21. Law 480
Chapter twenty-one
Law 480
Moni
Two black crows flew over us and landed on the helipad as if we were holding breadcrumbs for them to snack on.
Or even crazier, as if they were eager to know what would happen next.
I couldn’t blame the crows. This cookout had turned into a drama flick with constant conflicts and twists.
So. . .I’m finally going to meet the leader of the Diamond Syndicate.
A tense silence settled over all of us as Lei glared at a smiling Dima who was clearly not picking up on the cues of my baby being pissed.
Unsure of what to do, I checked out Dimitri Ivanov. He was impossible to ignore—a mountain of muscle with a face so perfect it seemed almost unreal.
Alright. Mr. Ivanov. No wonder Lei doesn’t want me to be alone with you.
Of course, Lei had nothing to worry about. He was fine in his own right.
But one could not disagree that Dimitri could turn some heads too.
His short blonde hair caught the sunlight, gleaming like a halo around his head, but there was nothing angelic about the way he looked at me. His eyes—an intense, icy blue—pierced right through me, as if he could see stare into my soul, dissecting every thought, every fear, every vulnerability.
Like. . .I couldn’t hide anything from him.
It was a bit unnerving.
Next to him stood a striking Black woman in a yellow sundress that hugged her figure perfectly. The fabric flowed around her with an effortless grace.
Additionally, the dress must have cost half the price of Lotus Blossom. Her diamond earrings sparkled in the sunlight. Her watch gleamed with elegance and the rings on her fingers looked like they could pay off someone’s mortgage.
Well. . .either he spoils the shit out of her or. . .she comes from money.
But the more I slyly checked her out, the more I realized that there was a calm, self-assured air about her, the kind that might have come from never knowing a moment of struggle.
Yeah. She’s a rich girl.
For some reason, I found myself liking her for it, though I couldn’t quite explain why.
A month ago, I probably would have hated her for being rich, due to the fact that I had been stuck in the very pit of struggle.
Now I found myself wanting to know her better, to maybe even. . .learn from her on how to be classy like her.
Dimitri’s gaze shifted from me to Lei.
The small cat purred at his feet and Dimitri curled his lips into a smile. “I checked to make sure no one had any allergies.”
Lei blinked. “What?”
“My cat. Approximately 10% of the population is allergic to cats.”
Lei crossed his arms over his chest. “You are well aware of the rules of the East.”
“The allergy is triggered by proteins found in a cat’s skin, saliva, and urine—specifically, a protein called Fel d 1.”
Clearing her throat, Dimitri’s beautiful guest nudged his side with her elbow as if to say focus.
“Oh.” Dimitri blinked. “Lei. . .you don’t care about cat allergies?”
“I don’t give a damn about them right now.”
“Then, you should beware.”
Lei quirked his brow, but not in way to say he was asking a question or wondering, but more in the way of ‘ are you fucking challenging me to a battle to the death .’
Lei sneered. “What do I have to beware of, Dima?”
“Mild sneezing and itchy eyes to more severe reactions, like asthma attacks or anaphylaxis.”
Confused, Lei parted his lips.
Chen whispered next to him, “He’s still on the topic of the cat allergies.”
Lei let out a long breath. “You are crashing a family event in the East—”
"Crashing? I am not family?” And just like that all of that gorgeousness left Dimitri’s face, replaced with the pure promise of death.
I wanted to step back and hide.
Dimitri's icy blue eyes turned even colder, the smile on his face wiped clean. Gone was the image of a carefree companion with a fondness for cats.
In its place was the ruthless leader of the Diamond Syndicate.
Lei seemed to have anticipated this change in demeanor, his own expression hardening into one of quiet defiance. “You know you’re family, but that is not the point of—”
“Have I not ate many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in Lotus Blossom?”
“You have, but—”
“Yet, no invitation to this cookout.”
