“He took two to the head, twelve, fifteen hours ago. No sign of a struggle. Somebody will need to identify the victim.”

“He was my brother-in-law, and his name was Gino Alfredo Parisi,” Jerry said. He gave him Gino’s address and his wife’s name. “I’ll notify her.”

The ME gave him a form to sign, then left.

The two detectives stood up. “We’ll be in touch,” Mills said.

Jerry shook their hands, and they left. Jerry picked up the phone and called his sister. “Maria,” he said, “I’ve got bad news. You’d better sit down.” After that, the conversation was brief.

After Jerry hung up he felt curiously weightless, as if he were floating a few feet above the floor. He would take the day off, for appearance’s sake; he’d get through the wake and the funeral and the weeping relatives, then he’d sit Al down and take the company away from him.

The future looked sunny.

Chapter 25

Joan buzzed Stone. “Pepe Perado on one.”

“Pepe, how are you?”

“Very well, thank you, Stone.”

“How do you find San Antonio?”

“Much as expected—less inviting, since I spent time in New York. I look forward to coming back.”

“I think you may do that without fear, now.”

“Has something changed?”

“Gino Parisi was murdered last night, and two of his henchmen have disappeared. I believe the coast is clear.”

“Then I must have a conversation with my son,” Pepe said.

“When is he coming to New York?”

“He’s not, but I haven’t told him yet—thus the conversation. I’m coming myself, instead, and I’m going to start planning a brewery.”

“Wonderful!”

“I think the boy will be fine with my decision. He was not really looking forward to New York. He’s a Texan, not a cosmopolitan.”

“When are you coming back?”

“As soon as I can square things here. Shouldn’t take long.”

“I’ll look forward to seeing you.” The two men said goodbye and hung up.

Joan came into his office. “Something has changed,” she said.

“Let me guess: the goons aren’t out there today.”

“How’d you know?”

“Because I hear that their employer met a bad end.”

“Ah. You had a call from Cessna while you were on the phone. A Ms. Pili Barker said your airplane is ready for delivery. She says you can start the acceptance inspection anytime.”

“Great news!”

“You want me to call Pat Frank and set up the inspection?”