“There was lots of footage of Mr. Hao talking to his dead wife’s portrait about his plans. He went over and over it for weeks. I had to transcribe all the gory details for Jonathan. He didn’t want his secretary or other staff knowing about this. It had to be top secret.”
Speechless, my head began to ache. I couldn’t even move my glass to take another sip. I was still trying to process this all.
Melissa continued, looking as relieved as a sinner in a confessional. “Jonathan was excited about Mr. Hao’s plans. From then on, Jonathan put distance between the meetings and forced me to go to each one in his place.”
Asshole!
Her fingers shook again. “I think that if any of this came out, then. . .Jonathan would point to my being over this.”
“If it came out, you were supposed to be the scapegoat to the Diamond Syndicate and the city.”
“And he would say that he had no idea. Plus, Commissioner Kane would have denied Jonathan’s involvement too. Kane will do anything for Jonathan.”
“Why?”
“Jonathan is blackmailing Kane.”
“How?”
“I don’t know what he has over the commissioner, but it is something.”
“Okay.” I finished my drink and set it on the bar. “So. . .let me understand this more. When Jonathan heard about Leo Hao’s plans, what did he do?”
“Jonathan told Commissioner Kane to have several police cars put on Leo.”
“And they did?”
“They did.” Melissa put her hands in her lap and twisted her fingers. “The last report I was a part of. . .Commissioner Kane reported that the two cop cars followed Leo to a bakery in Paradise and that he’d killed a man named Johnny Cupcakes.”
My stomach twisted.
The police and Jonathan fucking knew from the very beginning who was killing who and why.
Melissa’s eyes watered. “My heart stopped when Kane reported that to me. He thought it was hilarious. And. . .”
She closed her eyes.
I tenderly touched her arm. “It’s okay. Take your time.”
“I’m sorry.” She opened her eyes. “In some ways, this has been traumatizing to me. I’ve been anxious for months.”
“It’s okay. I’m here now. You have help and protection. I swear to you, Melissa.” I rubbed her arm. “I promise.”
Melissa let out a long breath. “T-thank you.”
I moved my hand.
She gathered herself. “So. . .Jonathan told Kane to keep following Leo, but not to arrest him or intervene. As far as Jonathan believed, Leo was doing a great service for the city. That’s. . .what he said.”
I leaned back in disbelief, still unable to process it all. “Jonathan knew that Leo was killing off Diamond Syndicate members the whole damn time?”
She nodded.
“He could. . .” I held out my hands. “He could have saved Romeo. Chanel. Viktor. . .”
I began to drown in sadness, hating myself for even knowing Jonathan and almost dating him.
I’m going to ruin you, Jonathan. Every dream you’ve ever had will be crushed and shattered.
Melissa picked up her glass and finished her cotton candy champagne.
“Fuck.”
She put the empty glass on the bar. “I don’t think Jonathan thinks I’m going to let that out in court. I actually didn’t even plan on it. My focus would be the attack on the West and my unfair firing due to my disapproval of those actions.”
“I think the recordings and all of this must be your focal point in the case.”
“It’s too scary to confess. . .”
“Why?”
“Who knows how the Diamond Syndicate will take this. I mean. . .I could be in danger with them too. They may want to retaliate or—”
“No.” I stopped her. “I’ll make sure you’re protected from them too.”
I hoped I could back up that promise. While I thought I could convince Dima, there were the Killer Crows and Marcelo to deal with.
She raised her eyebrows. “How could you protect me from them?”
“First, we’ll start with guards.” I signaled for Mr. Mole to come over.
Eyeing me with suspicion, Mr. Mole rose and came over.
I looked at him. “Tonight, I need you to guard Melissa for me, until I get her own security team this week.”
Always business, he simply said, “I would have to make a phone call for approval.”
A phone call to Dima.
I swallowed down my unease. “Please, do that. And let him know that this arrangement will be temporary until I’ve provided her own security.”
Pulling out his phone, he nodded and walked off.
Melissa took him in. “Why do you have guards?”
“It’s a long story—one I’ll share with you. We’re in this together.”
“Are we?”
“I want to help you take down Parks and the rest of the corrupt officials in the city.”
“I would love that.”
“Then, you’re not alone. We’re in this together.” I gave her a warm smile. “Do you need another drink?”
A sad chuckle left her. “Yes. I do.”
Xandi giggled as she hurried over. “Alright, ladies. I have big dick locked in for the evening.”