Sunny Mates and Murders

by Anne R. Tan

  You’ll need to shift to the right. The shoulder pads are in the way. Where did you get this dress?

  It’s your sister’s prom dress. I packed it just in case I needed something fancy.

  Raina burst out laughing. Not only did the shoulder pads look like football padding, but the full skirt had enough ruffles to make her grandma walk sideways through a door. So this was the height of fashion when her big sister was in her teens. This was real prime. Cassie always looked so chic and put together.

  A shuffling noise broke Raina’s laughter. She rubbed her ankle as if she had twisted it when the heel broke off. With her head down, she peered at Lily coming out of the ballroom with a slight frown on her face. Either Lily hadn’t chatted with Kwan Gong or she didn’t care her husband died.

  But if Mis was Lily, why didn’t Jerry program his wife’s name in his phone? Raina had assumed the phone number belonged to a mistress or someone even more unsavory.

  Wait! Someone else was coming out.

  Myling strode out of the ballroom. Her eyes shifted from Lily to Raina and her grandma on the bench. Half a second later, her husband joined her. Freddie whispered something into Myling’s ear, and she giggled before playfully swatting him on the chest.

  Footsteps approached from the foyer. And within seconds, Cat appeared, holding four bottles of wine. She paused, glancing at the small crowd, and marched inside the ballroom.

  Let’s resend the text message again and see which one of them reaches for a cell phone, Po Po whispered.

  Too risky, Raina said. I should probably have a chat with these women like I promised Sonny.

  Lily pulled out a cell phone from her purse. She tapped on the screen and held the phone against her ear.

  Raina’s eyes widened. What if—

  Her purse vibrated and buzzed.

  Oh, no!

  Raina grabbed her purse and met her grandma’s wide eyes. She shook her head. Her grandma’s solution to an awkward situation would be deadly in a windowless space. She reached for the cane, but her grandma’s fingers were faster, jerking at the trigger on the horse statuette.

  The lower jaw on the horse slid open and a squirt of pale yellow liquid arched through the air. The liquid splattered onto the Oriental rug in front of them. An oily rancid funk blossomed around them.

  Raina gagged and tried breathing through her mouth, but the skunk oil filled her sinuses until she was blinking back the tears in her eyes. She grabbed her broken shoe and hobbled away from her grandma.

  Lily’s head swiveled up from her cell phone. Her beautiful face contorted into a thin-lipped grimace and flared

  nostrils.

  Sorry, Po Po said, pretending to be sheepish. Her eyes glittered with amusement. It was the shark fin soup. If I’d known the cook used real shark fin instead of imitation, I wouldn’t have tried it. The wasteful practice of cutting one part of an animal for soup just doesn’t sit well with my stomach.

  Lily wrinkled her nose and stalked back inside the ballroom, offended with Po Po’s judgment on her menu. Myling and Freddie glided toward the foyer, avoiding eye contact like they didn’t want to embarrass Po Po.

  Raina took off her other shoe and padded barefoot after Lily. The skunk oil was quick thinking on her grandma’s part, but this incident might end the party before the police got here.

  Po Po followed her with a wide grin on her face. Who’s still got the superpower to clear a room faster than a speeding bullet?

  I’m surprised you’re not throwing up from the smell, Raina said.

  I’m immune to the smell, Po Po said. Lost it after the first explosion in the kitchen.

  I think you ruined the rug.

  Collateral damage. It’s to be expected in an investigation.

  Raina made her way toward the opened French doors on the opposite wall of the ballroom entrance. She had lost her grandma along the way, but she wasn’t worried. As the warm breeze lifted tendrils of her hair, she glanced around.

  Cat and Lily discussed heavy business next to the punch bowl. Cat uncorked the wine while Lily ladled the punch into cups. There was something going on between the two of them, but Raina doubted it was an affair. Even though Cat was second-in-command after Sonny in the organization, it would be an unforgivable act to dally with Jerry’s wife. Heck, by the way they were scowling at each other, they probably weren’t even friends.

