“Why would they consider bringing us in to handle this?” Tonelo asked.
“Because I told them I could manufacturer the uniforms at a substantially lower price than what they’re currently spending for doctors and nurses uniforms.”
Nandi chuckled. “And did they believe we could do that?”
“We are going to do that.”
“On what equipment, Li?” Nandi rebuffed. “Is the hospital going to let us work out of its factory?”
“I’m working on that. There’s time,” Liam assured his partners. “The hospital still has to get the okay from its board.”
“What can we do, Li?” Marco asked.
“Just keep stocking the fabric shipments from DiCenzo. We’ll be changing the shipping arrangement with that soon. For now keep operating as usual,” Liam’s eyes narrowed. “How’s that going, by the way?” He noticed the shifty looks going around the table. “Anything I should know?”
“All is well Liam,” Beniton insisted.
The others confirmed with nods.
“And the shipment destinations are still secure?”
The nods gained energy.
“Alright then,” Liam gave a nod as well. “Good job, paesanos. That’s it for tonight. Nandi? Un momento?”
“How is Athena, Li?” Nandi asked once the others had vacated. “Is her hospital stay why you’re backing off business with The Venetian?”
“Did I say I was backing off business?”
“You didn’t have to,” Nandi’s bushy brows arched. “Pelt told me the last shipment we unloaded would be all.”
Liam rifled through papers on the desk. “It’s not polite to ask after another’s business, you know?”
“It is when I’m a partner in that business and the other made me his confidant.”
Liam shrugged, still focused on his desk. “I found a better arrangement is all.”
“A better arrangement with a ship?”
“A better arrangement and a better ship.”
Intrigue blazed in Nandi’s dark eyes, but Liam had no further details to give. Instead, he moved on to another train of conversation.
“What is it none of you seem to want to tell me? Trouble with the fabric storage?”
“No Li, I swear. No.”
“Then Diamante? Did he make trouble when you unloaded the ship?”
“Your brothers have come to the docks on the last three occasions we unloaded,” Nandi shared finally.
Liam remained remarkably cool even though a flash of heat churned inside his chest at the mere mention of his brothers. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“No one wanted to be the messenger with that news, Li.”
Liam blew out a sigh. “What’d they want?”
“Nothing,” Nandi sighed as well. “Not that they told us. They just showed up, milled around... and...”
“And?”
“The usual crap we get from the Americans...it wasn’t there.”
Liam’s brows drew close. “What did they do?”
“Your brothers? Like I said, Li, nothing. They were just-just there.”
A knock vibrated on the glass paneled door before the conversation could advance. The men looked over to find Athena there.
Nandi straightened, moved toward the door. “Glad to see you’re well, Athena.”
“Thank you, Nandi. Could I speak with Liam for a moment, please.”
Nandi inclined his head, shifted a look to his friend. “Of course,” he said, bowed his head again and left.
“Are you alright?” Liam asked when silence held for several seconds following Nandi’s departure.
“Yes, yes Liam. Why are you turning your back on me?”
