My spies reported that Lei didn’t talk to his father anymore. Even more interesting, my spies followed Lei to Chanel’s house where she lived with her husband. There, he would sit in the car all night like a peeping Tom.
Due to his secret obsession with Chanel, Lei would never do anything to hurt her. Killing her brother would definitely do more than hurt her.
Lei didn’t do it.
I turned to Chanel.
My heart broke for her the most. Romeo was her oldest brother and led her family’s gang—Killer Crows. Out of all the gangs, theirs had been in Paradise the longest. They’d begun as diamond thieves. Now, they ruled the West of Paradise and fenced most luxury items—sports cars, jewelry, art, etc.
While Chanel knows how to do make up, she would never kill Romeo and dress him up. Right?
I eyed her.
Long black hair outlined her chocolate brown face. Always elegantly dressed, a white fur donned Chanel’s shoulders, covering most of her candy red blouse and pants as well as her two diamond encrusted guns. Her high heels matched the stylish suit. Diamonds draped her neck, ears, and fingers.
Even though Chanel was slim and short, she could easily kill almost anyone. And she never needed much of a reason to do it. Once I’d witnessed her murder someone with a fork. She’d stabbed him so hard in the throat that it had taken two people to yank it out.
Most of her victims had closed casket funerals.
No. It wasn’t Chanel either.
Her number two, Nefertiti stood behind her in a black suit. At 6’4, she was the tallest woman I’d ever met. Small cornrows decorated her head in a circular pattern. Red beads dangled from the braids’ tips.
Nefertiti wouldn’t have done it either.
Tears left Chanel’s eyes. “Who killed my brother?”
Lei’s face held sadness. “You know I could never hurt Romeo. I loved him too much.”
Chanel gazed my way.
I chose my words carefully. “I’m trying to figure it out now.”
She looked at Marcelo.
He shook his head. “I haven’t talked to Romeo in days. I’ve been training the whole time.”
“Somebody is lying.” Anger rose in Chanel’s eyes. “Romeo is here by himself. That means someone must’ve called him here to meet without his men. Who else would he do that for, but you three?”
We remained quiet.
“This is bullshit. One of you set him up.” Chanel reached for the guns under her fur.
I had mine out my holster first and pointed at her face. “Relax. You’re in the grips of mourning. Don’t do anything you’ll regret. Don’t forget that we loved Romeo too.”
She kept her hand on her guns, but didn’t draw them. “Dima, stop pointing that gun at my face.”
“Then, move your hand away from yours and remember that we’re family.”
Lei grabbed my attention by tapping the point of his gun on my shoulder. I hadn’t even realized he’d pulled it. That was how fast and silent he could be. “Dima.”
She’s the one that is being crazy right now, Lei! Not me.
On my right, Marcelo growled, “Put it away, Dimitri. You know better than that.”
I lowered the gun. “Sorry, Chanel. But I know you well. If you take out a gun, you will shoot.”
Chanel moved her hand from the gun. “I should shoot. One of you did it. I know it.”
Lei took his gun off my shoulder.
Marcelo spoke, “We can’t start blaming each other. That’s exactly how this city has gone to war before.”
I nodded. “Surprisingly, Marcelo is right.”
He glared at me.
I continued, “The Diamond Syndicate will remain united through this. We’ll find the killer fast and give Romeo and the East justice.”
Chanel quirked her brows. “And if one of you did this?”
Lei stepped to her side. “Then, this is war.”
I sighed. “It’s not one of us.”
Marcelo put his glare on Lei. “Could you get out of Chanel’s corner for a few seconds? We need everyone to think clearly, not with emotion.”
“Give me time to fix this.” I raised one finger. “Have I ever let you all down before?”
Marcelo was about to speak. Lei glared at him. Marcelo went silent.
Chanel hugged herself. A tear left her eye.
Concern covered Lei’s face. “What do you think, Chanel? Do you agree with Dima’s plan?”
She gazed at her dead brother. “I agree. If there’s one thing about you, Dima, you’re always the most logical one. Even in the face of death.”
I gave her a sad smile. “Chanel, I personally will find the killer.”
She nodded. “I’m sorry, guys. . .I shouldn’t have reached for my guns—”
“Don’t apologize,” Lei said. “You’re upset.”
I shrugged. “Actually, she should apologize.”
Lei scowled at me.
“I’m just glad you didn’t take them out, Chanel.” Marcelo walked over and gave her a hug. “We’ll fix this. We all loved Romeo. Let me know if you need anything.”
Now what will happen to the Syndicate?
She cried in his hold. Meanwhile, Lei watched with envious longing. I knew he wouldn’t touch her. None of us talked about his crush on her that had started in high school. Everyone knew about it, except Chanel.