Page 105 of Relentless

“That’s right along with plumbing and small rooms.”

“Offices.”

“It’s possible. Giorgio was afraid to ask too many questions. It wouldn’t have been good for his health.”

Piper eyed her uncle. “If you know how dangerous Barone is, why are you still friends with the man?” She’d known and avoided being in the same room with the crime boss.

“We’ve been friends for sixty years, Piper. I didn’t know for a long time how ruthless he is. By the time I learned the truth, Matteo and I had a long history and we were in business together.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Was Gino hinting at the criminal activity that the feds were accusing him of?

“We are from the same neighborhood. We fought back-to-back against those who hated us simply because of our ethnic heritage. We beat the odds to become successful businessmen. My business enterprise is legal. Matteo’s view of ethical business practices is more liberal than mine. In any case, I can’t turn my back on a lifetime friend.”

Time to move the discussion forward. Liam would be turning into the estate grounds soon and their opportunities to talk without fear of being overheard limited. “Back to the oversized garage. The building inspectors didn’t question the odd arrangement for a garage?”

Gino looked troubled. “No one questions Matteo. I’m afraid my old friend wields much power in this town.”

“Do you mind helping us get into Gavin’s suite, Uncle Gino?”

“No, child.” His laughter was wry. “If Matteo discovers the ruse, what can he do to me that won’t happen in the next few weeks anyway?”

Pain speared Piper’s heart at the thought of the impending loss. “I want you to have those weeks to visit with friends and me. I’d love to take you to Otter Creek for a few days. I want you to see the life I’ve built, Uncle Gino.”

He was shaking his head before she finished speaking. “You know I can’t, Piper. I’m under a doctor’s care even if they cannot do more than hold my hand. I also have a business to run, one I must prepare you to take over when I’m gone.”

Another glance from Liam in the mirror. “I’m marrying your niece in a few months, Mr. Romano,” he said. “My job requires me to stay in Otter Creek. I can’t move here. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t want to be separated from my wife.”

Her uncle waved their protests aside. “There are ways around the problem. Piper will own the company, a company many hundred workers in Hartman depend upon for their livelihood. That doesn’t mean she can’t have someone manage the company for her.”

Her uncle had effectively laid the livelihood of hundreds of workers on her shoulders. Yeah, no pressure. “What do you mean I can have someone manage the company for me?” Piper asked.

“A team of managers you trust or a team of advisors. You’ll need to come to Hartman several times a year to keep an eye on things. I’m sure Liam will be happy to come with you.”

“He’s gone frequently.”

Gino shrugged. “Come home when he’s available. You can choose the times except when stockholder meetings are scheduled. I have a few names to suggest for the management team. Ultimately, however, the choice will be yours.”

She and Liam exchanged glances before she turned back to her uncle. “Give me the list along with their work histories and their track record with the company. I’m not promising to hire any of them, but I’ll give them a fair evaluation.”

Another glance from Liam. Piper reached for his hand, aware she had just committed to running a multimillion-dollar company for the duration without consulting the man she planned to marry. She knew him well enough, though, to understand that Liam would support her decision and work with her to keep her uncle’s legacy alive and healthy.

Gino gave her a thoughtful look. “I hope you mean that, dear, because one of my recommendations is to place Brandy on your management team.”

Sophia had been right. Gino had been grooming Brandy to take over leadership in the company. The question was why. Brandy hadn’t been close to Gino when Piper lived in Hartman. What changed? “I’m not sure how wise it would be to appoint someone I don’t trust with keeping your legacy alive.”

“You said you would be fair. I expect you to uphold that promise for the good of the company. If you find others with more experience and credentials, we’ll talk.”

Wow. So much for handing over leadership to her. Gino Romano wasn’t planning to let go of the company until he had no choice. Suited Piper fine. She didn’t want to take away the business giving him the will to fight cancer a little longer.

“When will people begin paying condolence calls to Barone and his wife?” Liam asked.

“Tomorrow.” Gino sighed. “I already spoke briefly with Matteo this afternoon. Since he’s unsure when Gavin’s body will be returned to Hartman, he can’t give a date or time for his son’s funeral. He’s considering a memorial service in a few days. If he follows that plan, then the burial would be a family-only event when Gavin’s body arrives. Already the town dignitaries are asking when they can offer their condolences. Matteo felt that it would be less disruptive to his work and comforting to his wife to receive people tomorrow evening.”

“We’ll go to Barone’s estate about 7:00 p.m. It will be full dark and better for our safety if we have to leave quickly.”

Better for Liam’s teammates to enter the estate under cover of darkness if they were needed as well, Piper realized. She prayed that wouldn’t be necessary.

“I don’t know what information Gavin left for you, Piper, but Matteo will be relentless until he gets what he wants.”

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