major drug traffickers, Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez, who operate within the Sinaloa cartel, a large drug-trafficking organization based in Mexico and the United States.

Young DEA Agent Harrison Lawrence dresses every day in long black formal trousers and shirts of various colors. Sometimes he wears an undershirt beneath an overshirt; other times, he wears only an overshirt tucked into his trousers. He always wears a black leather belt with a polished silver buckle attached to the front. Since he is very skinny, he weighs around 120 pounds. He wears a baseball cap, carries a black Glock 19 in a black holster on his waist, and wears a DEA badge attached to his belt, making him look like a professional federal agent. Harrison also has a giant butterfly tattoo on the front of his neck, beneath his chin, as well as tattoos featuring various designs that run from his shoulders to his wrists on both arms.

Harrison felt a sense of purpose, believing he could help bring justice to the people of California. However, he soon learned that Jose was involved in a significant drug-distribution network in which he sold illegal drugs, including opioids, to drug users. This operation constituted large-scale criminal activity and could lead to serious federal charges against a leader like Jose Alvarez, especially given the involvement of a powerful cartel such as the Sinaloa Cartel.

"Harrison, I'm going to partner you with Peter Saw. The other agents involved are Mr. Logan Bedd and five additional agents. They will assist you with this assignment. You must work as a team since this is a complex organization, and the DEA's role is to support the victims. Is that understood?" Mrs. Browning asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Harrison replied.

Lauren nodded and smiled. "Great. Peter is waiting for you. I'll let you get started," she said.

As she walked past Harrison toward her office, Peter approached him.

"Harrison? I see that Lauren has assigned you to another mission," he said.

"Yeah. So, what's the situation with Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez? I heard they're selling drugs to people with addictions. They work for the Sinaloa Cartel?" Harrison inquired.

"Yes. Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez have been operating in this organization for a long time. They've been selling drugs such as illicit methamphetamine and fentanyl. Right now, they sell one gram of methamphetamine and five grams of illicit fentanyl. They've also been selling illicit fentanyl to people who suffer from substance abuse without a doctor's approval," Peter said.

Agent Harrison Lawrence's mission was to track down Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez in connection with a revenge-driven fentanyl-poisoning investigation. Harrison would work within this framework to trace the fentanyl from the street level back to the high-level trafficker. Given that Harrison was a former LAPD officer, he was assigned to the Los Angeles Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Jose Alvarez was the most prominent drug trafficker in Los Angeles County, and Harrison had to track him down. He and DEA Agent Peter Saw, who worked with the Special Operations Division, would handle high-level drug-crime cases involving traffickers such as Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez, who distributed counterfeit substances to minors, adolescents, and older adults.

The Special Operations Division is a secretive, multi-agency unit that specializes in attacking the command-and-control structures of international cartels. SOD uses advanced technology and tactical intelligence to track traffickers across borders. If Rodriguez and Alvarez had connections to Mexico, Harrison would need SOD's approval to find them.

Specialized units within DEA field divisions target the most violent drug organizations in specific cities. Harrison worked for a Los Angeles-based OD Justice Team within the HIDTA Task Force. This allowed him to use his street knowledge from the LAPD.

Jose's sale of illicit fentanyl without a proper prescription or valid license was against the law. Fentanyl is one of the most potent drugs in America. When minors, adolescents, older adults, drug dealers, or addicts are given fentanyl, their lives are at risk. They may experience serious side effects, and death can occur.

Harrison's job, along with Peter's, was to prevent that from happening. Harrison and Peter used social media and encrypted communication platforms to monitor and coordinate undercover operations involving sales across the United States.

"Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez are big-time drug dealers committing illegal acts. Do you know where they sell the drugs?" Harrison asked.

"Yes. They sometimes sell them at hotels and other locations, such as outside grocery stores, telling people that the drugs they are about to take are legal. They pretend the drugs are heroin and cocaine," Peter said.

"Okay," Harrison replied with a sigh.

"Is there something I should know?" Peter asked.

"No. I'm worried about my girlfriend, Alyssa, who is a drug addict. I'm wondering whether she has ever encountered anything related to Jose," Harrison said.

