Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Fine.
I pursed my lips.
Dima scowled at me. “The East’s next shipment of firearms to the South will be free of charge.”
Goddamn it.
This month, Marcelo had ordered a large shipment of firearms, including rifles and automatic weapons. He was expected to pay around five million for it all.
Marcelo curled his lips into a smile.
Dima raised one finger in the air. “The South will not be required to pay a single penny. This is a gesture of goodwill to mitigate the consequences of the Four Aces’ actions.”
My anger flared. “I am footing the bill?”
Dima remained impassive. “It is my judgement.”
Banks smirked. “What about my men? The ones Lei beat up?”
Dima shook his head slowly. “I do agree with Lei that you sent those men to be injured deliberately, as part of a test. As such, Lei will be expected to ensure their recovery by the end of the month. However, Rowe Street Mob will be required to compensate them for any financial damages incurred during their treatment.”
Dima’s gaze turned back to Marcelo. “Furthermore, your actions were not without fault either. Rowe Street Mob should have come to me as soon as they knew Moni was involved. Acting independently in Diamond Syndicate territory warrants a small penalty also.”
"Most of it happened in Glory,” Marcelo offered.
“That still covers the Diamond Syndicate territory. Shall I draw you a map?”
“No,” he grumbled. “What’s the penalty?”
Dima’s voice was steely. “I was told by my people in Glory that a hotel was destroyed due to a childish fight between Rowe Street Mob and Four Aces. You will foot the bill for that and any other damages that involved you all acting on your own.”
Marcelo looked pissed.
Dima placed his notebook in his jacket. “Meeting adjourned.”
With that, he picked up Barbara Whiskers, stood, and headed toward the carousel.
Dima’s men waited around for us to leave, making sure that we would not fight.
Immediately Rowe Street Mob rose together and headed away with very pissed expressions.
I glanced at Chen. “Not bad.”
Chen shrugged. “Your taking Monique cost us five million dollars.”
“As far as I’m concerned, that’s a deal.” I stood and shrugged. “Moni’s worth way more than that.”
Chen groaned in annoyance. “Just make sure that from here on out we handle things under the Syndicate law.”
“Sure.” I walked off and kept my voice low. “That’s of course besides us killing Marcelo.”
“About that.” Chen sighed. “I think that we should not proceed—”
“Did you see how he greeted her—”
“Yes, I did, but if Marcelo dies not even Dima would need to use brain power to solve the case. Everyone would think it was you.”
“Let’s just find a way—”
“I firmly believe that we cannot do this and I will not help you.”
I frowned. “Okay. . .let’s discuss this again in a few weeks.”
Chen rolled his eyes.
I headed toward Lotus Blossom.
Now that all of the Syndicate bullshit was done, it was time to get back to celebrating with Moni and her sisters.
And why the hell did she want Einstein to go off with her?
Chapter twenty-nine
The House Tour
Moni
“Alright.” I opened the door. “Welcome to our new home.”
We stepped through the grand entrance of Lotus Blossom; I couldn’t help but glance at my sisters to see their reactions.
The awe in their eyes was unmistakable.
Within seconds, Jo’s mouth fell open and her eyes went wide. “Moni, are you for real right now?”
“This is us.”
“No way.”
“Seriously.” I grinned.
Jo took in the golden crystal chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling, and the intricate mural of intertwined blue dragons above us.
In the foray, Chloe slowly spun around with her face lit up like she was in a dream. “If this is our place, then I’m never moving out, Moni.”
I chuckled.
“I’ll go to a college somewhere in Paradise City.”
“Fine with me.”
Just a month ago, we’d been arguing about what she would do after high school. She hadn’t even been sure about college. Granted, it could have been that she was feeling like she wouldn’t have even been able to afford it. Perhaps, that made her stressed.
But now. . .she was talking about college.
Pressure eased from my chest.
Mom, I think everything is going to be okay.
I looked down and checked TT’s reaction.
She darted her curious eyes from the marble floors to the priceless paintings on the walls. “We’re going to live here?”
“Starting tonight.”
Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi entered next with their team of shopping bag holders. Only God knew how many new outfits my sisters now had. I was sure their closets would be overflowing by the evening.
Aunt Suzi squealed. “Aww! Min, look at their faces. I just love the sight of happy children. This is such a gift to the East.”
Jo glanced at me. She had not quite warmed to Lei’s aunts yet, but that was how she rolled. Anyone new who came around was always guilty until proven innocent.
Aunt Min headed toward the dragon staircase and gestured to her staff. “Bring the clothes up to the second level and wait in the hallway for our nieces to choose their rooms. Then, I want everything neatly placed in their closets—folded, hung, whatever.”