Page 161 of Sweet Dominion

“Marcelo has changed since you’ve known him.”

“But I’m not wrong?”

“Not yet.”

“Banks could care less about laws and regulations. I bet he didn’t even know what Law 480 was untilyoutold him this week.”

Smiling, Einstein grabbed another book, opened it, and gazed at the pages. “Banks and Marcelo think you’re out of your element in the East, but I think they’re wrong and you just proved that right now.”

I placed my hands on my hips. “Why did you tell Marcelo and Banks to get Dima involved and bring up Law 480 today? Because I know no one else would have done that but you.”

Einstein kept his gaze on the book. “I wanted to see what would happen.”

“I need abetteranswer.”

“I would like to take this book.” He held it up. “Fahrenheit 451. I read it as a kid, but I bet it will make more sense now that I’m an adult.”

“Take it.” I tilted my head to the side. “Do you have any particular expectations for this whole Law 480 meeting?”

“And that’s the other reason why you wanted me to go on this tour. You knew that without me sitting next to Marcelo, Rowe Street Mob would have less capability to argue Lei violating the law.”

“I was surprised you came.”

“Our bringing up the law was a chess move for insight, not a path to destroy the East. Therefore, I didn’t care what the outcome was. I just wanted Lei to understand that the South will answer, if you ever call to have our support.”

I thought back to Lei taking Chanel’s body and wearing green while he did it. “And you wanted Lei to stop fucking with the South.”

“That too. He sees us as babies in the Syndicates.”

“What could happen to Lei if Dima finds him in violation.”

“The highest penalty is death, but Lei has done nothing to demand an execution.”

I shivered.

“Other penalties will deal with loss of territory, money, etc.” Einstein held on to the one book and began checking out the shelf again like he was in the library. “But the true test was wondering if Dima would really deal with Lei.”

“Why?”

“As I said before, Rowe Street Mob’s position in the Diamond Syndicate is very new and at times shaky.”

I considered that. “You don’t trust the Syndicate?”

“I’m just weighing our options.”

“I need you to not make any power plays when Lei and I are concerned.”

He pulled off a book and checked out the title. “And who is asking?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Is the Mountain Mistress asking me for thisfavor? Or is it Moni asking because we’re family?”

“It’s not a favor, Einstein. It’s a respectful request.”

He looked up at me. “A request?”

“From family.”

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