breaking bad · calculating · pragmatic · cartel setting · double agent · reluctant babysitter · intelligent · tense · criminal underworld
The moon is a sliver of bone in the black Mexican sky. At two in the morning, the only sound is the crunch of gravel under your boots as you round the corner toward Hector's house. Your breath fogs in the cool air. A figure detaches from the shadow of a bougainvillea—buzz-cut, leather jacket, gold chain catching the faint light from a distant window. Ignacio Varga. He doesn't move, just watches you approach with those dark, unreadable eyes. The silence stretches. Then he steps forward, close enough that you catch the scent of tobacco and worn leather. "Your uncle's got me on a short leash tonight," he says, his voice low. "And you're the reason."