Page 5 of Family Ties and Alibis

“Watch your back,” she warned. “Not only is he a criminal, but he sounds unstable.”

“I got my buddy, Glock, ready to go, if need be. Speaking of go, I gotta file a report about what happened.” Vinnie strode back inside.

Pete waited until he was gone. “I bet Vinnie runs into all kinds of characters in his line of work.”

“I’m sure he does and knows how to handle himself.” Carlita made an unhappy sound. “The less I know about his job, the better.”

“I’m gonna go find Luigi.” Mercedes took off, leaving the couple standing on the Boardwalk.

“Are you ready to see how many miles we can get out of this battery?” Pete playfully patted the scooter’s handle.

“Lead the way.”

Ambling at a leisurely pace, the couple strolled and rolled along the Boardwalk, taking in the sights, sounds…and smells.

“I smell something grilling. It’s making my stomach rumble.”

“Over there.” Carlita pointed to a food truck with a bright neon sign: Boardwalk Fries. “We’re on vacay. Let’s splurge.”

Pete promptly purchased an order of fries and carried them to the bench where his wife sat waiting. “Ladies first.”

“Thanks. I haven’t had a Jersey fry in years.” Carlita plucked one from the container and nibbled the end, savoring the combination of salt and malt vinegar. “Look at all these places to eat,” she groaned. “I’m gonna need lots of steps and scooter strolls if I plan on sampling all the treats Atlantic City has to offer.”

“I suspect Violet has plans for the two of you to eat all the way to the end of the Boardwalk,” Pete said.

“It won’t be hard for her to persuade me.” Carlita gobbled up another fry. “I have to admit, I’m surprised Elvira and Dernice didn’t come.”

“I have my suspicions.”

“About the reason?” She shifted, giving her husband her full attention.

“She’s been itching to take another crack at finding treasure in my parking lot.”

“Ah.” She arched her eyebrow. “While the cat’s away, the mice will play.”

“Bingo.” Pete gobbled up several more fries, saving the last one for his wife. He tossed the paper holder into the trash, and they continued their leisurely stroll. “I’m thinking about January 1st.”

“January first for what?”

“For us to take the leap and finally retire.”

She abruptly stopped. “That’s only a few weeks away. Mercedes and Tony can easily step into my shoes, but what about you?”

“Both my managers, the guys who run the pirate ship and the restaurant, have been with me for years. I’m ready to turn over the reins and officially step back. We’ve been talking about it for a long time now. I say we make our move.”

Carlita grew quiet, mulling over her husband’s suggestion. It was true. They had been tossing around the idea for months. If not now…when? It seemed the older she got, the truer the adage “the days are long, but the years are short.”

“You’re right,” she finally said. “Let’s pull the trigger. All my kids are here for Thanksgiving. I say we make an announcement.”

Pete reached for her hand. “It’s a deal. What should we do first?”

“Throw out the alarm clock,” she laughed.

“After we throw the clock away.”

“I’ve always wanted to take a road trip. Let’s travel for a while.”

“We could start with the southern states and work our way north when the weather gets warmer,” Pete suggested.