La Muerte had been running the shadows for just a little over a year when the government had decided to declare war on the gang-ruled El Infierno. The California State Guard, Lone Star, and assorted merc forces had come pouring into its streets to bomb, burn, and smash everything in their path. Jesse had died that day, giving up his own life to save the rest. After that, La Muerte had disbanded. Maria stayed with Dougan for a few years, sharing his bed as they traveled out of California Free State, trying to escape from their past.