“And the Diamond Syndicate is power?”
“They own politicians, judges, entire police departments. When I need something done in the States, I typically go to them. For example," Kenji looked up at me. “Their people are in Riker’s Island watching your father for me.”
“Oh.” I widened my eyes. “So you trust them?”
“I do. . .as much as trust goes in our world.”
“Okay.” I spotted Mexico.
It had a jaguar piece in the center—vibrant, painted in colors that reminded me of Day of the Dead celebrations. There were tons of small pieces representing so many other countries.
But it was Europe that made my breath catch.
Damn.
The Lion piece in Russia was enormous—easily three times the size of the Dragon, Fox, and even the Diamond in the States. This piece was carved from what looked like real bone and then painted gold.
Kenji noticed me staring in that direction. "Kazimir Solonik. The Lion. He controls Russia and half of Europe. He has some territory in other continents too, especially South America and Africa.”
“Asia?”
“Not as much as he would like, but yes. He's the biggest player on this board. Even my father fears him."
I thought about Kenji’s trip to Paris and looked in that direction. "And France?"
There, a medium-sized piece stood—a butcher knife standing upright. Its blade gleamed.
"Jean-Pierre Laurent. The Butcher." Kenji's hand hovered over the piece. "He controls France's underworld. Weapons manufacturing. Black market arms. Assassinations for hire."
I looked at all the pieces—the way they were positioned and the territories they claimed. "So. . .the size of the pieces matter?"
"Exactly. Bigger piece, more power. More control. Medium sized and it says we should keep watch of what they’re doing. Small and. . .they’re not too important at this time."
“So you must change the pieces and the board a lot?”
“Yes. We have five people that monitor the situation and change when necessary. They let Reo know of the changes and he reports what is significant back to me.”
“Efficient.”
“Indeed.” Kenji smiled and leaned over the board. "Now let me show you what I've done."
“Okay.”
His finger moved to France, touching the butcher knife piece. "My father helped the Butcher rise to power years ago. They're close friends."
My stomach tightened. "You were just in Paris."
"I was." His voice went cold. "I asked the Butcher for weapons. Guns, ammunition, bombs."
"To use against your own father?"
"Yes." No hesitation. No shame. "Of course. . .the Butcher had no idea I planned to turnhisweapons onhisfriend."
I stared at the board, at the Fox piece in Japan and then at the Butcher’s piece in France. "So. . .after this news hitting the world. . .the Butcher is probably furious right now."
"I’m certain of it, but he’s very smart too. Jean-Pierre knows the bombs that went off in Tokyo are his, but he doesn’t know why I chose him to be an accomplice. I’m sure he’ll ponder that for a while.” Kenji frowned as if he didn’t want the Butcher to think about that for too long.
“Okay.” My mind started twisting with this move. “I’m sorry if I’m a bit slow—”
