Sunny Mates and Murders

by Anne R. Tan

The smirk left the henchman’s face, but Cat continued to grin. The Hispanic woman was in head-to-toe tight black leather like she was heading to a bikers’ convention. Totally inappropriate for the dinner party. Raina didn’t even want to know where she hid her gun.

  Dai Lo, it’s time for dinner, the henchman said.

  Kwan Gong asked us to find you, Cat said.

  Sonny stepped in front of Raina, blocking her from the stares. With his broad shoulder as a shield, she straightened out her appearance. A wad of toilet paper peeked out from her bra. Her face burned, and she stuffed it back into her chest. She pulled the rest of her hair out of the chignon and tucked the hair sticks into her purse.

  Rainy, are you ready for dinner? Sonny asked over his shoulder.

  Yes…yes. I’m starving, Raina mumbled.

  The henchmen snickered. I’ll bet you are.

  Cat slapped the man. Crack!

  Raina flinched, and she grabbed Sonny’s hand.

  Have more respect for the Dai Lo’s fiancee. She’s not a fu—

  That’s enough, Sonny snapped. Go. We’ll be there in a minute.

  The henchmen turned toward the main hall, but Cat paused, squinting at the corridor behind them. Is there someone down there?

  Raina kept her gaze fixed on Sonny’s shoulder blade to keep from whipping around to see if Jerry’s legs stuck out from the alcove.

  Sonny glanced casually behind him and turned back to Cat. I’m going down for dinner. You can stay here if you want. He headed toward the main hall, tugging Raina along. The man had nerves of steel.

  She trotted along, swinging her hips like a bimbolina. Sonny wanted a smart girl from a good family to play the role of his fiancée, but this was much easier. Everyone always underestimated a bimbolina.

  Footsteps followed from a discreet distance behind them.

  The area behind Raina’s shoulder blade tingled as if waiting for a knife. The longer she kept up this charade, the further she would be sucked into this violent world. Sonny could have killed his brother to solidify his leadership in the Nine Dragons. But so could she. To everyone else in the ballroom, their future was linked.

  Her heart rate slowed to normal by the time they joined the rest of the party. Several people glanced over at their entrance and returned to their conversations. Sonny nodded at the man by the dinner gong and headed toward the archway leading into the formal dining room.

  Booong!

  The dinner gong rang behind them, and the other guests proceeded toward the dining room. Raina ended up seated between Sonny and Freddie Low, the Dai Lo of the Black Tiger triad who married Sonny’s ex-fiancée. Great.

  He was in his early forties with neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper hair. His bespoke black tuxedo probably cost more than Raina’s rent and his diamond cufflinks were certainly worth more than her annual income. He exuded wealth and power like his family had had it for generations.

  Congratulations on your engagement to Sonny Kwan, Freddie said in Chinese. So what are you bringing into the marriage, Miss Sun?

  Raina pasted a smile on her face and willed her thoughts away from the dead body upstairs. She had to play it cool until someone else discovered the body. Just my fabulous self. He fell in love with my brains.

  Sonny gave her an encouraging look but returned to his conversation with the elderly woman on the other side of him.

  Freddie raised an eyebrow. Undoubtedly. I heard your mother is a Wong. As in Wong International Shipping. This is quite an alliance for Sonny. And your family will be helping with his…business?

  No. They don’t even know I’m engaged.

  The woman next to Freddie leaned in to watch the two of them. Myling Low was in her late twenties and lovely—a mix of Filipino and Chinese descent—with a natural tan that Raina envied. Her hair, a thick black mane, was loose over her bare shoulders, and her full lips quirked in a knowing smile.

  Nope, Sonny’s ex wasn’t even remotely jealous.

  When Freddie turned away to whisper something to Myling, Raina let out a sigh of relief. The area between her shoulder blades ached from the tension. Any minute now, someone would burst into the dining room and point a finger at her.

  Across from her, the empty seat next to Lily Kwan drew Raina’s eyes like a beacon. Lily didn’t seem concerned her husband wasn’t at the table. Did Jerry blame his wife for the loss of the Dai Lo position to his younger brother? Why was her barrenness an issue? In the old days, it would signify Jerry’s weakness, but this was the twenty-first century.

