CHAPTER 1

Anthony Rizzo sat like the ruler of an empire of his creation in a cozy leather chair behind a massive mahogany desk. The splendid view behind him of white board fencing surrounding rolling fields filled with majestic racing steeds on the farm adjoining his Lexington, Kentucky office building. Everything about the scene was staged to intimidate. From the man’s expression opposite him, the magic had made Tony’s desired impression.

Rizzo’s silk power suit; stiff, white shirt and red tie helped him look the part of power baron. He enjoyed the image to the fullest. His persona performed well with folks like this gent. Guys like Gavin Pierce took advantage when they weren’t in fear. Tony reveled in keeping associates on guard.

“I called you here to discuss production plans for the factory, now it is under construction.” He cleared his throat.

Pierce’s head jerked. “What do you mean? It’s decided. We’ve have the recipe. I have selected vendors to supply raw material, and equipment has been ordered. No need for your concern.” Pierce looked appalled and more than agitated for the interference, jolting Tony’s ego pleasantly.

Pierce reeked of affluence, and impressive style. Slick, black hair tinged with silver around the temples hinted Pierce’s age in his mid-fifties. His short, sturdy frame clad in a costly designer suit and shoes costing more than Rizzo’s assistant made in a month.

Tony wasn’t fooled by a flashy dresser. Anyone could get a fine manicure and play the gentleman. The prospect of their joint venture, however, overrode concern about his partner. His private investigator had uncovered nothing significant on Pierce, only a juvenile infraction withheld due to Pierce’s young age. Apparently he’d been a model citizen since reaching adulthood.

“I’m not concerned. A couple things need to be changed. I’ve met with the ad executive from our agency. Riley Powers-Madison is a sharp cookie. She and I discussed your marketing platform based on your original, family recipe. Fact is, son, that’s not a unique hook. Though most don’t advertise it as such, their recipes are antique heirlooms like yours. Here’s what I’m thinking. I passed it by Ms. Powers-Madison. She was delighted with the concept.”

“Tony, I’ve got this under control. I met once with Riley. You’re correct about her. She’s a brilliant ad person. She and her crack team of creatives will come up with a working solution for advertising the launch campaign to ensure our bourbon is considered top of the line and is successful.” Gavin sat back trying to appear satisfied.

“I’m sure they’ll come up with fantastic, creative ideas. Hear me out. Will you?” His stern expression allowed no choice. If Pierce knew what was good for him, he’d heed Tony’s words.

Shaking his head dubiously Pierce locked his fingers across his belly. “Shoot.”

“I spoke with Lemon Sage Benton-Gordon, the sheriff’s wife. She runs a profitable organic farm in Sweetwater. She can provide you organically grown grains. It would give you not only the organic hook, which by the way, no other distillery has yet touched. It will allow you to taut locally grown produce used in manufacturing. Riley feels it would be a remarkable gimmick shooting your brand straight to the top of the food chain.”

Sitting back, Tony studied the gent’s face. It morphed from irritated to pissed and then to an emotion resembling resentment. He’d hit the trifecta. Now all Pierce had to do was figure out how to pose his argument without sounding angry, jeopardizing their financial relationship and his future. And quickly, before Tony became irritated. Tony was amused watching Pierce’s practiced expression fight to keep his temper under control.

Tony was viewing his reaction when hoofs hit the turf and the race began. Who would win the battle? Tony had a lockdown on the winner’s circle, since he controlled the cash. Just how persuasive could Mr. Gavin Pierce be when shoved into a corner he hated? Tony liked having the upper hand in a business deal.

“Mr. Rizzo, I appreciate your research and doing due diligence ensuring your investment is wisely implemented. However, I disagree. I’ve given this ample consideration and worked manufacturing specs to a point where we’re profitable. If we mess with cost of ingredients, it endangers our ability to draw earnings for some time. Organic is a flash-in-the-pan, wilting trend doing nothing long range. It adds considerable cost to raw material, which will negate revenue returns. We can’t risk it. I’d much rather we rake in proceeds from the get go.” There it is. Pierce showed his true colors. The greedy carpetbagger was in the game for a quick profit.

