April 1990.Santa Marta burned under a relentless sun, a city that was already the consolidated territory of Gustavo Escobar, the son of Pablo, who at 22 years old commanded every corner of his domain with an iron fist. But in the midst of his power, a visit from Medellín disturbed the calm.
A gray, unmarked double-cabin pickup truck moved slowly along the roads connecting the mountains to the Caribbean coast. At the wheel was Gustavo Gaviria —the close uncle and confidant— driving with precision. Beside him, an eleven-year-old boy stared out the window, unaware of the violence and power games that ruled their lives. In the back, hidden under a tarp, a suitcase held 500 million dollars —a heavy burden in every sense.
"Son," Gaviria said quietly as the light of sunset began to fall, "life won't be easy for you. This world we've inherited offers no mercy. I want you to be ready."
The boy nodded silently, understanding that his father was far away, and that this uncle was now his only protector.
Upon arriving in Santa Marta, they were greeted by a display of armed men and vehicles securing Gustavo Escobar's main estate. Gaviria stepped out with his son and took a deep breath, carrying the weight of years of secrets and danger.
It didn't take long for Gustavo to appear, firm and alert.
"Uncle," he greeted respectfully. "This city is mine, but your visit reminds me that there are legacies that go beyond power."
Gaviria offered a faint smile and, without hesitation, opened the truck's back to hand over the suitcase.
"Here you have 500 million dollars. It's not just money—it's the trust I place in you to protect this boy and keep alive what we are."
The minutes stretched on as Gaviria looked at his nephew with a mix of pride and fear.
"I never liked the noise or the cameras, like Pablo did," he confessed. "I always preferred the shadows and the silence. But you, nephew, you must be ready for everything. Take care of him, because my time is running out."
With one last embrace, Gaviria climbed back into the truck, and with his son, drove off—leaving behind the coast, the city, and an uncertain future.
Four months later, Gaviria's voice would be silenced forever in an ambush that marked a turning point in the cartel's history.