Page 19 of Family Ties and Alibis

Francesca appeared involved in her children’s business. What if she had been behind the scenes stirring up trouble? Based on the previous evening’s dinner, Carlita wouldn’t put it past her.

They reached the massive double doors, inlaid with a pattern similar to Versailles Palace’s over-the-top décor. Not Vinnie’s taste, but perhaps more of Brittney’s style.

Carlita rang the bell, instinctively lifting her gaze to the camera in the corner. She gave a quick wave.

Brittney eased the door open, her face splotchy, as if she’d been crying. “Hey, Carlita.”

“Hello, Brittney. We don’t mean to bother you, but we ran into Mercedes. She told us about what happened, how the police questioned you.”

“They were rude. I tried telling them Vinnie had nothing to do with the man’s death. I’m not sure they believed me.”

“Who is it?” Francesca’s voice bellowed from somewhere behind her.

“It’s Carlita and Pete.”

Heavy steps plodded across the floor. Francesca joined them. “You gonna go down to the station and help get your son out of jail?”

“Unless you’ve heard differently, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s being questioned.”

“Based on how they were interrogating my poor Brittney, it’s only a matter of time.”

“Vinnie didn’t kill Salvatore Tomaria.”

Francesca arched her eyebrow. “Are you sure about that?”

Carlita clenched her fists, her nails digging into the palms of her hands. “I’m quite certain.”

“Well, he better have a solid alibi. If not…” Francesca made a clinking sound with her tongue. “As much as I adore Vinnie, I refuse to allow my daughter to remain married to a felon.”

“Talk about calling the kettle black.” Carlita mumbled under her breath. “My son is not a felon, and I certainly don’t appreciate your tone.”

Brittney covered her ears. “Please don’t fight,” she begged. “You’re not making this any better.”

“I’m sorry.” Carlita promptly apologized. “I don’t mean to upset you. I’m sure they’ll finish speaking with Vinnie and he’ll be home soon.”

“I hope so,” the distraught woman whispered in a shaky voice.

Carlita gave her a gentle hug. “It will be all right. You’ll see. If he’s not home within the hour, we’ll figure out other plans for dinner.”

“Okay,” she quietly replied. “Thanks, Carlita.”

“You’re welcome.”

Francesca grasped her daughter’s arm and pulled her away from the door. Without uttering another word, she slammed it in Pete’s and Carlita’s faces.

“That woman,” Carlita fumed. “Is getting on my last nerve.”

Chapter 8

“I was thinking…”

“Thinking what?” Pete prompted.

“We have a coupla hours before dinner. How about we take a walk?”

“You want to stop by and check out Quick Cash Casino,” he guessed.

“Why not? It wouldn’t hurt for us to take a look around, seeing how Luigi’s friend told us Sal worked there as a security guard.” Carlita, taking the lead on her knee scooter, maneuvered across the casino floor, past the meeting rooms, and out the side door.