Page 152 of Sweet Dominion

Marcelo answered for him. “No.”

“I didn’t think so.” Dima closed his notebook. “In this situation, Lei’s actions, howeverquestionable, do not constitute a clear violation in regard to Law 480.”

The cat purred louder.

“Barbara agrees with me.” He stroked the cat’s fur as if to emphasize the point.

Banks opened his mouth to retort, but Dima held up a hand. “Let me finish. While Law 480 was not violated, it does not mean Lei’s actions were without consequence."

What?

I tensed.

He continued, “The Four Aces did not handle the situation appropriately.”

Chen wiped away the sweat beading on his forehead. After tomorrow, I would have to give my cousin a short vacation. His stress levels were climbing higher and higher each day.

Dima pointed to me. “For that reason, the Four Aces will be penalized.”

I spoke through clenched teeth, “What kind of penalty?”

Dima’s gaze turned cold, letting me know that all patience had left him and if I did push it. . .he was more than willing to risk any rules and shoot all of us.

His position as Syndicate Leader meant that him and his men were the only ones at the meeting with weapons. And I knew for a fact that he had two guns under that open suit jacket of his.

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 asinglepenny. This is a gesture ofgoodwillto mitigate the consequences of the Four Aces’ actions.”

My anger flared. “Iam footing the bill?”

Dima remained impassive. “It ismyjudgement.”

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 atest. 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 tomeas 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.Youwill foot the bill for that and any other damages that involved you all acting on your own.”

Marcelo looked pissed.

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