  Yes, but their grandfather grew up in a remote village in China, said a small voice in Raina’s mind.

  From the corner of her eye, Raina peeked at Kwan Gong, the patriarch of the Kwan family, sitting at the head of the table. Gong was the formal title for maternal grandfather and also a term of respect for an elderly man. No one at the table would dare call him anything else.

  He was a few years younger than her grandma, but he didn’t have her vigor. Slightly stooped with a wan face, he could be recovering from a recent illness. Raina would have put him in bed instead of letting him hold court.

  Kwan Gong frowned at the archway as if waiting for someone to appear. He didn’t even know his eldest grandson was dead in the hallway upstairs.

  Footsteps pounded outside the archway, the noise of a conversation, and a servant rushed into the dining room. He whispered into Kwan Gong’s ear.

  Raina’s stomach fluttered. This was it. A ring of men would surround her any minute now to prevent her escape. Her breath became shallow, and she had to force herself to breathe normally.

  Everyone continued eating and drinking, but Sonny watched his grandfather from the corner of his eye. Kwan Gong said something to the servant, and the servant disappeared from the room.

  Sonny squeezed her thigh underneath the table. He whispered into her ear, Relax.

  Raina folded her hands on her lap like a naughty child waiting for her punishment. Freddie glanced at her in puzzlement but returned to the conversation with his wife.

  The same servant appeared in the archway again. A hand holding a pimp cane with a golden horse statuette pushed him aside. And Po Po stepped into view in a metallic-magenta ball gown with cone-shaped breasts and linebacker shoulder pads. Her silver hair was held back by a scrunchie and hair sticks. It looked like Raina’s lifeline had transformed into an anchor.

  4

  The Party Pooper

  Po Po swaggered over to Kwan Gong, and he got up to kiss her hand. They chatted while the servant pulled a chair up to the table. Several people stood while the servant made room for the extra place setting.

  Raina gave herself a mental head slap. Of course, her grandma would have known Kwan Gong. Her husband had saved his life and later helped him immigrate to the United States. How come her grandma didn’t use her connection to get her husband’s journal back? Sometimes Raina hated the secretive nature of Chinese families for hiding dirty laundry.

  Po Po sat in the chair the servant held out to her. When she turned to hook her cane on the back of the chair, the man next to her jerked back. The linebacker shoulder pads missed his eyes by a mere inch.

  What’s up with the dress? Sonny asked. It looks like a bad prom dress.

  Raina ignored his comment, and he resumed his conversation with the elderly woman next to him.

  Conversations resumed and food platters sailed out at regular intervals from the kitchen. The crystal flutes winked in the dim lighting. Silver forks scraped against the fine china. If Raina squinted, she could forget about the dead body upstairs.

  She glanced at the empty spot next to Lily. Wasn’t anyone concerned Jerry was MIA?

  The man sitting next to Po Po burst into a full belly laugh. Her grandma said something Raina couldn’t hear, but if she had to guess, it would be do too like a kindergartener wanting to prove herself on the playground.

  Po Po grabbed her cane, and her fingers hovered dangerously over the balls of the horse statuette. If her grandma pressed the tri
gger, a spray of skunk oil would drench her dinner companion.

  Raina tapped Sonny’s hand to get his attention. Why don’t you toast your grandfather’s health, honey?

  Sonny gave her a quizzical look but stood, using his fork to tap on his wineglass.

  Tink. Tink. Tink.

  Conversation ceased. Po Po glanced over like everyone else.

  Raina took a deep breath. Disaster averted.

  I want to toast— Sonny’s voice trailed off as the commotion outside echoed into the dining room. He glanced at the archway.

  Raina followed his gaze. An ashen servant rushed in, wringing his hands. Oh, no…

  Sonny set his glass on the table and strolled over to the servant.

  Mr. Kwan…Mr. Kwan is dead, the servant babbled to Sonny.

  The room became eerily silent.

  Sonny grabbed the servant’s arm and hauled him out of the room. Cat got up to follow them.

