Page 35 of Family Ties and Alibis

“I’m glad to hear it. You mentioned last night that you heard one of your attackers say a name. Were you able to recall what it was?”

“No. I’ve been racking my brain trying to remember, but so far no dice.”

The doorbell chimed. Pete left to answer it, returning with the rest of the Garlucci clan—Paulie’s tribe of five, Mercedes, Tony, Shelby and the girls. Luigi brought up the rear, carrying a paper grocery bag. “I found a little mom ‘n pop Italian grocery store on the corner. They had crispy smoked green beans for sale, so I bought a double order.”

“You were at the Atlantic City Alimentari Shop.” Francesca shuffled into the dining room and set the breadbasket next to the turkey. “Their green beans are okay, but it’s no Italian Main from back in Brooklyn.”

“Nobody can compete with Italian Main,” Carlita said wistfully. “I sure do miss their Golfera Porchetta.”

“Me too. Their mortadella is the best, along with the spicy salami.” Francesca smacked her lips. “Just thinkin’ about it makes my mouth water.”

“We have plenty of delicious dishes for our Thanksgiving feast,” Brittney said.

“We sure do. I’ll put Ma’s pumpkin cannoli in the fridge.” Mercedes squeezed past Paulie and Tony, who stood grazing on a plate of cheese and crackers.

“Where’s Tommy?”

“He had to work today,” Francesca said. “I told him I would bring him some leftovers later.”

Gina and Shelby finished setting the table while Pete poured sparkling water into the goblets. “Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

“Look at those adorable turkey name holders.” Carlita held up the holder with her name on it.

“We made them at Camp Cove,” Noel said.

“This one is mine.” Gracie tapped the top of Mercedes’ turkey.

“I love it,” her aunt said. “In fact, I’m going to take it home and put it on the fridge.”

“Me too,” Shelby said.

The adults oohed and aahed over the creative craftiness of the young Garluccis.

Brittney, Gina and Shelby settled the children at the junior table before taking their spots at the adult table.

“I figured we could say a word of grace before we feast.” Vinnie bowed his head. The others followed suit.

“Thank you, God, for bringing my family here to celebrate Thanksgiving. Brittney and I are blessed to have Ma, my siblings, nieces, nephew, my son, and dependable mother-in-law, Francesca, seated at this table enjoying this delicious dinner. Amen.”

“Amen,” Carlita echoed, her throat clogging as she gazed around the room. This…this was what it was all about. Family. Three wonderful daughters-in-law, sons she couldn’t be more proud of, a daughter who was forging her own path in life, a husband she adored, friends like Luigi who had her back and felt like family. Last but not least, grandchildren she loved beyond measure.

Pete leaned in and whispered, “Are you okay?”

“Fine. Wonderful. Just counting my blessings seated at the table,” she whispered back. “It’s a shame Kristine couldn’t be here.”

Pete had invited Kristine, “Kris,” his daughter. As luck would have it, she’d already made plans to spend it in Colorado with friends.

Francesca cleared her throat, pinning her son-in-law with a pointed stare. “What do you mean by dependable?”

“What are you talking about?”

“During the prayer, you called me dependable.”

“I’m sure Vinnie meant it as a compliment,” Brittney said.

“Dependable is good.”

“Cars are dependable,” Francesca snapped.