Chapter 13: Unraveling Threads
Jesse's grip on his empire was slipping, but he wasn't about to show any weakness. The IRS was breathing down his neck, and Gus Fring had made it clear that he wasn't going to let Jesse stay in control for long. It was a ticking clock, and Jesse knew he had to act fast if he wanted to stay on top.
The IRS Closing In
Every day, the pressure mounted. Jesse's accountants called more frequently, their voices laced with anxiety. They were doing everything they could to cover their tracks, shifting money around and setting up new shell companies. But no matter how many layers they added, Jesse could feel the heat rising. The IRS was getting too close.
He sat in the back of the warehouse late one night, looking at the stacks of paperwork and spreadsheets spread out before him. His mind raced as he tried to figure out his next move. If the IRS found even one thing out of place, it would all come crashing down.
He needed a bigger distraction. Something that would throw them off his scent long enough for him to get ahead. And then it hit him: he could use his own product—meth. It was risky, but if he could flood the market with a new batch, one that would make people forget about his finances, he might have a chance. It was a dangerous gamble, but Jesse had never been afraid of risks.
He picked up the phone and dialed Mike's number.
"Mike," Jesse said, his voice tense. "I need to move more product. Fast."
Mike was silent for a moment. "I get it. You think this will keep the heat off?"
"It's the only thing I've got left," Jesse replied. "The more meth we push, the more money we make. And the more money I make, the harder it'll be for the IRS to track anything. We need to flood the market—now."
Mike sighed. "Alright. I'll take care of it. But you better be sure this is the right move."
Jesse wasn't sure, but he didn't have another option. He hung up the phone and got to work.
Confronting Gus
The following day, Jesse met with Gus again. The tension was thick as ever. Jesse could feel the weight of Gus's presence, like the man was always one step ahead of him, waiting for him to slip up.
"Jesse," Gus said, his voice calm as usual. "I see you've been busy. But I must admit, I find your methods… unsatisfactory."
Jesse's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"You've been operating outside the agreement we had," Gus continued. "You've taken unnecessary risks, and now the competition is getting more aggressive. You're not moving as smoothly as you should be. If this continues, it could cause problems for both of us."
Jesse clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. "I'm doing just fine, Gus. I'm making the money. That's what matters."
Gus leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Jesse. "It's not just about the money, Jesse. It's about control. And right now, you're out of control. If you want to keep going down this path, fine. But you will have to face the consequences."
Jesse didn't back down. "I'm not scared of you, Gus. I've been in this game long enough to know how to play it."
Gus's expression remained unchanged, but there was an underlying menace in his voice. "We shall see, Jesse. We shall see."
Jesse walked away from the meeting with his heart pounding. Gus wasn't the type to make idle threats, and Jesse knew it. But there was something in him now—a spark of defiance. Gus had been controlling everything for too long. It was time for Jesse to take back control.
The Plan Unfolds
Jesse started executing his plan with more precision. The new batch of meth he was producing was more potent than anything he'd ever made, a combination of his knowledge and creativity. He made sure it hit the streets hard—fast and in bulk. This wasn't just about selling more; this was about showing everyone—including Gus—that he was in charge.
But there were still cracks in the system. The IRS was relentless. Even as Jesse poured more and more meth into the market, the government's investigation was heating up. The phone calls from his accountant became more frantic. There were too many inconsistencies. The IRS wanted answers, and they were beginning to realize something didn't add up.
Jesse knew it was a matter of time before they put the pieces together. They had money trails, false transactions, and connections leading back to him. He couldn't keep hiding behind shell companies forever.
The worst part? He knew Gus was watching. The cartel's reach extended everywhere, and if Gus thought Jesse was becoming a problem, he would deal with it in his own cold, calculated way.
Jesse's grip on his empire was slipping, and he knew it. But there was still one thing he had that neither Gus nor the IRS could take from him—his mind. Jesse wasn't just a chemist; he was a survivor. He wasn't going to let anyone dictate his fate. Not Gus, not the IRS, not anyone.
The Calm Before the Storm
The next few days were a blur. Jesse moved faster, always one step ahead. He buried himself in the operation, pushing meth out faster than anyone could track it. Meanwhile, the IRS started closing in, sending more agents to look into his businesses. They had questions about the sharp increase in revenue, the fake invoices, and the complex web of shell companies.
But Jesse was ready. He had his team in place, his accountant making last-minute adjustments, and his network of contacts to pull him out if things got too hot. He had his back covered. Or so he thought.
One evening, Jesse sat alone in the back of the warehouse, staring at his phone. He was waiting for the call from Mike, the call that would let him know the next step was in motion. His phone buzzed. It was Mike.
"Jesse, I don't like this," Mike said, his voice low. "The IRS is making moves. They've subpoenaed records from your car dealership, and now they're targeting your suppliers. They're digging too deep."
Jesse's heart dropped. The walls were closing in. "What do we do?"
Mike was silent for a moment. "It's time to make a choice. You keep running, or you face the consequences."
Jesse felt a chill run down his spine. This was it. The point of no return.
"I'm not going to let them win," Jesse said, his voice firm. "I've come too far."
Mike sighed. "You've got your hands full, Jesse. But I'll help you out—just know that there's no turning back after this."
Jesse hung up the phone and stood up, a new sense of determination settling over him. He wasn't about to lose it all now. He had to keep moving forward, no matter the cost