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Near the back, they found the dry-cleaning window. Carlita approached the counter and rang the bell.
A white-haired woman, petite and with bright gray eyes, scurried over. “Hello.”
“Hello,” Carlita greeted her. “My name is Carlita Garlucci-Taylor. I own the property across the street and was hoping to speak with June. I believe her last name is Cleary.”
“I’m June Cleary,” she said. “What did you say your name was again?”
“Carlita Garlucci-Taylor.”
“I remember you. Both of you. You were here the other day. Weren’t you the ones who found a man’s body in your building?”
“We did. I’m sure the police have already been here, but we were hoping to ask you a few questions,” Carlita said.
Her eyes narrowed. “About what?”
“About the man who died and his…associate.”
“I don’t know much about them. I didn’t even know their names until the cops came by to ask me about it. Were the men friends of yours?”
“No. My deceased husband, Vinnie, purchased the property. The men worked for the lender who loaned my husband money. They came to town, looking to collect.”
June blinked rapidly. “You never paid them?”
“I didn’t know my husband had taken out a loan or anything about the place until they showed up on my doorstep.”
“I bet when you came here and saw the condition, it was a real shocker.”
“You have no idea.”
June turned an interested eye on Vinnie. “I didn’t catch your name.”
“I’m Vinnie Garlucci.”
Carlita could see the wheels spinning as June put the pieces together. “You’re Mr. Garlucci’s son.”
“Correct.”
“Do you live around here?”
“No. I live in New Jersey. I run a casino up there.”
June perked up. “A casino? Which one?”
“Treasure Cove.”
“I’ve been there.” June’s eyebrows knitted. “It’s a fancy joint.”
“It is a more upscale facility,” Vinnie agreed.
“I’m guessing you and your business have been here for a long time,” Carlita said.
“Over thirty years.” She straightened her back. “The only other place that’s been around longer is Barnie Ziffra’s place—EZ Check Cashing.”
“I know it was some time ago, but I was wondering if you remember my husband, Vinnie.”
“Oh, yes. He came around several times and even stopped here to introduce himself. He had big plans for the property. Of course, when he bought it, it was in fair condition.”
“And then someone vandalized it.”
