Page 112 of Relentless

Two hours later, Liam dropped Gino off at the front steps to Barone’s house before returning to the street to find a parking place. The town’s citizens had turned out in force to support the crime boss and his wife. No one wanted to be seen as ignoring the suffering of the most powerful man in town.

He found a place two blocks away and turned to Piper. “Are you ready?”

“I’m ready to find the information, hand it to the feds, and go home.”

“I hope it’s that easy.” Liam circled to the passenger door.

Minutes later, they walked into the mansion. The home was so familiar to her that Piper felt as though Gavin would appear any moment. She scanned the crowded space for Barone and his wife.

She found the couple at the far end of a long receiving line. Gavin’s mother was red-eyed, her skin blotchy from frequent tears. Barone, however, appeared the same as always until she and Liam moved near to the grieving couple. The closer they drew, the more apparent the crime boss’s grief and fury became.

When Piper approached, icy contempt filled his gaze. “What are you doing here?” he said, his voice curt.

Gino moved up to stand beside her. “Offering condolences just as I am, my old friend.” Piper’s uncle gave Barone a one-armed embrace, murmuring something softly into the other man’s ear.

A slight nod from Barone. “Go anywhere you wish, Gino. Treat my home as yours. How do you feel?” Concern shadowed his eyes.

“Tired and weak. I may need a place to stretch out for a few minutes.”

“If you need anything, you have only to ask one of my staff. They’ll take care of you.”

Gino squeezed Barone’s shoulder. “Thanks, Matteo. I appreciate your hospitality.” He moved on to speak to Gavin’s mother in a soft voice, wrapping her in his arms when she dissolved into tears.

Piper held out her hand to Barone. “I’m sorry to hear about Gavin.”

His lip curled as he dropped her hand. “Let’s not kid each other, Piper. You hurt my son. I won’t forget that offense.” His gaze shifted to Liam. “And you are?”

“Liam. I’m sorry for your loss, sir.”

A snort. “If you weren’t with Piper, I might believe you.” Barone’s gaze shifted to the person behind Liam, dismissing him.

Piper turned to Gavin’s mother and embraced the woman. She mentioned two things Gavin had admired about his mother. “I know we drifted apart these last few years, but I will miss him.”

Tears sparkled on the other woman’s lashes. “Thank you for your kind words,” she whispered. “He didn’t mean to hurt you, Piper. Gavin just couldn’t help himself.”

Not wanting to lie to Gavin’s mother, Piper merely patted her back and stepped aside for Liam.

After Liam murmured his condolences, he and Piper joined her uncle.

“Come with me,” Gino said. “Mrs. Baxter will be happy to make you a cup of hot tea.”

Piper smiled. “Thanks,” she said, noting many people close to them listening to their exchange. Excellent. Word should spread soon enough that she and Liam were in the Barone kitchen. From there, she and Liam would take the back stairs to Gavin’s room.

They followed her uncle to the back of the house. As soon as the cook, Maggie Baxter, turned and saw Piper, her face lit up.

“Piper! Oh, it’s so good to see you.” The sixty-something woman hugged her, then turned her speculative gaze on Liam. “Now, who is this handsome man?”

“This is Liam. We’re getting married in the spring.” Piper still found it hard to believe she was planning a wedding to the man of her dreams.

Maggie threw her arms around Liam. “Congratulations, Liam. You’re marrying a wonderful woman.”

Liam patted her back. “Believe me, I know. I’m blessed.”

When she released Liam, the cook turned back to Piper. “Is there something you need?”

“A cup of tea for my niece,” Gino said.

“Coming right up. What about you, sir, and Liam?”

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