“It happened fast and out of nowhere—”
“Still, no phone call. Not an email. When I was told about this, I bought a new phone.” Dimitri let go of his woman’s hand, dug into his jacket and pulled out a shiny phone in a yellow case. “I thought to myself, ‘Surely, the problem must be on my side. I need a new phone. It is not getting the East’s calls.’”
The two crows crept closer. They must have been used to humans because they showed no sign of flying away.
Meanwhile, the little cat spied the crows and left the comfort of Dimitri’s foot, shifting into predatory mode.
Lei sighed. “This moment was more supposed to be a welcome to Moni’s sisters, but Banks decided to turn this into a bigger event. As you know I am busy—”
“I understand that all too well, which is why I took Banks invitation to save you the duty of calling me to come—”
“And about that. . .invitation.” Lei scowled. “I know he didn’t grab you to try the fucking hot dogs. He pulled you in for something else. So let me be clear with you right now. If you all expect to deal with Diamond Syndicate business today , then now we must return to the rules of the East which allows me to bring out my guns and deal with you appropriately.”
Guns? What the fuck?
Dimitri nodded and returned to holding his guest’s hand. “Rules are important.”
“They are.”
“Laws too.”
Lei quirked his brows again. “Laws?”
“Banks would like us to discuss a particular Diamond Syndicate law today.” Dimitri raised his hand and men that I hadn’t noticed was near came from behind him.
O-kay. What is happening right now?
They were all dressed in yellow suits. Two carried a huge table. Four men each held a chair.
Dimitri leaned his head to the side. “Where should they set up in the garden so we can have a very quick discussion?”
Lei unfolded his arms from his chest. “I think the first place to put that table is deep within Banks’s ass.”
The men holding the table exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure of how to further proceed.
Dima widened his eyes. “That would be uncomfortable and probably impossible.”
“Oh I could make it fit.”
“But how?” Dimitri shook his head. “Anatomically speaking, it would indeed be impossible to insert a table into someone’s buttocks. For one, the human body, while remarkably flexible, has certain limitations.”
Banks returned and I frowned at him.
Why are you starting shit today?
As if Banks heard me, he simply shrugged.
And, Dima continued, “The average rectum can only expand to accommodate objects up to a certain size without causing significant harm or injury.”
"That’s the point, Dima.” Lei put his view on Banks. “I would very much like to cause significant injury.”
It was my turn to clear my throat.
Lei directed his view to me.
I mouthed the words, ‘You promised.’
Lei gritted his teeth.
And Dima continued, “No. The table can’t go there. It would do more than cause injury. The internal walls of the rectum are sensitive and not designed to handle the sharp corners or the weight of furniture.”
“Rectum?” Banks looked at Marcy. “What the fuck did I miss?”
Marcy wore a hard expression. “Dima is explaining that it would be impossible for Lei to put a table inside your ass.”
“Thank you, Dima.” Banks smiled and folded his hands in front of him. “However, I think it would be more important to discuss Law 480.”
Everyone turned to him.
I had to scan my head for that law. There were a few that had stuck in my mind. Laws about assassination attempts, how to deal with Syndicate traitors, their code of silence, and of course, Law 480.
Perhaps this law stuck because I could see how this one would have pertained to me.
The origins of Law 480 were buried deep in the Diamond Syndicate’s bloody history. It went back to the Syndicate’s early days, when the founders were still carving out their territories in Paradise City, still figuring out what the Syndicate would become.
Back then, the Syndicate was more a loose collection of gangs than the organized powerhouse it would evolve into.
And like all gangs, loyalty was paramount—but so was fear.
According to Leo’s accounts in the Essence of the Cloud Dragon , the founders kept everyone in line through a mixture of respect and terror, but that balance was fragile, constantly on the verge of tipping into chaos.
The story goes that one of the founders, a man named Joseph Castiglione—they’d called him, Mean-Eyed Joe—well. . .he had a wife who was beloved by everyone in their small, twisted world. She was kind, generous, the type who could calm even the most bloodthirsty men with just a smile.