"I wouldn't worry about that. If she has quit using drugs, then it isn't a concern," Peter replied.

"Yeah. She's been sober. I trust her," Harrison answered.

"So, first, we need to create an action plan. We'll pretend to have relationships with the targets and use other cover strategies," Peter said.

"Yeah. I've been working as an agent for two years. I understand," Harrison replied.

"Great. Now let's get moving," Peter said.

Initially, DEA agents such as Harrison compiled information from sources including informants, wiretaps, surveillance, and financial records to identify a target organization. Harrison created a reliable background and an alias that fit the organization's narrative. Additional phases involved imitating engagement with members of the organization. Harrison found ways to get close to the drug-trafficking organization.

He might use clubs, social venues, or business fronts controlled by a cartel such as the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico—but he had to be in the right place at the right time.

Agents like Harrison had spent the previous two years working for the DEA to track drug traffickers such as Jose Alvarez and Roberto Rodriguez. He relied heavily on confidential information. A confidential informant who already had the cartel's trust would introduce Harrison to the targets, giving him an instant cover story.

Harrison had to build trust and rapport with members of the target organization, which was essential. This required sharing relevant information, behaving in a way that aligned with their culture, and forming connections that matched their operations.

Harrison and Alyssa had been dating for quite some time, and they loved each other more than anything. Harrison and Alyssa met at a beach in San Diego before connecting with each other on Facebook. Harrison remembered her glazed eyes, beautiful hair, and smile, as well as the way she spoke to him. He immediately fell in love.

The problem was that she had once been addicted to drugs. Alyssa told Harrison that she had struggled with addiction for years before receiving help. Harrison felt sad for her. He loved Alyssa deeply.

One day, Harrison was invited to Alyssa's parents' house for a party. They talked about his career as a DEA agent and how much he loved his job. In his everyday life, he worked to take down cartels and drug lords. That was what Alyssa loved about Harrison: he was her hero and lifesaver.

However, there were times when Alyssa and Harrison fought because she had begun using drugs again. They broke up many times but eventually got back together. Harrison felt betrayed and tried to save Alyssa from repeating the mistakes she had made before getting sober.

Alyssa's fight for sobriety took tremendous courage. She sometimes met up with old friends, who were actually her drug dealers. Whenever Harrison tried to convince Alyssa to go to rehab, she gave him the same response: "I'll go to rehab, I promise."

But Harrison had had enough. He spoke with Mrs. Joanna, who was worried that her daughter would lose her life. Alyssa had lost Harrison multiple times, as well as her job, apartment, parents, and friends. Harrison was trying to help her rebuild her life.

There were times when Harrison felt he should not have gotten back together with Alyssa. He felt that she was using him to save herself. Harrison was oblivious to the full extent of the situation, but he knew that if he intervened, he might be able to help Alyssa return to a healthier place.

However, there had been many interventions, and Alyssa refused to attend every one of them. Harrison was sick with worry over his girlfriend, whom he hoped would someday become his fiancée.

Harrison planned to ask her to marry him. He had hidden an engagement ring in his bedroom, inside a sock drawer. Every time he looked at it, he thought of Alyssa. The situation was difficult for him.

Harrison and Alyssa had once been the perfect couple. Harrison wanted to start a life with her, and he loved her deeply.

Then, one day, Alyssa was arrested for drug possession. Harrison had to bail her out because she told him not to tell her mother about the arrest. Harrison felt completely guilty. He knew he had to tell Mrs. Joanna the truth, so he did.

When Alyssa found out, she and Harrison got into another argument. Harrison knew he had done the right thing by telling the truth. He hated arguing with Alyssa. Sometimes she called him a psychopath or a liar because she did not want to face the truth.

Harrison was depressed because he loved Alyssa and wanted her to change. Alyssa had gone to rehab several times. Mrs. Joanna begged Harrison to let Alyssa make her own decisions, but they could not force her to seek help because it was ultimately her choice.

Harrison explained to Mrs. Joanna that he was going to ask Alyssa to marry him once she completed ninety days of rehab and stopped associating with her drug-using friends.

