Brow scrunching, she worried her lip with her teeth. “It won’t kill her, will it? She’s awfully nice.”
“Christ, shut up. No, it won’t kill her. It’ll just make her… complacent.”
Penny wasn’t sure what the word complacent meant, but as long as Maggie would be okay, she was glad to follow Juan’s instructions. “I can do that tomorrow. Then when can I see you again?”
“Soon, very soon,” Juan promised. “But do not say anything to anyone about our arrangement.”
He disconnected before she had a chance to say goodbye, but she leaned back in her chair and smiled. Soon, everyone would know about their arrangement when he finally asked her out. The idea of living with him in the family mansion caused her to laugh out loud. Jumping from her seat, she hurried into her bedroom, excited to get ready for the party she was going to tonight. She loved partying with her friends and had discovered a new way to make extra money by selling some of the blow Juan gave to her. She dismissed his instructions to keep it only for herself, thrilled with what she could buy with her side income. Laughing out loud, she flipped on the water in her shower. Now that I think about it, this may be the easiest job I’ve ever had!
7
Alonzo Garza and his brother Vincent sat on the comfortable lounge cushions on the terra-cotta patio at the back of his estate. Trips between the two wineries occurred often, both enjoying family time as well as keeping abreast of their businesses. While visits to California were necessary, he much preferred his Mexican estate, knowing they were completely protected there.
The two men had always shared a familial resemblance although both were now thicker in the middle and sported a shock of silver throughout their dark hair.
Cuban cigars were held between their fingers, ruby-colored wine in their glasses. The mountains in the background cast slowly moving shadows as the sun began to set. The straight rows of grapevines lined the valley below them. A light, warm breeze blew from the mountains, offering a respite from the day’s heat. Alonzo breathed deeply, appreciating the scent of the vineyard and gardens.
Dinner had been enjoyed, and Ann, Cheryl, and Maria were now strolling in the gardens, gossiping about whatever struck their fancy. Juan was sulking inside, having not been included in the two brothers’ after-dinner drinks and conversation on the patio. It wasn’t that Alonzo didn’t like his nephew. Certainly, Juan was proving to be a learner, and one day, if he continued on his successful path, the Garza empire would be his. With no children of his own to pass down his portion of the business, he was a pragmatic man and held no animosity that Vincent had children that worked to be part of their lucrative endeavors. But, for tonight, he desired for the company of just his brother.
Vincent laid his cigar against the edge of the marble ashtray on the table next to him. “You’re quiet tonight, Alonzo.”
“Simple pleasures, my brother. Just enjoying simple pleasures.”
Vincent nodded, and Alonzo knew his brother understood. If a man could not sit back and enjoy the benefits of his hard work, its value was diminished.
“My son is anxious to join us,” Vincent said. “It’s not often that you leave him out.”
“He’s young and anxious to prove himself invaluable.” Shrugging, Alonzo said, “That’s a fine trait. One that Maria has, as well. But the young sometimes forget to be patient. Empires are not built in a day. Wealth is not amassed overnight. And hasty decisions can often make one miscalculate. In our business, errors can not only ruin an entire season of wine but can ruin what other businesses have been placed upon us.”
Again, Vincent nodded. “We’ve come a long way since our father’s small farm.”
“He was a good man but foolish. Determined to grow vegetables instead of the more lucrative crops for the Sinaloans and put a target on his back. It was our hard work and dedication that removed that target.”
“The young don’t remember those days. I know my children were raised in the business, everything handed to them. But I trust them.”
Alonzo sipped his wine. “I trust them, as well.” Grinning, he added, “Although, a little less talk and a little more appreciation for a fine meal followed by a sunset might be in order.”
Laughing, Vincent lifted his hand and waved slightly. The door behind them opened immediately, and the tap of expensive leather shoes approached.
“May I join you?” Juan asked.
Alonzo nodded, fighting a smile. Juan might be headstrong, but he was raised well and knew that in his uncle’s home, it would be up to Alonzo to grant permission. Juan would also know to temper any irritation he may have felt at being left out earlier. “Have a seat, nephew. We’re enjoying the Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon from last year.”
Juan smiled widely, pouring a glass before sitting on the other side of his father. He was tall, his black hair well-trimmed and slicked to the side, his clothing immaculate and expensive. A handsome young man, Alonzo thought he looked much like the other Garza men although they had not had money at such a young age to splurge on clothes or the many women Juan was reputed to sleep with.
Juan’s eyes darted between the two older men, but neither spoke as they continued to sip their wine. Finally, deciding to put the young man out of his anxious misery, Alonzo turned to him. “I expect all is well?”
Leaning forward, Juan’s dark eyes glittered. “Absolutely. A shipment was handled last night at the California estate. The method of changing identification on the trucks is proving to be a perfect way to help keep the feds from tracking our shipments.”
Alonzo knew that Juan’s idea had been excellent but never wanted the young to grow too full of themselves. He simply nodded before adding, “Of course, the use of our tunnels paved the way for all the successes we’ve reaped.”
“Of course, Uncle. I know that my sister and I are very lucky to have settled into a family business that had been forged by your vision.”
Pleased with Juan’s deference, Alonzo nodded as Vincent clapped his son on the shoulder. Setting his wine glass to the side, Alonzo leaned forward, his eyes pinned to his nephew. “And the wineries?”
“Maria oversees most of the winery in California, as you know—”
“I know how things are run,” Alonzo clipped. “I also know that you need to be aware of everything going on, just like your father and me. If our wineries cease to produce excellent wines, we lose the legitimate business, and more importantly, the cover is removed for the other products.”
A blush settled over Juan’s cheeks, and he nodded. “I understand.”
Just then, the door behind them opened again, and this time, the click of heels approaching was heard on the patio pavers. Alonzo was not surprised to see Maria coming to a stop at their table, knowing that his wife and Cheryl would not interrupt them. Maria was tall like her mother had been, her heels making her appear even taller. Her dark hair was pulled demurely away from her face, her makeup subtle. There was a reserve about his niece that his nephew did not have. He found it attractive in a woman—and in a future business partner. Her coolness would balance Juan’s hotheadedness although both were needed in their ruthless endeavors. Maria’s dark eyes were as sharp as her brother’s, and Alonzo detected a hint of irritation at having been left to chat with the women while the men discussed business.