Page 40 of Family Ties and Alibis

Pete and Luigi hung back with Carlita while the Garlucci brothers hurried into the living room.

“I recognize the look on your face, Mrs. T,” Luigi said. “You think Quick Cash’s manager is behind Sal’s death?”

“Maybe.” Carlita tilted her head. “There is one other person who hit my radar.”

“Hit your radar?” Pete echoed.

She glanced at her watch. “I’m thinking it might be time for us to check out another casino, not far from here.”

Chapter 16

“If we happen to run into Tommy Castellini, do you think he’ll recognize you?”

A whoosh of cold air blasted Carlita as she wheeled her way inside the Royal Flush Casino, only a few short blocks away from Treasure Cove.

“I dunno. I can tell you shortly before Vito’s death, when he announced he was retiring and Vinnie would be taking over for him, Tommy wasn’t the least bit happy.”

“I bet. Obviously, they worked things out. Vinnie running his casino while Tommy handles his.”

“Unless…”

“Unless what?” Pete prompted.

“We’ll find out in a minute.” Carlita steered her scooter away from the main corridor and paused to gather her bearings. The casino floor’s layout appeared similar to Treasure Cove—the location of the cashier’s counter, tables in the center with slot machines strategically placed throughout. Even the high-limit room was in the same general vicinity.

Pete had noticed the same thing. “This reminds me of Vinnie’s casino.”

“There is one glaring difference.”

“Fewer customers.”

Having cut through Treasure Cove on their way to the Boardwalk, Carlita couldn’t help but notice that the place was jam-packed on Thanksgiving Day, which seemed sad, at least to her, that people were spending the family holiday gambling.

But not this place. It reminded her of Quick Cash Casino. Both had customers, but not nearly as many as Treasure Cove.

“I thought Vinnie told us Tommy’s casino was busy,” Carlita said.

“It could be that they’re having an off day,” he said. “Maybe Vinnie is running a special promotion, luring gamblers away from other establishments.”

“Let’s check it out.” Carlita took the lead, mindful to stay in the wider corridors, which gave her extra room to move. The more they walked, the more people she noticed…not as many as Treasure Cove but more than Quick Cash.

Not only was Royal Flush’s layout similar to the other Castellini family-owned casino, but also the size. Reaching the other end, they found themselves in the corridor leading to the hotel lobby.

The décor was a mixture of eclectic and modern. Soaring ceilings. Vintage Art déco sofas and lounge chairs. Cozy cottage furniture placed near towering arched windows overlooking meticulously manicured gardens.

While Treasure Cove’s vibe was tropical, Royal Flush’s leaned more toward elegant and sophisticated. Pleasant to the eye while offering a relaxed atmosphere.

“This is nice.” She ran a light hand along the edge of an oversized chenille armchair. “I could curl up right here and lose myself in a good mystery.”

“It’s hard to believe a casino is only steps away.”

“By design, I’m sure.”

They reached the other end of the lobby and followed the sign toward the pool and terrace. Like the other casinos, keycard access was required.

“We’ve reached the end.” Carlita inched forward and peered into the courtyard. “This looks like a top-notch pool with an entertainment area.”

“I see a concert stage on the other side of the lazy river.” Pete leaned in for a closer look. “Although Treasure Cove’s pool area is nice, this is even nicer.”