CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Piper watched Liam for cues as he accepted coffee from Brandy. Instead of sipping the drink, the operative cradled the mug in his hands. Clear enough. Don’t drink anything handled by Brandy. Following his unspoken lead, she held the bottle of water without drinking.
Brandy sat behind her desk. “Gino will be free soon. I thought this would be a good time to talk before your meeting,” she said to Piper. Her gaze slid to Liam. “I’m sure you won’t mind waiting in the other room. This is company business, after all.”
His eyebrow rose although he didn’t say a word.
“Say what you have to say, Brandy,” Piper said.
Irritation in her eyes at Liam’s refusal to leave, Brandy turned to Piper. “I know we’ve had our differences in the past. I’d like to put that behind us in the interest of Galactic Games and the people who depend on us to feed their families.”
She stared. “You’re characterizing the gulf between us as differences? You slept with the man I was dating.”
“I’d go back and change things if I could. I’m sorry, Piper. I didn’t mean for that to happen but you know how persuasive Gavin could be.”
Nice. Shifting the blame to Gavin who couldn’t defend himself or explain his actions. “It’s a little late for apologies. However, in the end, you did me a favor. Because you helped me see the true Gavin, I left Hartman and met Liam. For that, I am grateful.”
Yes, Gavin had hurt Piper. In the end, though, she’d met the love of her life. Liam was worth every moment of pain and tear she shed three years ago.
Brandy relaxed in her chair. “Frankly, I’m surprised you’re dating someone else. Gino wasn’t aware that you moved on. I thought you would hold a grudge forever. I’m glad to see that’s not the case.”
“No grudge. But don’t make the mistake of believing I’ll trust you again. That won’t happen. You showed your character and I won’t forget that.”
The other woman’s face blanched. “Gavin is dead. What does the past matter now?”
“Uncle Gino is leaving his legacy to me. I need a management team who is loyal to the company and me.”
Brandy’s eyes glittered. “I see. Should I expect a pink slip when Gino dies?”
“I’m not ruling out anything.” Piper stood, leaving her untouched bottle of water on Brandy’s desk beside Liam’s mug. “We’ll see ourselves out.”
“This isn’t over, Piper. Not by a long shot.”
She paused on the threshold and glanced over her shoulder at Brandy. “No, it isn’t. By the time I’m finished, every secret will be revealed.”
Brandy gaped at her. “What does that mean?”
Instead of answering, she walked away from the office with Liam at her back, ignoring the shrill demands for an explanation by Brandy. By the time she and Liam reached her uncle’s outer office, Piper’s hands shook. That woman had some nerve, insinuating Piper was an immature brat who refused to act like an adult. Piper wanted to fire her greatest nemesis on the spot, despite her uncle’s wishes.
“Breathe,” Liam murmured, wrapping his arms around her and tucking her against his chest.
“She’s a piece of work.”
“You handled her with class, Sunshine.”
“Would you be able to forget the past and take her at face value if you were in my place?”
“In my line of work, I can’t afford to have an operative at my back who isn’t trustworthy. It’s a great way to end up dead. So, no, I wouldn’t trust that woman with anything or anyone I valued.”
“Are you just saying that because she hurt me?”
As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she realized Liam would never sugar-coat things to spare her feelings. She held up a hand. “Don’t answer that. I know you. You’re reacting on instinct, aren’t you?”
“She’s a snake in the grass, waiting to strike at unwitting prey.”
Piper relaxed in Liam’s hold. Brandy was waiting to strike. How long before Piper felt the sting of the other woman’s bite? Fine. She silently urged Brandy to do her worst. If the other woman showed her true colors, Piper would easily convince Gino to fire her.
Gino’s administrative assistant approached them. “Mr. Romano will see you now. Come with me, please.” The pleasant woman led them down a short hall to the familiar office with double doors, one of which had an engraved brass nameplate with Gino’s name. “May I bring you a drink? Coffee, water, a soft drink, something stronger?”
“No, thanks, Caro. We’re fine,” Piper said as the assistant opened the office door.
“Piper and her friend are here, sir.” Caro stepped back and allowed them to pass, then closed the door behind her as she left.
“Come in.” Gino motioned to the sitting area with leather furniture. “Have a seat. Let’s talk.”
By the time the meeting and tour of the business concluded three hours later, Piper’s head hurt and she felt overwhelmed with the responsibility of keeping afloat a corporation the size of Galactic Games. One thing she’d realized during the tour. Piper needed people who understood the gaming business inside and out.
She waited until they were seated inside Liam’s SUV before she asked the question that had popped into her head near the end of the company tour. “Would Zane know people I could trust to advise me in running Galactic Games?” One thing had become clear as the tour progressed. Gino’s employees would do and say anything to protect their own best interests. Those interests didn’t necessarily coincide with the best interests of Galactic Games.
A slow smile curved his mouth as he started the engine. “I’m sure he does. Let’s ask him.” He activated his Bluetooth and called his friend.
“What do you need?” Zane asked when he answered the call.
