I feel as though I’m forever expressing gratitude, butlos Diazhave been far more generous than I could have ever imagined. They’re nothing like I expected. Though I realized before I arrived in the States, they aren’t the monsters my family indoctrinated me into believing they were. They’re still so normal compared to any other cartel family I’ve met.
Mamáshielded me as best she could, and I really only spent time withlos Aguilar. It was unavoidable that there were times I met other families at events myabueloandabuelahosted. Therewere other men my mother dated besides Néstor who were cartel-adjacent as well.
The three of us set off, and Catalina and Luciana fill me in about the first neighborhood as we head over there in an SUV. There’s another one that accompanies us, full of guards. We have a guard and a driver with us now. It’s easy to forget the second vehicle is with us. But having the armed driver and bodyguard is a constant reminder things aren’t entirely different in New York from Bogotá.
When we arrive at the first apartment, I already suspect it’ll be out of my means pretty damn fast if I don’t find a job like tomorrow. It’s lovely, and once upon a time with the career I had after grad school, it wouldn’t have been a struggle to afford it. I wouldn’t have even thought twice before signing the contract. I had a great job, but I was looking to move onto something else after a few years. I had several offers on the table whenMamágot sick, and I abruptly uprooted my life to go back to take care of her. A couple even offered to wait three months for me to return. Eventually, I had to decline both.
“This walk-in closet could double as any additional storage you might need since it’s practically a second bedroom.”
“It’s enormous. I wonder how many clothes the previous owner had to need something with this many shelves and racks.”
It’s not quite as big as you’d see in some reality TV shows about the rich and famous, but it sure feels close considering the relative size of the rest of the place.
“What do you think?” Catalina’s question is casual but direct.
“I like it, but I’m not sold on it. You know what I have in savings is enough for a down payment, but I’m unconvinced I could manage whatever the mortgage would be. I haven’t used any credit in the States in years.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
Luciana gives me an encouraging smile. I suppose they work with a few lenders, and at least one of them would give me a favorable interest rate. We take off to the next place, and it’s much the same as the first one. I like it, but I’m unconvinced I can afford it without being certain I’ll have a stable job soon.
I feel foolish having the women come out here and waste their time once we’ve seen the fourth place. Even with the third and fourth places being rentals rather than for sale, I’m not confident it’s wise to get any of the ones we’ve seen. I assume the last two will be the same as the apartments we’ve visited. I finally speak up since this is turning into a pointless endeavor.
“I don’t think checking out the last two places will be a good use of time. Everything’s more expensive than it was a few years ago. I expected that. I just didn’t anticipate by how much. My savings won’t go as far as they would’ve a few years ago.”
When I consider how long I was back in Colombia, I realize it was far more than just a few years. I’ve told myself that’s all it was, but it’s been closer to eight years. I was back there longer than I worked full-time in the U.S.
Catalina comes to stand beside me. “I know you’re worried, and I get why. I won’t suggest you rely on Pablo even though he has the means to get you any place you want. I get your need for independence right now, but if you need help, Luciana and I are here. We can guarantee a zero percent interest mortgage.”
“How is that even possible? Is there such a thing?”
“Usually not, but we know the right people.”
People.
My eyebrows shoot straight up as I look between the two women. It’s Luciana’s turn to explain things to me.
“No, neither of us is going to buy the place for you and then make you feel indebted to us. We know legitimate financiers at reputable banks who owe us favors because of how muchbusiness we’ve brought them over the years. It’s easy enough to call in one of those favors.”
“I’ll think about it.”
We head back to the SUV and agree to a late lunch instead of the other two apartments. Both women live in Queens. They’re actually in the same neighborhood as most of the other top syndicate families. I learned a wife in another syndicate named them the Four Families. The Kutsenkos, Mancinellis, O’Rourkes, andlos Diazdominate the East Coast and have influence in the entire world.
We choose a restaurant near their neighborhood. It’s a silent hint of where Pablo and I might one day live. It seems like the only neutral territory in any New York borough.
“It’s been a while since I’ve written a cover letter for a job application. Are they still the same as they ever were?”
We’re at the restaurant, and Catalina sits to my left. I look at her as she answers.
“Sort of. These days, you want to focus on interpersonal skills along with your scientific ones. Like you work well in diverse teams, that you believe in inclusion in the workplace, and that you’re?—”
“Wait. Isn’t all of that a given? I mean, I know Colombia isn’t the most diverse country in the world, but we have many ethnic backgrounds and varying social classes. That’s not so different from the States. Do I need to say that because I’m from a foreign country?”
Both women shake their heads. They don’t offer more explanation than that, so I’ll take their word for it.
“How do I explain the years spent as a pharmacist rather than a lab chemist?”
“You can be honest and say you had a shift in career path when you returned to Colombia to help an ailing parent. Now you’ve returned and are ready to resume your original plans.”