But Mean-Eye Joe’s second in command, Richie ‘The Bull’ Santoro was tired of not being in control. In an attempt to get what he wanted from Mean-Eyed Joe he kidnaped his wife.
It was only meant to be a quick attempt—she stay over a night and then he release her once all his demands were met.
But the Bull’s plan went awry when one of his underlings, a hothead named Mickey, got jittery.
Apparently, Mickey had a drug problem and he wasn't thinking straight. In a fit of paranoia and withdrawal, he attacked Joe's wife in her sleep, leaving her battered and bloody.
When Mean-Eyed Joe found out what happened to his wife, his rage was uncontainable. He stormed Richie’s hideout and killed not just Richie but every single person who had been involved.
Dimitri’s mother called an emergency meeting.
That part had made me smile.
His mother had been one of the only female founders, yet it seemed she was the most feared. Perhaps, they truly didn’t understand Leo in those times.
Either way, she’d come up with Law 480 and added it to the Diamond Syndicate’s code: No family member of any member of the syndicate shall ever be harmed or killed.
Violation of the law could result in loss of territory, control of business, and/or even death, depending on the level of violation.
Banks is saying Lei violated Law 480?
Anger surged through me.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I shook my head, wanting to jump in and curse Banks out. But I didn’t know Dimitri like that and I wasn’t officially apart of the Diamond Syndicate. This wasn’t just some group of friends hanging out.
This was old street codes and gangsters who killed for a living.
"As you know, Lei,” Dimitri spoke, “When someone raises a violation of Law 480, not only must I take it seriously, the Syndicate is required to immediately set both parties down to discuss it. That means that this discussion cancels out the rules of the East. And as you also know, this is an agreement your father signed long ago and you signed later upon taking his place.”
Lei’s jaw twitched. “And you thought today at the cookout would be an appropriate time?”
“I hoped that all of us being surrounded by family and the celebration of life would be an inspiring theme to get everyone to listen and come to a semblance of peace.” Dima pointed to the front of the house where the path lead to the steps. “That looks like a good place. Set everything over there.”
All of the men in yellow headed that way with the table and chairs.
Lei turned to Banks. “Does your cousin look like she was harmed?”
“It’s been days since you violated.” Banks flared his nostrils. “The moment you realized she was my cousin you were supposed to—”
“Hold on.” Dimitri widened his eyes and pointed at Lotus Blossom. “Are those mermaids?”
Everyone else checked that way, but Banks, Lei, and me.
I stepped toward Banks and kept my voice low. “Stop this.”
Banks kept his view on Lei. “Moni, this is Diamond Syndicate business. Let us do what we need to do—”
“You wanted a cookout. I obliged.” I held my hands out. “What is this?”
“I figured that since we would all be here—”
“Bullshit.” I must have said it louder than I intended because everyone directed their views to me.
And. . .because I was so fucking pissed with my cousin, I didn’t step back and go silent. I figured that I had already said this so. . .I might as well continue.
“The cookout for you four is over.” I pointed at Banks, Marcy, Teddy, even Smarty and then gestured to the helicopters. “You know I don’t play shit like this. Being all disrespectful. As they tend to say, ‘You don’t have to go home, but you do have to get out of here.’”
Marcy spoke first, “Moni, we are trying to have your back—”
“You’re supposed to be having a beer and chilling the fuck out.” I couldn’t calm myself. I felt like this was the old days where during the summer I would have to remind these dickheads that they were not my damn daddies and could not tell me what to do.
Lei remained silent.
I had no idea what was going on in his head. He could have been happy I was ending this or feeling embarrassed that I was interrupting Syndicate business.
I didn’t care.
First, Aunt Betty had annoyed me, talking about having a wedding in my garden and bringing a bunch of church friends.
Then, my sisters came through bearing their little grievances and while I got it, I just didn’t have the energy for any more shit.
“Honestly, everyone can go right back to the South.” I placed my hands on my hips. “Violation of Law 480? Like. . .are you all really fucking serious right now?”
Smarty stared at the edges of his book.
