Page 119 of Mangled Memory
That’s not good. Ren Gallo is solid and unflappable. Him being troubled and not knowing why? That means more is off than I know.
I extend a hand indicating the floor is his.
“Your estate and trust are handled through attorneys at Ross, Pinkerton, and Smith.”
Correct. And invasive. Where is this going?
“Your business holdings are with Nettles and Cohen. But there’s one that was done outside of those. That was a red flag.”
What the fuck?“Go on.”
“Twenty-nine months ago, there was a small legal entity established with a firm of Cohen and Johnston. It has you with a managing interest legally and financially, but you’re nowhere on the paperwork for deposits or withdrawals. I don’t know how that’s possible without your permission.”
My temper is rising. I have no clue what he’s referring to.
“So I dug in. Your signature is there on the paperwork for an LLC that I can’t find to have any connection with you. It’s not associated with your Barone Holdings or Barone Hospitality. If you created it, you’ve done nothing since, as far as a paper trail to you, but the money there is growing. Random amounts added and removed over time. Chunks deposited at no precise intervals. Withdrawals in the same manner. The LLC has some legal protection, as you know, but not for a balance of that size.” He sizes me up before continuing, “I take it you didn’t know about this?”
I shake my head, holding in the rage that’s threatening to burst. “What’s it named?”
“CAB, LLC.”
“Go on.”
“That company has dealings with Murphy Enterprises as well.”
Excuse me? “In what manner?”
I grab my phone and shoot off a text.
Me: Ayla and I are going to Queen City Wine Bar tonight for business. Would love to have you swing by if you’re interested.
Dots play and bounce until I see the response.
Cian Murphy:Sure thing.See you later.
Murphy Enterprises will regret the day they fucked with me.
“Where were we?” I turn my attention back to my head of security.
“There’s no love lost between you and Seamus Murphy. How you two would end up entwined with some bank accounts that you have legal responsibility for but no knowledge of doesn’t sit well with me.”
Me either. That’s for damn sure.
“I started not long after all this went down. So it wouldn’t’ve pinged on my radar since I didn’t have any history at that point. And, quite frankly, I didn’t dig that deep into you prior to joining BH.”
Honesty from my half-brother who now admits he came here, in a most curious window of time, after researching me. This gets worse and worse. Who the hell can I trust when every assumed ally has questionable motives?
Focus, Barone.“Is there a way to freeze it?”
“I’m sure. I can’t imagine you own legal responsibility without the ability to shut it down.”
“Do it.”
“If I may, sir—” He extends a hand. “It will be easier to trace if it’s open. We know about it. We can watch it and track funds in and funds out. If you’re willing to assume the risk while we work in the background.”
I grab my phone again.
Me: Can you come to the house?