Alyssa had overdosed several times. Harrison found her almost every time, seizing on the floor with her eyes rolled back, her body shaking, and foamy saliva coming from her mouth. He called 911, and the paramedics came to her apartment to treat her. She became unresponsive several times, but by the grace of God, she survived. She was blessed to be alive.

It was as though Harrison was begging God to help his girlfriend. She was truly struggling.

Harrison had to work his way up from a low-level street operation and earn the cartel's trust, clawing his way through the ranks into the inner circle, where secrets were hidden and kept. One wrong move could cost him his life.

Harrison needed to document every encounter, conversation, and activity he observed during the operation. Sufficient proof of illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or money laundering, was critical, while ensuring his safety remained the agent's primary objective.

It seemed that Harrison and Peter had discovered a pharmacy that Roberto Rodriguez operated for Jose Alvarez. The pharmacy had been founded in Mexico. Roberto Rodriguez was the highest-ranking and most dangerous offender in the county. He traveled internationally to Mexico to sell his products and had founded a pharmacy to establish a supply chain for delivering illegal and dangerous substances.

It was easy to become caught in the middle of his business.

Alyssa had a very dark secret: she had once worked for Jose and Roberto. Roberto was the cartel's most influential figure and posed a significant threat to the American economy. Harrison did not know about Alyssa's secret, and neither did Mrs. Joanna.

In the present day, Harrison was one of the most respected DEA agents. He hated drug lords and people who worked for cartels and used the drug trade to enrich themselves.

Roberto's net worth was now estimated at millions of dollars. He had numerous bank accounts and kept large amounts of money in his home, which he used to purchase expensive property.

Running a cartel or large-scale drug enterprise required massive amounts of cash to keep the business operating from day to day. Cash stored at home provided immediate liquidity for purchasing bulk shipments of narcotics or precursor chemicals from international suppliers, paying street-level distributors, transport drivers, and lookouts, funding security operations, purchasing untraceable equipment, and paying hitmen or enforcers.

Jose Alvarez, who worked for Roberto Rodriguez, was also one of the worst offenders in the United States. As the cartel's assistant, he worked for Roberto, who ran a large drug organization in the country. Jose also owned a company that hired hitmen and sold counterfeit substances, including fake cocaine and heroin, to drug addicts.

To combat the worst drug crisis the nation had faced, the DEA and Harrison were taking bold action to address every part of the global fentanyl supply chain.

Harrison and Peter listened to Jose Alvarez and Roberto Rodriguez through a wiretap. They overheard a phone conversation between Jose, one of his workers named Hernandez, and Roberto Rodriguez. Hernandez was a hitman.

Harrison sighed as he listened to Jose and Hernandez discuss the drugs being transported to the United States. Harrison and Peter overheard Jose say that he planned to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl to drug dealers because it was a lucrative business.

Hernandez sounded as though he did not want to be part of the deal. Jose told him that Roberto would kill him if he tried to leave Jose and his leader, Roberto Rodriguez.

When the conversation ended, Harrison told Peter that Hernandez did not sound as though he wanted to participate in Jose's plan—or Roberto's. However, Hernandez accepted that he would be killed if he left the organization.

"So now Hernandez is stuck with Jose and Roberto Rodriguez. He told the other members of the organization—fifteen individuals working in the Sinaloa area—that they would suffer the same consequences if they tried to leave," Peter said.

"Well, Hernandez is just as responsible as Jose. He chose to remain involved, and he has already killed ten people by supplying them with illegal drugs," Harrison said.

"Yeah. And who could be next?" Peter wondered.

Harrison shook his head. "I mean, he's somewhere in California. He could be at another location selling more counterfeit opioids."

"We need to find Jose, Roberto, and Hernandez and stop their criminal enterprise," Peter said.

"Yeah. First, we need to determine which other locations Jose, Roberto, and Hernandez have visited. Jose has already crossed the border and traveled from Texas to California. He has crossed state lines, including into Wyoming, where he sold methamphetamine and fentanyl. People in those states died of overdoses. Ten other individuals were pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital here in California," Harrison said.

"Roberto Rodriguez started this company years ago. Jose and Hernandez are his assistants. Roberto also hired other hitmen and hitwomen. Mariana Gomez is one of them.