“Tell Piper what you do in your spare time for fun.”
“I create video games. What’s going on, Liam?”
“Gino Romano is leaving Piper his company. She’ll need management help, someone she can trust.”
A soft whistle from the other man. “Sweet. Galactic Games is a fantastic company. How can I help?”
Relief swept through Piper. Maybe Zane could help her figure out how to run this titanic corporation and stop criminal activities she felt sure most of the workers knew nothing about. Piper was also beginning to wonder if Gino knew about the suspicious activities. “I need a list of names of people who’d be willing to serve on an advisory council at Galactic Games. Know anyone?”
“Several people. How many do you want?”
“Seven. Eight if you’re willing to serve.”
“Are you kidding? I’d love the chance to help. Your uncle’s company bought my black ops games.”
Even better. Piper drew a deep breath for the first time in hours. “Fantastic. Give me a list of names of people you trust and can work with, Zane. Most of the advisory work will be done online. The council should plan on meeting at least once a quarter. We’ll work out the best time which will coincide with Liam’s leave times.” She wouldn’t return to this viper’s nest without Liam by her side.
“I’ll get back to you with my recommendations along with their resumes. Thanks for asking me to participate.”
“You sure you have time, Z?” Liam asked. “You don’t sleep as it is.”
“I’ll make it work.”
“Thank you, Zane,” Piper said. “Any words of advice to get me started?”
“I know you asked for a full list of advisers to fill out the council. The wisest course of action might be to create a council of eight members, half of them in-house, half of them outsiders. That way you have the best of both worlds.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“When will the council begin work?”
“Not sure. The doctors have given Uncle Gino three months or less to live. The council needs to be in place by that point, but they won’t be active until my uncle passes away.”
“Understood. When I talk to the people on my list, I’ll tell them the probable timeline. What else can I do, Liam?”
“Nothing right now. Later, Z.” Liam ended the call and glanced at Piper. “What do you think?”
“He’s a life saver. I’ll send him the list of candidates my uncle recommended along with their resumes and let him weigh in on the Galactic Games team members.” She was silent a moment, then said, “I’ll also ask HR for a list of first-line supervisors and their employees and pass those names to Zane as well. I’m not sure how much I trust the list of executives my uncle compiled. The supervisors and employees are less likely to be involved in questionable activities.”
A slow smile curved his mouth. “Excellent idea. Are you hungry?”
She nodded.
“Let’s eat dinner before we pick up your uncle.”
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?”
Liam shook his head. “I’m fine. Thanks for offering. Mr. Romano?”
“A bed, I’m afraid. I need to lie down for a few minutes, Maggie. Matteo said it would be all right for me to go upstairs for a bit.”
“Of course, sir. Do you need assistance?”
“Piper and her young man will accompany me.”
Maggie prepared Piper’s tea and pressed the mug into her hands. “Can I get you anything else, dear?”
She shook her head. “This is perfect. Thanks, Maggie.” Piper and Liam escorted Gino upstairs. On the second-floor landing, Liam held up his fist and slipped into the hall.
A moment later, he returned. “Two cameras in the hallway. You’ll have to make it look as though you need help to walk, Mr. Romano.”
The older man grimaced. “Unfortunately, I could use the assist. I didn’t lie to Matteo or Maggie. I could use a few minutes to rest.”
Piper and Liam exchanged glances. Maybe they shouldn’t have asked Gino to help with their ruse. “Gavin has a sitting room attached to his bedroom. You’ll be able to rest for a few minutes.”
Liam opened the door to the hallway. Once Gino and Piper had cleared the threshold, he gripped one of Gino’s arms while Piper supported her uncle on the opposite site.
When they’d nearly reached Gavin’s suite, Gino stumbled and would have fallen if not for Liam’s grip on her uncle’s arm. “The door to your left,” Piper whispered to Liam.
Liam shifted his hold on Gino so it appeared he was practically carrying her uncle toward the sitting room.
Piper hurried ahead and opened the door, holding it open for Liam and her uncle to pass. Once they were inside, she shut the door. Liam assisted her uncle to the couch and slid a pillow under his head when the older man stretched out.
“This is perfect.” Gino patted Piper’s hand when she knelt beside the couch. “I’ll be fine in a few minutes, my dear. You’ll see.”
As they’d planned on the drive to the restaurant the night before, Piper got to her feet and walked into Liam’s outstretched arms as though needing comfort in the face of Gino’s failing health.
He nudged her to a chair and crouched in front of her, gathering her close again. “The signal detector is in my right inner jacket pocket,” he whispered.
Concealed from view by his body, Piper retrieved the gadget and turned it on as he’d showed her. After watching the lights flicker for a moment, the light turned green.
“We’re clear,” he murmured. Liam turned to Gino who watched them. “Stay there in case someone checks on us. We won’t be long.”
He waved them on. “If we have company, I’ll delay them as long as possible.”
“Don’t put yourself in danger, Mr. Romano.”
“Go. I’ll be fine.”
Piper and Liam headed for Gavin’s bedroom.