Page 122 of Absinthe Minded

“I learned from the best.”

Enzo glared and shoved back from the table. “Thanks for wasting everyone’s time.”

I ignored him. There was another matter we needed to discuss. “You should know the police have a tip in Joe and Rebecca’s death. Some inmate knows details that weren’t released to the media.”

My throat tightened. Each of my brothers had a visible reaction to the news, but my father hadn’t flinched. I’d made the right decision in holding back details like the name of the person who allegedly ordered the hit.

Dante’s voice trembled. “He’s saying Joe was murdered?”

Keeping my gaze on my dad, I nodded. “Claims a former cell mate said he was paid to take him out.”

Leo sucked air between his teeth. Dante wiped his cheeks. Enzo and Marco hung their heads. My father? He stared at me as if daring me to keep talking.

I kept talking. “You knew about this?”

He smirked. “How would I know about this?”

“When did you figure it out? Before or after you accused an innocent woman?”

Leo whispered, “Let it go for now.”

Out of respect for my brothers, I dropped it, but my father and I would have a long conversation about the Lazio family. “I plan to start the process of separating our legitimate business holdings from the Cosa Nostra and all their known associates.”

Enzo plopped back into his chair. “Can we afford that?”

“We may need to tighten our belts. I’m going to dump anything that isn’t earning a profit without the mafia’s cash flow.”

“Is it safe?” Dante whispered.

Rather than outright lie to them, I nodded to my father. “What kind of blowback should we expect?”

“That will depend on how you go about this.” He chuckled but it sounded hollow. “I’d tell you to go slow. Find a compromise you can live with, but you’re like your older brother. Neither of you seem capable of taking your time.”

I took a moment to let them digest the information. “If any of you disagree with my decision, now’s the time to speak.”

Enzo squirmed in his chair, but kept his mouth blessedly shut.

When no one spoke, I glanced back at my father. “Pops?”

“It seems I’m outvoted. Run the business as you see fit.” Joe sat as a coughing fit stole his breath.

I waited until he quieted. “I hope you mean that.”

39

Maggie

“Hi.”I stretched and nuzzled into my own pillows. After a few nights in the hospital, I was beyond glad to be home.

Gabe pulled me close and kissed the tip of my nose. “Good morning, beautiful.”

“I’ll never take sleeping in my own bed for granted again.” What I really meant wasI’d never take sleeping in my own bed next to himfor granted again. The man kicked off enough body heat to chase away the chill, not to mention he smelled good—really good like fresh cut lumber and spices and sex. “What time is it?”

“Eight-thirty.” His graveled just-woke-up voice gave me all sorts of wicked ideas.

Between the days after the disastrous dinner in the courtyard and the two-night stay in the hospital, I was starving for a heaping helping of Gabe. “Do we have time to fool around before we meet the wedding planner?”

“Maggie.” He’d used the same voice he normally reserved for misbehaving kids.

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