"Mariana pretends to be a drug addict. She hangs out on gritty urban streets where other drug addicts live and sell drugs to one another. This gives her direct access to street-level dealers and vulnerable users without raising suspicion among local police officers.

"While pretending to look for a fix, she actually introduces Roberto's lethal supply by selling counterfeit cocaine and heroin. These fake pills can cause death because they are laced with cheap and deadly doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

"If a local dealer tries to shortchange Jose, or if a user discovers that the drugs are fake and threatens to speak to the police, Mariana drops the addict act. As a cold-blooded hitwoman, she executes them on the spot, making the deaths appear to be tragic overdoses caused by the same fentanyl she distributes."

When Harrison and Peter were called to a scene in downtown Los Angeles, they found several bodies lying on the ground.

"This is not just any death, Peter," Harrison said. "These are very dangerous people who know what they're capable of."

Harrison and Peter, wearing their DEA jackets and baseball caps, walked along the street beside the bodies. Harrison noticed a spike in bizarre overdoses in California. The victims thought they were buying standard cocaine, but autopsies revealed lethal mixtures of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Peter pointed out the large number of victims. They had last been seen talking to a strung-out woman who always sneezed before disappearing so she would not be caught. She disappeared shortly before the bodies were found.

During another wiretap session, Harrison and Peter overheard Jose talking to Roberto about a ghost who was handling a problem involving Hernandez or a rival dealer.

Jose said, "Mariana is doing the work for us. By tomorrow, the problem will look like an ordinary overdose."

Harrison nodded. He began putting the pieces together. The woman they had thought was a low-level drug addict caught in the crossfire was actually Roberto Rodriguez's top executioner. She was actively poisoning the supply chain to maximize cartel profits and eliminate threats.

"They all came to the United States because they deliberately killed these drug addicts. Why are they doing this?" Peter asked.

"There could be many reasons," Harrison replied.

Peter cleared his throat. "What about surveillance? Have we been able to track Roberto and Jose's movements?"

"Well, we spotted a street dealer outside Beverly Hills. Mariana Gomez gave him illicit fentanyl," Harrison said.

Harrison and Peter watched the surveillance footage.

"As a high-ranking criminal, she knows her way around," Harrison said with a sigh.

Many people in California, including famous individuals who struggled with substance use, had unintentionally ingested illicit fentanyl.

"Surveillance cameras have been hidden in streetlights, especially in today's world. Mariana was last seen on the street before heading to the Biltmore Hotel, along with Roberto Rodriguez," Peter said.

"Okay. Was there any other surveillance footage after that?" Harrison asked.

"No. They were only spotted on Grande Avenue near the Biltmore Hotel," Peter said.

"Okay. What about financial records?" Harrison asked.

"Jose and Roberto share a savings account under the same name. They have five million dollars in it," Peter replied.

"So much for selling individual drug packages," Harrison said.

"They charge $150 for illicit fentanyl and $175 for illicit methamphetamine," Peter said.

"No wonder he's a millionaire," Harrison replied.

"Listen, you need to be certain that you want to take on this assignment. We're dealing with a dangerous situation that could lead to a lot of problems," Peter said.

"Agent Saw, I've been working as an agent for two years, and I've been through worse. I can handle this assignment just like any other," Harrison said.

"Okay. Now let's go stop Mariana, Alvarez, Hernandez, Roberto, and whoever else is involved in this supply chain," Peter said.

Harrison nodded. "Okay."

Harrison and Peter walked together, leaving headquarters. They headed to a commercial warehouse to observe Hernandez and other members of Jose and Roberto's organization.

"So here's the situation: Alvarez and Roberto have been running this organization since 2015. They were also involved in carjackings and the murder of an FBI agent before starting a drug war in Sinaloa, Mexico," Peter said.

Harrison and Peter sat in an unmarked black 2025 Ford Explorer SUV. Harrison watched as Alvarez's workers transported illegal drugs outside the warehouse.

Peter explained to Harrison that Alvarez was one of the most dangerous drug lords in California and had killed many people, including drug addicts such as Alyssa. She had pretended to be an ordinary drug addict without realizing that Alvarez and Roberto were deliberately killing addicts.

