Chapter 17: The Gus Problem
Jesse's life had been divided into two separate realities for too long. On one side, there was the drug empire he had carefully constructed—NZT-48, the meth business, and the underworld that came with it. On the other side, there was Rachel, who gave him a glimpse of normalcy, of a life beyond the chaos.
But the problem, the constant, looming issue in his life, was Gus Fring.
Gus was an enigma, a man who operated like a machine, meticulously calculating every move, and just as relentlessly controlling. Jesse had learned to respect Gus's intelligence, but he also knew that Gus was a threat—a threat to everything he had built, and a threat to him personally. Gus's suspicion of Jesse had only grown in recent weeks. Despite Jesse's best efforts to deflect and stay ahead, Gus wasn't the type to overlook any detail. And now, after months of careful maneuvering, Jesse knew it was time to deal with the problem once and for all.
Step One: The Observation
Jesse's first move was simple but essential: observation. Gus had always prided himself on maintaining control of his empire. The fast-food chain, Los Pollos Hermanos, was a front—a brilliant one—but Jesse knew there was more to it than just food. It was a hub for the cartel, a way to launder money, and an operation that ran deep into the fabric of the criminal world.
Jesse began watching Gus more closely. He learned his routines, his habits, and the subtle signs of suspicion that Gus displayed. Gus was smart, and he had a way of looking at people that made them feel like they were constantly under surveillance. But Jesse wasn't like the others. He had his vaccine, his clarity from NZT-48, and his ability to read people better than anyone else. It was time to turn the tables.
He began to manufacture small "incidents" that would put Gus off balance. Nothing too serious—just enough to plant a seed of doubt in Gus's mind. Little things—delays, miscommunications, and things that didn't quite add up. Jesse made sure the incidents were connected in a way that made Gus feel like he was being targeted, like there was a flaw in his empire that could potentially be exploited. He didn't want Gus to see him coming.
Step Two: The Leverage
While Jesse was keeping Gus distracted, he was also quietly working on something far more dangerous—a piece of leverage. He had access to all the records and financial documents for the various shell companies he'd set up to evade the IRS. It took weeks of careful editing and tweaking, but Jesse was able to craft a series of documents that, if discovered by the authorities, would destroy Gus's empire.
But Jesse wasn't interested in just taking Gus down with paperwork. He knew that Gus was always several steps ahead of everyone, so he needed to be ready to pull the trigger at the right moment.
Using his genius and the NZT-enhanced clarity, Jesse began to gather intel on Gus's most trusted allies—his right-hand men, his enforcers, and the key players in his empire. He knew that the key to bringing Gus down wasn't just outsmarting him; it was destroying the foundation of loyalty that Gus had so carefully built. Jesse didn't want to just kill Gus; he wanted to break him. He wanted Gus to fall apart, to lose everything.
Step Three: The Confrontation
It was only a matter of time before Gus would make a move. Jesse knew this. The tension between them had been building, and Jesse could feel the walls closing in. Gus had always been careful—too careful. And that's what gave Jesse the upper hand. Gus didn't expect his own people to betray him.
Jesse's plan was set into motion when he invited Gus to a meeting—just the two of them. The place was a warehouse he had rented under an alias, far away from the prying eyes of the cartel and the business. Jesse knew that Gus would come prepared, likely expecting to outsmart him again. But Jesse wasn't playing that game anymore.
As they sat across from each other, Jesse felt the weight of everything—the years of manipulation, the constant fear of being found out, and the danger that lurked in every corner. But Jesse was calm. His mind was sharp, his thoughts clear. He was no longer the frightened, drug-addicted kid that Gus had first met. He was a force now.
"Gus," Jesse began, his voice steady, "I think it's time we talked about our future."
Gus, ever the strategist, tilted his head slightly, assessing Jesse. "Go on."
"I've been doing some thinking," Jesse said. "About our business. About how we're both in this—together. But we both know it's been getting... complicated."
Gus didn't respond immediately, but Jesse could see the flicker of suspicion in his eyes. He wasn't sure what to expect, but Jesse wasn't finished yet.
"You've always been the guy who controls everything," Jesse continued, his voice laced with a mixture of admiration and contempt. "But maybe... maybe you've gotten a little too comfortable. You've overlooked a few things."
Jesse leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.
"I've been making some changes. And I think it's time you understand exactly how deep the holes in your empire go."
With a swift motion, Jesse pulled out a folder of documents—details about Gus's illegal activities, about the shell companies, and about every incriminating piece of evidence he'd planted over the past few weeks. He slid the folder across the table.
Gus stared at it for a moment, then looked back at Jesse. There was no fear in Gus's eyes. He was always in control, always calm. But Jesse could feel the tension building. He knew Gus was starting to realize that the game had changed.
"What are you suggesting, Jesse?" Gus asked, his voice still calm but with a hint of an edge.
"I'm suggesting that if we keep going down this road, things are going to get very messy for you. For both of us. You've been watching me for months, trying to figure me out. But you never saw me coming."
Jesse's mind was racing, but his voice remained steady. He had them both exactly where he wanted them. He wasn't just threatening Gus—he was offering him an ultimatum.
"You either let me run things from here on out, or this all goes public. I'll take everything down. I'll take you down. It's your choice, Gus."
For the first time, Jesse saw a flicker of something in Gus's eyes. It wasn't fear—it was respect. But also, something else: a recognition that Jesse was no longer a pawn in his game. He had become the player.
Step Four: The Aftermath
Gus didn't respond immediately. But over the next few days, Jesse could feel the shift. Gus wasn't going to let this go easily, but Jesse had already won. He knew Gus was a man of control, and the idea of losing that control was more terrifying than anything else.
In the end, Gus agreed to Jesse's terms. But it wasn't without consequences. Gus was no longer the one pulling the strings. He was now a reluctant partner—an ally in a world that had been slowly slipping through his fingers.
Jesse had solved the Gus problem, but it wasn't a victory in the traditional sense. He had outsmarted one of the smartest men he had ever known, but in doing so, he had crossed a line. The business would never be the same again. The cartel would know that Jesse was more than just a pawn.
And now, he had the power.
But with that power came more danger. And Jesse knew he would have to stay one step ahead if he was going to survive the coming storm.