Jonathan disrupted my thoughts. “So, you’ll still be around the Diamond Syndicate but you won’t tell me anything?”
“I have no reason to be around them anymore. I’ve found a new story that I’m thinking about exploring in Paradise.”
“What?”
“Did you know about all the atrocities that occurred in the West? Mainly, Dream Lake and how a prosperous black town was flooded.”
Jonathan stirred uncomfortably. “That is a rough part of Paradise history that is at the bottom of that same lake. We no longer discuss things like that in this city.”
“But, it’s barely been discussed. In my research of Chanel’s family, I found that they had to re-purchase land that they already owned. Other families too—”
“Yes, but they have their land now.”
“Meanwhile, it looks like there is some new part of Caviar Lime highway that the city wants to build and it goes straight through the West.”
“New lanes and exists are required. Plus, the direction allows for the best scenic route.”
“Basically, it lets people see Dream Lake when they drive by.”
“That’s a big deal.”
“You’re about to disrupt the West again and push people out of their homes.”
“These people that you’re talking about are the Killer Crows an organized crime unit—”
“I just find it interesting that in all of Paradise’s history, the West keeps getting messed with. Why not extend the highway in the North? From my research, that’s the highest trafficked area. Apparently, more cars drive up to the North than in any direction in the entire city.”
“That’s the power of Dimitri’s brothels.” Jonathan pointed at me. “Something that you should focus on.”
“My focus is on the West now.”
The line of his jaw twitched. “I recommend that you turn your interest to anywhere but there.”
I peered at him. “Why?”
“There’s a lot of powerful people who hope to buy up land out there during this. . .highway extension.”
“Because?”
Jonathan wagged his finger at me. “You’re not going to get any more information from me, if I can’t get any from you.”
“Rich people buy up land when they have plans to put something big there.”
Jonathan stared at me.
“Another stadium? Amusement Park? What is it? Why are you going to take away land from the West?”
“This is very dangerous territory. I suggest you change your interests to something else. Before you piss top people off.”
“Top people like who?”
Jonathan sipped his beer.
Powerful people. What’s really going on in the background of Paradise?
Learning about Chanel’s family and all that they’d done in the West made me realize how easy my life had been.
Who was I to judge her family or others of the Diamond Syndicate?
My parents never struggled. While wealthy black families still dealt with discrimination and racism, they had privileges others didn’t. And my family members from older generations were several shades lighter to me, which meant that special doors had been opened to them while closed to people of darker shades similar to mine.
“What’s going on in the West is wrong.”
Jonathan took another sip of his beer. “Do not see the Killer Crows as weak people. They’re criminals, more willing to steal and kill for money than work for it.”
“Their ancestors did work for it many times and it was taken from them based on false allegations and the city flooding—”
“That was the past.”
“Still, no one should judge them harshly.”
How could I judge them?
No one ever took my families’ land.
In fact, they were the ones who took land.
Plus, no wealthy family could say there wasn’t blood on their hands.
My head went on and on with all types of thoughts. I dissected myself, my family, my life choices, and all the help that my family’s money had given me. Even with using my mother’s maiden name, I had it easier than Chanel.
I’d even thought of the bodies scattered in the hallway of the church and how many of those men and women who worked for Dimitri, did so to put food on their families’ tables.
Jonathan cleared his throat. “Let’s just discuss something else.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Are you ready to order?”
I looked down at my menu. “Yes. I’ll have the Caviar Lime Salmon. I’ve been hearing about these freaking limes since I moved down here. I might as well try them now.”
“What about the sandwich you had?”
“I gave it to my kitten and threw the rest away.”
“Did she enjoy it?”
“She loved every bit.”
The waiter came to our table holding a golden bottle that sat in a large gold bucket of ice. He held two glasses in his other hand. Smiling, he set both down on the table.
Jonathan eyed him. “What’s all of this?”
“Armand De Brignac Brut Gold.” The waiter lifted it out of the bucket. “Many consider it the Ace of Spades to—”
“I know what it is.” Jonathan held his hand in front of him. “What I’m saying is that I did not order this.”
“Yes, sir.” The waiter gave him a sad smile. “Mr. Ivanov thought that the lady would love a nice glass of—”