"I think it's because they're among the most ruthless men in the country. They crossed more than twenty states after coming from Mexico. Somehow, Border Patrol was never able to stop Alvarez, Rodriguez, Mariana, or Hernandez. They're all remarkably resilient when it comes to smuggling drugs into the United States," Harrison said.

Harrison sighed again and explained to Peter that he had heard about Alvarez's worker, Hernandez, who was not only a smuggler but also a hitman. Hernandez had supplied narcotics to drug addicts at another hotel. Alvarez, Rodriguez, and Hernandez had a long history together.

"Unfortunately, Alvarez and Rodriguez found Hernandez and hired him after he lost his job as a lawyer. Hernandez was looking for a way to provide for his family. He has a wife and two children. He makes money by selling narcotics to drug addicts. I don't think his wife knows that her husband is a drug trafficker and hitman," Harrison said.

After the conversation, Harrison informed Peter that Hernandez did not appear willing to participate in Jose's plan but had accepted that he might be killed if he left. Peter noted that Hernandez was now trapped with Jose and had told fifteen other members of the organization that they would also be killed if they tried to escape from Alvarez and Rodriguez.

Harrison added that Hernandez was just as responsible as Jose because he had already contributed to the deaths of ten people by supplying them with illegal drugs. Peter wondered who might be next, and Harrison shook his head, suggesting that Hernandez, Alvarez, and Rodriguez might be in California selling more opioids.

Peter looked toward Alvarez, Hernandez, and Rodriguez, who were outside speaking with other workers Alvarez had hired. Commercial vehicles were entering the warehouse.

Harrison saw one of the workers get out of a semitrailer and shake hands with Hernandez. Harrison watched another worker standing beside Alvarez. The worker looked serious.

"Do we know whether Alvarez and his so-called boss will get away with this?" Harrison asked with a sigh.

"Alvarez and Rodriguez have their own way of working together. They treat their hitmen and drug mules like animals," Peter replied.

"True," Harrison said.

"As I said, Alvarez and Rodriguez know their business. They're smarter than any other traffickers who have brought drugs into this country," Peter said.

Harrison looked around. He lowered his binoculars onto his lap and sighed. Many tractor-trailers passed through security cameras, security gates, and guards. Hernandez looked guilty, but Harrison could not tell why.

Harrison raised his binoculars again.

"I found out that Alvarez and Roberto have also been involved in money laundering. It's a scheme they use to obtain money from people in California and other states. They crossed state lines to reach California. I'm sure the police are looking for them as well. The FBI and the DEA are coordinating across state lines," Harrison said.

"True. But look at this. I'm reviewing Rodriguez's criminal history, and he has prior convictions for all sorts of crimes. Apparently, he is on the FBI's Most Wanted list. He's receiving a pardon from the FBI—not in my book," Peter said.

Peter grabbed the binoculars from Harrison and placed them against his eyes. He tracked Rodriguez, Alvarez, and Hernandez at Bay 2.

"I hate this guy so much. He makes my blood boil," Harrison said.

"Yeah, he's a wannabe who thinks he owns the world," Peter replied.

Peter slowly turned as he watched Alvarez and Rodriguez walk over to Miguel.

"Miguel is from a small town in Ecuador, but he has been living in the United States for some time. His uncle and father once employed Rodriguez to work in their yard. Apparently, Rodriguez used to do construction work," Harrison said with a scoff.

"And Miguel is just their assistant. But deep down, I know he doesn't want to be part of Rodriguez and Jose's operation," Harrison continued.

Harrison leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. He was a proud DEA agent who worked hard to track high-profile criminals who were drug dealers and a danger to the country.

"You know, Miguel has some prior convictions. He was arrested for stealing a gun from a gun shop and reselling it. When the police questioned him, he said he needed to sell guns to pay his debts and his sick father's medical bills. His father has lung cancer. He is barely in his fifties and used to work as a family physician before he became ill," Harrison said, scratching the side of his face.

"You must know more about Miguel than I do," Peter said.

"Yeah. I was reading his background check. Apparently, he had never been arrested before. Now he's working for a high-profile drug cartel," Harrison said.

Harrison scoffed.

