Page 103 of No Greater Oblivion

“So it’s true then? Li is trying to set Rian up?”

“It’s more than that.” Morales moves away from the window and joins us in the parlor. “Seems like he’s been planning to turn on O’Neil for years.”

“But…why?”

“Resentment. Jealousy. Greed.” Morales lists motives like he’s reciting ingredients from a recipe. “O’Neil is ridiculously wealthy and as Huang’s main investor, technically in control of the majority of Huang’s capital. When the DEA was closing in on him, he figured Narvaez would be an easy scapegoat but must have thought better of it when he realized O’Neil’s family branch in Barcelona relies on the Narvaezes for support. The O’Neils lose their business in Barcelona, they lose a substantial portion of their wealth which would endanger Huang’s financial stability. His problem was solved when O’Neil swooped in and bought the shipping company but Huang resented his friend having that much power over his finances.

“All those documents, emails, bank statements, audio transcripts from phone calls, everything in there proves Huang was planning this all along. He always intended on O’Neil taking the fall for his narcotics ring if he ever got caught, and with enough incriminating evidence, O’Neil would get put away for life and Huang would swoop in; taking control of their businesses and all of O’Neil’s money just like he always wanted.”

“Does Rian know?” Alejandro asks. He holds up one of the folders. “These are photocopies. Not originals.”

Morales’s gaze drops to the carpet and he pauses before giving a curt nod. “I stopped by his place first.”

I bolt upright in my seat. “How did he take it?”

“I’d suggest leaving him alone for a while.”

I resist the urge to reach out for my phone and call him but what good would that do? The most important person in his life has just betrayed him and over something as trivial as money when Rian has been nothing but exceedingly generous with Li. My heart breaks for him but I doubt I’m who he wants to hear from right now. Morales is right; he’ll come to me when he’s ready. Until then, it’s best he’s left alone.

Well…maybe not completely alone.

I reach for my phone and type a quick message.

Me: Rian’s going through something. I think you should go see him.

Sasha: My brother doesn’t need a babysitter. He has our mother for that.

Me: Sasha, please. It’s serious.

A few seconds pass before his next text.

Sasha: How serious?

Me: What you told Alejandro, about your suspicions a few weeks ago…you were right. Rian just found out today.

Sasha: Okay.

I trust Sasha to take care of Rian. Contrary to what everyone else thinks, he isn’t entirely heartless or indifferent toward his brother. Their history is layered and complicated but Sasha cares about Rian in his own twisted way. He won’t abandon his brother when Rian needs him most.

“What do you want? In exchange for all of this?”

“A blank check,” Morales replies swiftly.

Alejandro shakes his head. “Absolutely not. If you want a favor, ask for it now. I’m not hanging out a blank IOU.”

“Notice how some of the information in those documents are redacted? Yeah, you’re welcome,” Morales retorts. “It was all the shit that implicated you and your family’s company in Huang’s narcotics ring. I didn’t do it out of the kindness of my heart.”

Alejandro’s eyes flare to life and he rises from his seat. “I⁠—”

“Morales, I owe you one.” I get up and usher him out of the parlor. “Alex, we’ll be back.”

I don’t give him time to argue. With Morales at my side, I snatch a coat from the coat closet on the way out and slam the front door shut behind me.

“What kind of favor?” Morales says once we’re outside. “Hopefully not a sexual one. I’m not really in the mood⁠—”

“Fuck off, Morales.” I dig into my pockets and find a pack of my herbal cigarettes and a lighter inside. I immediately put one between my lips and light the end. “Alejandro won’t give you what you want, but you know I’m good for it.”

This piques his interest. “And what are you willing to offer in exchange.”