  Freddie whispered to Myling, I would beat him before firing him. What an unlucky thing to say.

  The room grew stuffy. The guests looked at each other with wide eyes, and the whispering began.

  Raina rose, tapping on her glass. Let me finish what Sonny was about to say, she said in Chinese. Kwan Gong, may you live for another hundred years. And may it be filled with your family gathered under one roof. She fell back to the traditional blessings.

  Kwan Gong’s scowl melted. And may you give me great-grandsons, dear girl. He chuckled and broke the tension in the room.

  Raina dropped to her chair, her face hot. No, no…this was meant to be a weekend gig.

  They were in the middle of eating the birthday cake when Cat came back. She whispered something to Kwan Gong, and the two of them left the room. This was no way to celebrate a seventieth birthday party.

  As the only remaining family member, Lily led the guests into the ballroom where a band played a lively jazz tune. The guests drifted into small groups, and a few couples danced.

  When Po Po led her dinner partner toward the dance floor, Raina snagged her grandma’s arm. We need to talk.

  What? Po Po asked, forcing a smile onto her face. I’m busy, and I don’t have time for a lecture.

  Her dinner partner glanced away to give them the facade of privacy.

  Raina waved him off. Her dance card is full for the evening. She dragged her grandma to a quieter part of the room. What are you doing here? Didn’t we agree for you to wait by the phone?

  And miss all this? Po Po waved at the dancing couples and the buffet of desserts and drinks. No, it’s not fair you get to have all the fun.

  Raina stared at her grandma in disbelief. I wouldn’t call having a dead body on your lap fun. She filled her grandma in on Jerry’s death. His supporters would have a field day with me if they knew what happened. I’m not sure if Sonny could protect me when push comes to shove.

  As Po Po listened to Raina’s tale, her eyes grew wider. You’re kidding me, right? Couldn’t you jump out of the way?

  It was the strangest thing. One second the hall was empty, and the next he was on my lap. He appeared out of nowhere.

  Maybe he stumbled out of a secret chamber, Po Po said.

  The mansion was old enough to have hidden servant halls. Are you thinking Nancy Drew or Harry Potter?

  Her grandma’s eyes gleamed. Does it matter? We’re hot on the trail of another murder. It’s so much fun having you around.

  Raina shook her head Oh, no. We’re here for the journal. I get through the police interview, and I’ve done my part of the bargain.

  We have to help my old friend, Kwan Gong.

  Old friend? A few months ago you didn’t even recall his name.

  Po Po waved dismissively. Small details. What matters now is that we’re here to help.

  You’re just bored.

  You would be bored too if you had to sit in the rental all day long. There’s only so many times I can walk around the block.

  I told you not to come to Toronto with me.

  Her grandmother ignored the comment. How did Jerry die?

  Raina shivered at the memory of the swollen face. I think he was poisoned. I didn’t see any wounds. And his face was… I don’t understand why Sonny left his brother in the hall though. You would think he’d call for an ambulance.

  Was Jerry already dead when he got there?

  Yes.

  Sonny probably didn’t want to be found next to his brother’s body. With things the way they are, he had the most to gain from his brother’s death.

  Raina nodded. And as his fiancée, so do I.

  Cat appeared at the entrance of the ballroom, her eyes scanning the guests. Her eyes locked in on Raina, and she crooked a finger.

  Raina took a deep breath to steady herself. It looks like the jig is up.

  * * *

  As they approached the library, Raina heard Kwan Gong’s raspy voice before she saw him.

  This is all your fault, Sonny, Kwan Gong said. If you had let your brother continue as the figurehead for the Nine Dragons, he wouldn’t be dead. His voice broke in the end.

  We both know he’s too weak to do what needs to be done. You think I want to be Dai Lo? When I already have a taste for freedom? Sonny’s voice sounded bitter. I’m not repeating my father’s mistakes.

  If I’d known you would turn out like this, I would have drowned you in the toilet.

  Raina gasped. Ouch!

  Po Po leaned over to whisper in Raina’s ear. I’ve said worse to my boys.