"When should we bring Miguel in for questioning?" Peter asked, lowering the binoculars.

"I don't know. It has to be at the right place and the right time," Harrison replied.

Alvarez walked over to Miguel.

"Miguel, my man, I heard you've been trying to break the rules here. At least, that's what Rodriguez told me," Alvarez said.

"Listen, if you want to work for us, you're going to have to learn the rules. It's part of the job. I know you've been following your father's rules and taking good care of him, right? At least, that's what the El Grande Valley police told me," Alvarez continued.

"How did you know I—" Miguel began.

Alvarez interrupted him. "Papito, listen. You work for me, so you're going to obey my rules. Okay? Rodriguez doesn't like people who disrespect him or me. You got it?"

Miguel sighed. "I'm not sure this is what I want, Alvarez. I need you to understand that I'm not a killer."

Jose sighed. He looked at Rodriguez and then at Miguel.

"Trust me, you don't want to lose your job. If you want to make money, you have to follow our rules. That means that if Rodriguez finds out you're leaving the operation, you're a dead man. You don't want him to go after your sick father, do you?" Alvarez said, wrapping his arm around Miguel's neck.

"No, I don't," Miguel replied.

Miguel looked down at the ground and then back at Alvarez.

"Good. I didn't think so," Alvarez said.

Alvarez released Miguel and turned around. He shouted, "Yo, Rodriguez! We have fifteen minutes to leave this area. Let's not let the DEA win."

Alvarez walked toward Rodriguez.

"Do you want me to stand here and do nothing?" Miguel shouted.

"How about you take this green box and load it onto the ship?" Rodriguez shouted.

Harrison took a deep breath and looked at Peter.

"Hey, how about we talk to Miguel's father? Maybe he knows more about Miguel's history with Alvarez and Rodriguez," Harrison said.

"Sure," Peter replied.

Peter cleared his throat and placed the binoculars on his lap. Harrison started the car, shifted into drive, pressed the gas pedal, and drove away.

At Miguel's father's house, Harrison and Peter stood outside the doorway.

"Mr. Ecuador!" Harrison shouted, banging on the door.

There was no answer.

"Mr. Ecuador!" Harrison shouted again, banging on the door.

"I'm coming!" Mr. Ecuador shouted as he walked toward the door.

He opened it and saw Harrison and Peter standing outside. It was the same house where Miguel lived.

"Mr. Ecuador, we're special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration. We need to talk to you about your son, Miguel Ecuador," Harrison said, displaying his DEA badge.

A few minutes later, Mr. Ecuador sat in his recliner wearing an oxygen nasal cannula. He spoke hoarsely and weakly.

"My son? Miguel? He's not a criminal," Mr. Ecuador said.

"Apparently, he purchased a gun from GUNS LA. The owner said that Miguel purchased the gun to resell it and make a profit," Harrison said, showing Mr. Ecuador surveillance footage on his phone.

"No, no. My son is a good man. He works hard for this family," Mr. Ecuador said.

"Really? So your son is a good man who sold a gun to a high-profile criminal who apparently works for the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico? Miguel was last seen at Bay 2, where he was possibly shipping kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Mexico. Rodriguez manufactures these substances through his own company, where his workers create counterfeit drugs. He sells these drugs to people who pose as drug dealers and distribute them to minors, adolescents, and seniors. These drugs are illegal. Your son could be facing twenty years in federal prison," Harrison said, folding his arms.

Harrison was dressed like a DEA agent. He wore long black formal trousers, a white-collared dress shirt over a white undershirt, a black leather belt, and a brown baseball cap. This was his everyday work attire, and he took his job seriously.

"Look, I don't know what you want from me," Mr. Ecuador said, looking at Harrison and then at Peter.

"Mr. Ecuador, if you know why Miguel is working for Roberto Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez, you'd better tell us now," Harrison said.

"Wait. Roberto? Roberto Rodriguez? He used to work for me outside our house. He looked like a normal man," Mr. Ecuador said.

"Come on, Mr. Ecuador. You need to tell us why Miguel is working for Mr. Rodriguez and Jose Alvarez," Harrison said, placing his hands on his hips.