Suddenly, Teddy—or I guess Gunner—chose to check that ridiculous gun tattoo on his hand like the damn thing had disappeared.
Banks knew he was in trouble yet tried to stare me off. That lasted for ten seconds when he surely saw the hurt on my face and looked away.
Marcy was the one that shifted his weight and spoke, “Don’t end the cookout. Everyone’s been looking forward to it.”
“Then, be respectful and polite while you’re here.”
Marcy cracked his neck and let out a long breath. “Moni, you have to understand—”
“I love him. I really do. . .”
All went still.
I swallowed. “And if you all really love me , then please, let’s just enjoy the cookout without any more drama. Let’s have some respect.”
This time, all four of the troublemakers shifted their weights and exchanged glances at each other. But it was Smarty who placed his book in his other hand. Back in the day, that would be a signal for them to change their plan.
Now, I wondered if things were still that way.
Banks and Marcy exchanged one more last look at each other then nodded at me.
I eyed them. “So. . .does that mean you all will stop the bullshit?”
Banks wanted to say something but kept that big mouth shut.
Marcy shrugged. “We raised the law. It will need to be discussed but we can put a pause on it for now.”
“Please do.” I scowled. “Don’t make me get Aunt Betty over here to whip your little bad asses.”
Banks rolled his eyes but he stayed silent, knowing I would do just that.
Because in the end, I bet Aunt Betty didn’t care about a Diamond or a Syndicate, when it came to her boys acting up. She didn’t even care that they were grown ass men. She would pop them right on the heads in front of anyone. It could have been the President of the United States.
And next she would go into a long tirade for a good hour on how she had sacrificed too much for them to be acting that way.
Movement came from the front.
I looked that way.
And oddly. . .and too my surprise. . .Dimitri handed the leash to his guest right as the cat was getting ready to charge for those two crows. The change with the leash, dragged the cat back a little which caused a strangled, disappointed sound to leave its furry throat.
I thought Dimitri was about to make some grand statement.
Instead, he dove his hand into his jacket, pulled out a tiny notebook and yellow pen. Then, he just. . .scribbled in it.
O-kay.
No one stopped me, so I kept on, “I am glad you all will put a pause on discussing the law now and I am not in the Diamond Syndicate, but this law is about me. Right, Banks?”
He sighed. “Listen. Lei knew you were my cousin and took you away without your knowing shit. Kidnapped you even. Had you on the mountain and shit, wearing blue like you was his chick. When I gave you men, he injured them.”
“Let it go.” I raised my voice higher than I intended. “All of you. That’s quite enough.”
Dimitri smirked and scribbled some more.
“And I like this garden a lot.” I gestured around at the plants and flowers. “I don’t want a bunch of nonsense and fighting. You all are not going to do what you did to the hotel, to my garden.”
Dimitri looked up from his notebook. “Your garden?”
I swallowed.
Lei stepped forward.
Rowe Street Mob snapped their views to him.
He got next to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. “I agree with Moni. Either we have a cookout and co-exist in peace, or you all leave.”
Banks sucked his teeth. “I bet you second us leaving.”
Lei held a wicked grin. “I sure do.”
At Dimitri’s feet, the cat got back onto its mission, slowly creeping toward the crows.
Meanwhile, those birds, still perched confidently on the helipad, seemed unaware of the danger lurking just a few feet away.
Dimitri wrote something else down and didn’t close the notebook. “Lei, I think this is an amazing opportunity to introduce me to the new Mountain Mistress.”
I tensed.
Marcy spoke, “She’s not the Mountain Mistress yet, not officially.”
Oh, God.
I glanced over at Lei and it was like looking at a tightly coiled spring, ready to snap. His eyes were locked on Marcy, a dark storm brewing just beneath the surface.
It wasn’t lost on me that several moments ago, Lei’s men had been holding him back, keeping him from launching himself at Marcy for that crazy hug he had given me.
How in the world are we going to have a cookout today without someone dying?