  Cat stepped aside, and Raina got a good look at the library for the first time. Kwan Gong and Sonny scowled at each other across a mahogany desk. Even with the differences in their age, she could see the family resemblance in their profiles—the same full lips and sharp nose.

  However, Kwan Gong’s pale face highlighted his wrinkles and sunspots, while Sonny’s more youthful face blazed with a quiet power that threatened violence even in this domestic setting. They glanced over when Raina and Po Po stepped into the room.

  Raina’s smile wobbled. She didn’t want to get involved in someone else’s family drama. Hers was bad enough. She glanced around the traditional library. Dark wooden shelves and new leather-covered books. The two reading

  chairs were grouped in front of the fireplace. It didn’t look as if they were planning to interrogate her. Maybe she could leave with her grandma in one piece.

  Ah, here’s your beautiful fiancée, Kwan Gong said, attempting to smile, or at least the loose skin under his jaw wobbled. And her lovely grandma. How was your dinner, Bonnie?

  Po Po sniffed. The chicken was too dry.

  This time Kwan Gong’s lips curled into a real smile. Looks like you still have the knack for showing up at the perfect time. Getting engaged to your granddaughter seems to be the only thing Sonny got right.

  Is something wrong? Po Po asked as if Raina hadn’t briefed her on the situation in the ballroom.

  My eldest grandson… Kwan Gong paused and swallowed. Died. The lazy lout died on my birthday.

  I’m sorry, Po Po said, lowering her voice until it was almost a whisper. Is there anything we can do to help?

  Kwan Gong nodded, accepting the words stiffly. There’s no time to grieve. We need damage control. I don’t want the police questioning the triad elders and Freddie Low.

  I don’t see how it can be avoided, Raina said. The police will question everyone when they get here.

  Sonny glanced at his grandfather from the corner of his eye.

  Raina’s lips tightened. They didn’t call the police yet? Did you at least cover him with a sheet? As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted her tone.

  Yes, we did, Sonny said, giving her a significant look. I’m surprised he didn’t just fall on someone’s lap.

  Raina averted her gaze. Right, this was the first time she heard of Jerry’s death. She should let them figure out how to handle this, and she had a feeling he was protecting her from the internal politics.

  Kwan Gong narrowed his eye
s at her. Did I miss something?

  The mood in the room dropped further into the arctic zone. Sonny stiffened, but he kept silent. Cat's hand drifted to her shoulder harness while her eyes watched Raina like she was a dangerous animal.

  Raina’s stomach did a backflip. What if Kwan Gong thought she had something to do with Jerry’s death? There’s no rat here, she addressed the henchwoman, trying to buy herself time.

  Cat flushed. Her hand drifted back to her side, but her stony expression was anything but relaxed.

  Raina glanced at Kwan Gong. In the States, we call the police when there’s a death. Isn’t it the same here? Or do you have to call a doctor? She widened her eyes in pretend shock as if she had a sudden thought. Do you suspect foul play?

  Po Po gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. You mean we had dinner with a murderer? Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she would have fallen if Cat hadn’t caught her.

  The henchwoman lowered Po Po to the ground and checked her pulse. It’s steady. The news must have shocked the old bird.

  Raina suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. What a drama queen. She glanced at the concerned faces. At least her grandma broke the tension in the room.

  Don’t let her lie on the ground. Get her on the sofa, Kwan Gong said, pointing to the sofa under the window.

  Cat scooped the tiny grandma up and carried her over. Kwan Gong directed the henchwoman on how to make Po Po more comfortable.

  Whoever killed my brother is dancing downstairs and sipping my champagne, Sonny whispered into Raina’s ear.

  The thought has crossed my mind, Raina said. We’ll leave you to figure things out then. It looks like my grandma is waking up.

  Po Po pressed the back of her hand to her forehead, moaning. What…what happened?

  Kwan Gong spoke quietly to her grandma.

  Sonny turned away from the theatrics at the sofa. I need you to talk to the women downstairs. See if they noticed anything before Jerry’s death. They’ll clam up if Cat or I do it. I don’t know if Lily will be up to the task once she finds out her husband is dead.

  She doesn’t know? Raina asked.

  You see her here?