Gus Fring shrewdly deduced that Lalo Salamanca was still alive by observing Hector Salamanca's subtle demeanor during a crucial visit. This keen observation highlighted Gus's profound understanding of his adversaries and his remarkable analytical skills.
Gus's Realization Process
Gus's conclusion was not based on direct evidence but rather on an intuitive reading of Hector's reaction to the news of Lalo's supposed death. Here’s how he pieced it together:
- The Visit to Hector: After Lalo's alleged assassination in Mexico, Juan Bolsa and Gus Fring visited Hector Salamanca. Their purpose was to deliver the news of Lalo's death and to promise Hector vengeance, as a gesture to maintain the delicate balance of power within the cartel and to appease Hector.
- Hector's Demeanor Under Scrutiny: During this emotionally charged encounter, Gus, a master of psychological warfare and a meticulous observer, paid close attention to Hector's behavior. Despite the grim news and the offer of retribution, Gus perceived a telling disconnect in Hector's reaction. It wasn't the genuine, overwhelming grief or rage Gus might have expected from a man who had just lost his beloved nephew. Instead, there might have been a subtle smirk, a gleam in his eye, or an unusual calmness that betrayed the truth.
- The Unspoken Truth: Gus inferred from Hector's demeanor—an unspoken cue or an uncharacteristic lack of expected reaction—that Lalo's death was a deception. Hector's lack of a truly devastated response, or perhaps a hint of concealed satisfaction, signaled to Gus that Lalo was, in fact, alive and likely orchestrating a plan.
- Anticipating Retaliation: This immediate realization transformed Gus's perspective. Knowing Lalo's cunning, ruthlessness, and capacity for elaborate schemes, Gus understood that if Lalo was alive, a retaliatory attack was inevitable and imminent.
- Immediate Security Measures: Acting swiftly on this insight, Gus prioritized his personal and business security. He immediately instructed Mike Ehrmantraut to arrange for around-the-clock guards for both his home and his various commercial enterprises, preparing for Lalo's anticipated revenge.
Gus's ability to discern the truth from such nuanced human behavior underscores his formidable intelligence and strategic foresight, qualities that made him such a dangerous and respected figure in the criminal underworld.