"I don't know. I swear! Ever since I became sick, Miguel has needed money. I asked him not to worry so much about the bills. I told him I would take care of them," Mr. Ecuador said before coughing.

Harrison was becoming annoyed.

"Mr. Ecuador, stop. You need to tell us. If Miguel needs money to pay the bills, why is he working for a high-profile drug dealer?" Harrison asked.

"Because..." Mr. Ecuador paused before finishing his sentence. "Because I think he's afraid of losing our house. We ran out of money to pay the mortgage. Miguel took out first and second mortgages to pay the bills, and now we may be evicted from our home!"

Mr. Ecuador coughed again.

Harrison took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes.

"So he's working for Rodriguez and Alvarez because he's afraid of losing your home—yours and Miguel's—the house where he grew up," Harrison said.

"Yes. We have ten days left to move out. We were notified yesterday. Miguel was trying to find ways to make money and pay off the mortgage quickly. I guess Rodriguez decided to hire my son. Now Miguel is trapped, and he can't get out," Mr. Ecuador said.

He coughed a third time, but this time the cough was violent.

Harrison closed his eyes. He had heard enough.

"Mr. Ecuador, we would like you to come to the DEA office and answer a few more questions. You're not in trouble. It's just a precaution," Harrison said.

"No! What if Miguel finds out that I told you something? What if he learns what I said?" Mr. Ecuador asked, looking up at Harrison.

"It's confidential," Harrison replied.

"No! I'm not going to the office. I can't. I won't."

Harrison nodded.

Peter sighed. "Come on, Harrison. We don't need him. He confessed. Now let's see whether we can catch these men."

Peter turned and walked toward the door. Harrison remained where he was, staring at Mr. Ecuador.

"You'd better not be lying to me, Mr. Ecuador. I promise I'll come back to find you. I'll arrest you if you've violated the law," Harrison said before turning and walking away.

Harrison headed toward the door. Peter was waiting for his partner.

"You done?" Peter asked.

"No," Harrison answered as he walked past Peter and opened the door.

Peter sighed, walked out of Mr. Ecuador's house, and shut the door.

Mr. Ecuador quietly picked up his phone from the nightstand beside him and dialed his son Miguel's number. The phone rang, but the call went straight to voicemail.

Harrison and Peter returned to the warehouse. The trucks began leaving, forcing the agents to decide whether they needed to maintain surveillance or intervene before the shipment disappeared.

"I really hope Mr. Ecuador isn't lying. Something is going on, and I'm going to find out what it is," Harrison said from the driver's seat.

He looked at Peter.

"He could be telling the truth. You never know," Peter said.

"How can you be so sure? He flinched when I asked him about Miguel," Harrison replied with a sigh.

"I don't know. I'd know," Peter said.

Harrison laughed.

"Yeah, right. As if you'd know."

Peter rolled his eyes.

"Come on. This isn't about you. It's about finding these three people and discovering why they're involved in selling illegal substances to drug addicts," Peter said.

"Yeah," Harrison replied.

"Let's go back to the DEA office. We can speak with an FBI agent about why this organization was working with the DEA and how we can locate Jose, Rodriguez, Hernandez, and Mariana," Peter said.

"First, we need to search the area for suspected counterfeit drugs and other evidence left behind. Photograph the evidence before touching it. Then we'll collect it and log it into the evidence system before the laboratory takes over. That way, we'll know what we're dealing with," Harrison explained.

"Sure. I have the camera," Peter replied.

At the laboratory, Harrison worked with Mr. Jones Smithson, a forensic laboratory technician. Jones tested the drugs while maintaining the chain of custody. Each item was assigned a laboratory case number.

First, Jones photographed the evidence. He took pictures of the notes, packaging, colors, shapes, markings, and weights. He then collected small samples for testing with chemical reagents.

"Got it. It's definitely methamphetamine and fentanyl. These guys are going to be your worst enemies," Jones said.

"Don't worry. I can handle it," Harrison replied.

"Sure," Jones answered with a nod.

Harrison knew that Jose and Rodriguez were a danger to the United States. He was going to do everything in his power to ensure that they were arrested and put behind bars. Once again, he took his job very seriously. That was why he had become a DEA agent.