  Raina made her way to the punch table, still carrying her shoes in her hands.

  Cat took one look at Raina and strolled off without another word. Lily glared after the henchwoman, looking as if she didn’t like how the conversation ended.

  Raina sidled up to Lily and said, So what time do these parties usually end? I hope it’s not an all-nighter. I don’t have the stamina to party like that anymore.

  Even though she was barely over five feet, Lily somehow stared down at Raina. The thin eyebrows thickened by makeup were running from the stifling heat in the room. A chink in the armor? Time to turn up the heat even more.

  Lily returned to filling the cups. You better get used to it.

  How do you like being married into the family?

  I’m married to the hired help.

  I’m not sure what you mean. Jerry is the eldest son.

  Lily cut her eyes back at Raina. Why are you rubbing salt into the wound?

  Raina blinked, not sure about what to say. She could sense animosity rolling off the woman, but she didn’t know if it had to do with her sad marriage, Jerry’s death, or Raina’s engagement to Sonny. I’m sorry. If you’re so unhappy, couldn’t Jerry get another...job?

  Once you’re in the triad, you’re in for life. Just like you’ll be trapped once you say ‘I do.’ Lily paused, considering her words. Actually it might be too late for you already.

  Raina shivered, gooseflesh rising on her arms, her mouth dry as she thought of Jerry lying upstairs while everyone continued to party down here. Did you talk to Kwan Gong?

  Lily shook her head. I can’t find him. And I have no idea where Jerry is. It’s just like him to disappear. He’s the one who wanted this stupid party.

  The noise level at the entrance of the ballroom grew louder. People shuffled out of the way. The lights snapped on, and the music drew to a halt. The police had arrived.

  * * *

  The police separated the family members from the other guests in the ballroom. The crowd hummed with speculation thicker than the flies on rancid meat. A man claimed there was a burglary, but the woman next to him claimed there was a bomb threat.

  After a police officer took down Raina’s name and her relationship with the family, he told her to go to the library to await further questioning. She padded barefoot out of the ballroom, passing half a dozen police officers

  on the way. There were probably plenty more upstairs.

  Another officer stood guard by the doorway of the library. Lily cried at one corner of the sofa while Kwan Gong looked on at the other. When Raina sat down next to Lily, the officer gestured for them to separate. Raina headed toward one of the reading chairs by the fireplace. Since Po Po wasn’t in the room, Raina assumed her grandmother wasn’t considered part of the family.

  Raina closed her eyes and slouched on the chair. It was close to midnight, and from her previous experience with giving statements, it would be a few more hours yet before she could go to bed. She must have drifted off because the next thing she knew Sonny was draping his tuxedo jacket over her.

  She blinked sleepily. Is it my turn yet? Have you seen my grandmother?

  Sorry, but the police will interview the family last. They want to get through the guests first so they can go home.

  Raina reached to pull the jacket closer, jiggling her purse. She frowned. Why did it feel lighter? I’m surprised you’re allowed to talk to me. Aren’t they afraid we will corroborate our stories?

  She opened her purse underneath the jacket and brushed her fingers around it—lipstick, hair sticks, wallet, and her broken phone. Someone had removed Jerry�
��s cell phone.

  Sonny tipped his chin at the officer watching them. I told them you were cold. Don’t worry, everything is under control. You’ll be fine if you tell them the truth. It’s not like you found the body. He gave her a significant look, waiting until she tipped her chin at him to show her understanding of the situation.

  He shifted the other reading chair so he could see the police officer without turning his head. He flopped down on the chair and closed his eyes.

  She studied him for a few seconds longer, but he ignored her. To all outward appearance, he looked as if he’d fallen asleep, but he didn’t fool her. Given the family business, there was no way he could relax with the police crawling around his home.

  He must have removed Jerry’s cell phone when he draped the jacket over her. Why did he want her to lie to the police? Was it to protect her or to protect himself? Forensics would determine Jerry’s time of death, so even if she fudged the truth, it wouldn’t throw off the case. Should she go along with his plans?

