Page 41 of Family Ties and Alibis

“And larger.” Backtracking, they returned to the casino floor where Carlita took note of the restaurants, a handful of which were closed. The deli, the busiest spot by far, had a long line of people waiting to place their orders.

The casino seemed noisier with more machines being played than when they’d first arrived. “They’re getting busy. Maybe it took a while for people to finish their holiday dinner and head down.” Carlita trailed behind her husband, steering her scooter out of the building.

A stiff breeze blew off the water. “Brr.” Carlita zipped her jacket and tucked the collar around her neck. “I gotta say, I miss Savannah’s warmer weather.”

“The chillier temps take some getting used to.”

Back at home base, the couple headed upstairs to their suite. The long walk mingled with their sleuthing activity had worked up an appetite. They each fixed a plate of leftovers and ate on the sofa, watching television before surfing the internet.

“Have you heard from Elvira?”

Carlita eyed him over the rim of her reading glasses. “No, and I’m almost afraid to check in.”

“At least the structural engineer verified that the crack is mostly cosmetic and can be fixed.”

“This time around. I wish Elvira would stop messing with her walls. Imagine if she’d done serious damage, and they came down around her.”

“Literally.”

Bang. Bang.

Carlita set her empty food plate on the counter and scooter’d to the door. She peeked through the peephole and found her daughter standing in the hall.

“Hey, Mercedes.”

“Hey, Ma.”

“Did you have fun taking the kids out?”

“Yeah. We got lots of fresh air, sunshine and a chance to stretch our legs,” she said. “Did Vinnie get ahold of you?”

“No. Why?”

“He tried sending you and Pete a text.”

Pete, overhearing the conversation, snatched his phone off the stand. “I had my phone turned down during dinner and forgot to turn it back up.”

“So did I,” Carlita said.

“The investigators came back. They found out about Vinnie’s attack.”

“And are probably wondering if it’s somehow linked to Sal’s death.”

“They also asked about you. Vinnie sent me to try to find you. They want to ask you a few questions.”

“About Sal? Why do they want to talk to me?”

Mercedes shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

“Let me grab my jacket.” Carlita slung her jacket over the handlebar.

Pete caught up with them at the door. “I’m going with you.”

“You don’t…”

Her husband interrupted. “Yes, I do.”

The trio exited the suite and trekked to the bank of elevators. Reaching the main floor, they crossed through the lobby and entered the hallway leading to the executive offices.