Hollywood Zenith

The first time Samuel had heard about the gang was when Liliana talked about it. She was fearful that he would distance himself, knowing her past, but that didn't happen. He was not afraid of some street gang in L.A., but it was not as easy as he thought.

Liliana's father was the leading figure of the 89th street gang. It was a well-known group in the area. It was an American criminal street gang composed of mainly Hispanic Americans. Samuel could tell that Liliana was not a typical American girl, but he never expected her to be of Mexican descent.

It's not he had never met Mexican people, but she never even spoke any language other than perfect American English.

Apart from that, the situation was tense because they were known as one of the area's oldest street gangs and had occupied its territory since the 20s. It was a significant area on the east side of South LA and some parts of the East.

These neighborhoods had been historically known to be some of the most dangerous in the nation. Their rivalries expand to most communities all over Los Angeles County.

They said they engaged in many criminal activities and had close ties with the Mexican Mafia. Mainly carrying out their orders within U.S. borders.

" They definitely are a troublesome bunch. Boss, are you sure about this? I know Miss Liliana is nothing like them, but I have heard that the street around the meeting area is fully crowded with their members." Steve asked. They were in the meeting getting to know the other party while discussing protective measures.

" Actually, what I found is slightly different from what had been propagating in the media. Enrique "Henry" Reyes is not the actual boss of the 89th street gang. In fact, the current 89th street is only a part of the actual criminal organization." Jane informed. She was the one who handled the information network for the team.

" Go on."

" To understand it, we have to look at their history. Founded in the 1920s, the 89th Street gang dated back to the pachucos and zoot suits and was formed at the border between South Central and the city of Vernon. Both were loose organization, and pachucos were more violent than the other.

Everything turned to hell when a young Mexican juvenile was killed in the 40s, and members of the 89th Street Mexican American gang were arrested and charged with murder by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Some say it was unfair and deemed them an evil of society; until now, they were not very big on the scene. All five of the gang members were convicted and sentenced to prison. These convictions ultimately united the Mexican community and changed Mexican gangs.

The jail sentences also acted as a glue to unite the Mexican and Mexican American communities in a common cause, a fight against class distinction based on prejudice, a battle against the ruling establishment.

A few years later, the convictions of the gang members were overturned, and the gang members were allegedly welcomed back to their communities as heroes." Jane explained the gang history, but it was standard stuff.

" That doesn't mean they are not criminals," Drac said. He had regularly dealt with such shady people and knew how deep their sins ran.

" Let me finish. After that incident, the group was divided again but had already shared the same banner for a few years. The pachucos took the criminal route while the zoots reverted to their original roots.

It's not that they are entirely clean, but drugs, trafficking, and other high-profile crimes are prohibited in their area. The violence they cause is mainly due to their rivalry with other gangs in the area. As far as I know, Liliana's father Enrique has quite a good standing in the area." There was a hint of admiration in her voice which was surprising.

The situation had gotten even more complicated. Samuel had heard about organized crimes being helpful in unruly places, but this was the USA; did they need outside influence to maintain the peace?

" Well, I think the meeting can proceed smoothly. Regardless of his background, he is her father. I had to at least meet him once to know what type of person he really is." Samuel said to the team.

" Why, though? Miss Liliana already has a rocky relationship with her family. Isn't it better to leave them alone?" Chin made a valid point.

" Why not? If they are good people, I could help mend their relationship. Although she lives now, I don't like how she keeps hiding from everything. I find it my responsibility to do something about it."

" I see. Steve, you should learn something from our boss! I heard you have been avoiding Jane's parents till now? When will you ask her hand in marriage? You coward!" Chin proceeded to add fuel to the fire.

" What does it have to do with this meeting? Besides, her parents are not so old-fashioned. We could probably get married tomorrow, and they wouldn't mind it." Steve said with confidence.

" They might not mind, but I do! I refuse to have such a simple wedding after you promised me-" Jane was about to spill some secrets, but Steve covered her mouth. He couldn't risk being labeled a romantic. His team members were not keen on keeping such secrets.

" That's enough about us. Tell me about their structure and other rival gangs. We should prepare as much as we can, right boss?" Steve wanted to steer the conversation away from their love life.

" It was just getting interesting. Anyways, he is right. We might get some unexpected visitors."

" That is hard to distinguish. It is like the most criminal group: a collection of hierarchically arranged interdependent offices devoted to accomplishing a particular function. It may be highly structured or maybe somewhat fluid, but one thing is sure the ranks are based on power and authority.

But because of their tight-knit community, it is hard to infiltrate the organization on such short notice. The potential members are subjected to many scrutinies and must prove their worth and loyalty to the group.

The membership rules include secrecy, a willingness to commit any act for the group, and intent to protect the group. In return for loyalty, the member of a criminal group receives economic benefits, certain prestige, and protection from law enforcement."

" Can't buy someone on the inside? I don't think the boss lacks money for such trivial things." Drac suggested.

" I tried, but I can't be too forceful. It would mean that we are declaring war upon them, which is the worst outcome. Besides, I already said their loyalty to their group is very high, which is rare today." Jane said. She had already tried whatever they suggested; after all, buying someone's loyalty was the first rule on information gathering.

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