  Sonny cracked open an eyelid. Relax. I can hear your brain cranking even from here.

  Easy for you to say. You know which side of the law you’re on, Raina said, glancing at the police officer that appeared to be holding a conversation with someone in the hallway. Did you kill Jerry?

  Always going straight to the point. I could fall in love with a woman like you.

  Sorry, I’m already in love with another man. As soon as the words left her mouth, Raina wondered why she said it. It was none of his business, and she wasn’t sure if it still counted after she rejected Matthew’s proposal.

  You say it with such conviction. His tone was dismissive.

  Right. Like you’re over Myling, Raina thought. There was no point in pushing a hot button at a time like this. It must be convenient now that your brother is dead.

  Convenient, yes, but not something I wanted. There are differing factions within the Nine Dragons, but we agreed only I have the strength to do what must be done.

  You didn’t answer my question.

  I have nothing to do with my brother’s death, but the triad elders would love to pin it on me.

  I don’t understand. The elders are opposed to your leadership…why?

  They’re afraid of change. There’s no need to bloody our hands to make money anymore. No one knows how many millions are siphoned from the US economy each year with just a few clicks of the mouse. It’s much easier to commit a ‘white-collar crime,’ and with the right lawyer, the penalties are nothing compared to our bread-and-butter—drugs and firearms distribution.

  Ah, I see. And she did. He was still a criminal, but a smart one. Jerry is the eldest. Couldn’t he transform the Nine Dragons to a white-collar criminal organization?

  He wasn’t strong enough to stand up to the elders. And since he liked to sample the wares, you couldn’t trust his judgment. He abdicated the leadership position when my grandfather had to take ‘an early retirement.’

  Raina gave him a sideways glance. Early retirement? Or an internal coup to knock his grandfather off his position? She wasn’t surprised Jerry was a drug addict. Do you have Kwan Gong’s support?

  Sonny shook his head. He’s the ringleader for the elders.

  I thought he retired.

  I might have the official leadership, but my grandfather still holds sway over many members of the organization. He got his power through the old-fashioned way. I’m not opposed to violence, but not as a first resort. I prefer to keep the blood off my designer clothes. He gave her a half smile, flashing the silver scar on the side of his face. I’m a bit of a prima donna.

  Raina snorted. An attractive criminal with a sense of humor. How do I know you still have my grandfather’s journal? The information in there threatens your precarious position as Dai Lo.

  I’ve already gotten rid of the sections that mentioned my grandfather. It’s sweet you’re worried about me, Rainy. His voice became a purr.

  She tilted her head, giving him her best wide-eyed blink. I can’t seem to wrap my head around why my grandfather had a secret family. I know he loved my grandmother. You can’t fake love for fifty years.

  Sonny wagged his index finger at her. Na-ah-ah. Not until you help me out with the women in this investigation. Did you talk to Lily or Myling?

  Raina shook her head. Not until you can prove I’ll get the journal back at the end of the investigation. You won’t fool me again.

  He shrugged casually. You need to have faith that I have your best interest at heart.

  By lying to the police?

  By keeping Jerry’s supporters away from you. You might be my fiancée, but Jerry’s father-in-law is the biggest drug lord in Thailand. His reach is long.

  I thought Jerry and Lily had a horrible marriage. Why would the father-in-law care?

  Saving face is more important than his daughter’s happiness. Why do you think Lily stayed in the marriage? Her father would drag her back. Even though he never liked Jerry, no one murders his son-in-law.

  Raina thought about Lily and Cat meeting in the storage room. Was the affair Lily’s chance for happiness in this depressing house? For all Raina knew, they could be discussing the wine. What’s the name of the wine with the hint of strawberries in the foyer? I liked it.

  Sonny gave her a puzzled look. Strawberries are forbidden in this house. Jerry is deathly allergic to them.

  Raina gasped, her eyes widening in shock. What if the killer added strawberry juice to the wine? It was certainly easier to transport than poison. Does your brother have an EpiPen?