“Riley assures me any cost increase up front will be well compensated in the back end by applying an ample campaign of public relations, advertising, shopper and customer marketing. She believes it will be an enormous win on our side. I agree.” Tony wasn’t about to budge. His outlay toward the venture must be profitable; but he insisted it be in distinctive bourbon, new to the market.

Fidgeting in his seat, Pierce sat tall on the edge of the chair. “Well, I don’t. I refuse to compromise my family recipe by screwing with ingredients, even organic. It could impact taste. Flavor is everything in bourbon.” His head tossed, as though he meant to end the discussion.

Foolish. They were done when Tony decided they were.

“Gavin, if you recall our contract says I have final say on major decisions. Formula and materials are part of our deal. I have the right if I disagree with your choices, to withdraw my assets and walk away free and clear. I advise you. Take my suggestion to heart. Hear Riley out. I’ve made an appointment.” He slid a notepad with the time and date to Pierce. “She’ll stop in and discuss this with you before her team heads down the organic direction. I also set an appointment for you to meet with Sage and to view her facility. After your meeting with Mrs. Madison, drive to Parsley, Sage, Rose, Mary & Wine Farm and talk about growing and production plans with Sage. You’ll attend these get-togethers before the end of the day tomorrow and take what these women say seriously. Understood?” Tony’s firm voice bade no argument.

Clearing his throat, Gavin reclined in his chair with slumped shoulders. “Rizzo, you can’t play the, I’ll take my money and run card every time we have a disagreement. If that’s how you want it, we’re doomed before our product gets off the ground. I’ll meet with Riley and Sage, hear them out and take the concept seriously. We can revisit this later. Does it work for you?” His intense glare didn’t disturb Tony in the least.

“Fine. I expect to hear from you once you’ve met with the ladies.”

Gavin visibly relaxed somewhat. “I guess I’ll be going.”

“One more thing. It’s come to my attention you’ve been seeing my daughter.”

Gavin acted shocked, like he didn’t want Tony aware. “I have. You have a problem with it? I didn’t realize you orchestrate your daughter’s social life.” A tinge of agitation filtered Pierce’s words.

“I don’t normally interfere. However, I’m not pleased you went behind my back and pursued Ava. I don’t believe you’re the kind of man she needs. She has been hurt before. You’d best be good to her.”

“Ava is an adult, a brilliant business woman and a fine lady. She doesn’t need your approval to date. We’re friends and enjoy each other’s company. Ava wouldn’t take kindly to your interference. She’d be livid, hearing about this discussion. I suggest you stay out of her affairs.” Gavin’s voice jetted higher with each sentence, to the point he was shouting by the end of his speech.

He wasn’t wrong, but Tony resented the treat. “You little snot, stay out of my personal life. Never try coming between me and my loved ones. I don’t like threats. You have no idea who you are dealing with, or what power I wield. I advise you, Gavin Pierce. You don’t want on my bad side. Respect me and my kin. Don’t try weaseling into my good graces by romancing my daughter. One thing is certain. If you hurt Ava, I’ll end you.” Tony started yelling and stood during the speech. They probably heard his voice on other floors of his office building.

He strode to the door. Flipping it open, he stood with his back to it. “Leave now, before we go somewhere we can’t return from.” Tony’s voice began gaining a measure of control.

His assistant, Katy, hunkered at her desk acting otherwise occupied, causing Tony to become embarrassed. Rarely did he lose his temper or get into a screaming match. The little piss ant, Pierce had rubbed his last nerve raw.

Pierce sped past Tony and Katy to the elevator bank and slapped the down button. The bell rang. He stepped on without glancing backward.

Turning to Katy, Tony shrugged. “Sorry about that. I apologize for displaying anger in front of you, dear. Go on about your business. It’s over.”

Katy meekly nodded. Tony returned to his lair shutting the door quietly behind him.

About Author Lynda Rees…