  Yes, he carried it with him everywhere.

  You searched his pockets. Did you find one on him?

  Sonny stiffened in understanding. His expression gave nothing away, but the eyes darkened with murderous intent.

  Raina shivered. What would he do if he found the killer before the police did?

  Excuse me, miss. The detective wishes to speak with you, the police officer called out from the doorway. He’s in the dining room.

  As Raina dragged herself toward the doorway, her mind whirled. Where was Jerry’s EpiPen? Did the killer take it? And how much should she tell the detective?

  7

  The Broken Wine Glass

  As Raina headed toward the dining room, the commotion at the entryway caught her attention. She spun around and peered at all the comings and goings. Uniformed officials were everywhere and moving freely around the mansion. This couldn’t be good for Nine Dragons business.

  She stuck her head inside the ballroom. The servants and musicians were cleaning up. The untouched birthday cake stood in the corner of the buffet table like a forgotten wallflower. The guests were probably on their way home or asleep in one of the mansion’s many guest rooms. The head housekeeper seemed to run this house with the efficiency of a drill sergeant.

  The detective stood when she came in the dining room. He was close to six feet, a little on the heavier side with gray-blue eyes and iron-gray hair. He was probably her mother’s age and liked to spend time outdoors—without sunblock. His dark tan camouflaged his age spots, but there was no hiding the network of deep crow’s feet around his eyes. If she squinted, he looked like a cousin of Paul Newman. She could see her grandma fanning herself around this man.

  He gestured for Raina to take a seat next to him rather than across the dining room table. So he wanted to pretend they were having a cozy chat—at two in the morning. I am Detective David Bibb. And you are—he glanced at the notebook in front of him—Raina Sun, Sonny Kwan’s fiancée? At her nod, he continued, Is this your first visit to the Kwan family home?

  Yes.

  How long have you known the family?

  I’ve only known Sonny since the beginning of the year, Raina said.

  Detective Bibb nodded. He probably already knew the answers to most of his questions. Tell me what happened tonight.

  Raina hesitated. Which version of the evening should she tell him? If he found out she lied later on, would it be considered p
erjury? We were in the middle of dinner when a servant came in and made a shocking comment. She described the dinner scene, the impromptu meeting in the library with the male members of the Kwan family, and what happened downstairs in the kitchen.

  Are you saying Lily Kwan and Cat Hernandez are having an affair?

  I don’t know.

  But what is your impression?

  There’s a connection, but I don’t make judgments this early in an investigation.

  Detective Bibb raised an eyebrow, his pen pausing over his notepad. Your grandma told me you’re a private investigator in training.

  Raina grimaced inwardly. Great. Next he would tell her to butt out of his case.

  I could use your help. You have an ‘in’ with the Kwan family, Detective Bibb said, nodding to himself. This would be strictly confidential. You can’t tell your grandma though. She doesn’t look like the type who can keep a secret.

  Raina perked up. Seriously? You want my help?

  Detective Bibb’s hand slapped the table. No! I don’t need another witness telling me how to do my job.

  Raina jumped at the noise. He fooled her for a second. What happened in the interview with her grandma? You’re the professional here. Her voice came out squeaker than normal. What else do you want to know?

  He scowled as if he was waiting for an argument. I can detain you for withholding information from the police. His tone was brisk. No more Mr. Nice Cop. There’s more to this story than what you told me.

  Raina hadn’t planned on withholding information, but she no longer trusted him. What if he mentioned her name to the wrong person in the triad? It could start a chain reaction ending with her at the bottom of a lake. Unfortunately, Sonny was right. Her position as his fiancée was too precarious. And even if she were to take the risk, she would never gamble with her grandma’s safety.

  Why don’t we start at the beginning? Detective Bibb said. What did you do on your arrival?

  Raina told him about the exchange where Jerry Kwan called her a high-class hooker, the meet and greet, Sonny’s reaction to the clock, and how Cat caught Raina and Sonny making out. All of which were technically true.