Page 50 of Family Ties and Alibis

“It depends on what you’re looking for. Quick Cash Casino is a fun place to work,” Char said confidently. “Some of the staff, like me, have been here for years. We’re like family.”

“We’ll try hard not to be a burden and learn the ropes quickly.”

“I’m sure you will.” Char stopped by another office. A woman, in her thirties with sandy brown hair and a friendly smile, greeted them.

“These are the two new cocktail waitresses Alec sent over.” Char introduced them. “We’ll need a couple of blouses and temporary badges.”

“Sure thing.” The employee unlocked a cabinet, removed two black button-down blouses and nametags, and set them on the desk. “Welcome to Quick Cash. Let me know if these don’t fit.”

“Thanks.” Mercedes took her badge and shirt. “We’re looking forward to meeting everyone.”

After a quick change in the nearby employee restroom, Gina and Mercedes caught up with Char in the hall.

“We’re gonna start our tour in the high-roller area. It’s where a lot of the locals hang out. Not many of them are drinkers. They’re serious about the game and won’t partake while betting high stakes.”

Working their way around the room, Char greeted most by name and introduced the trainees. She ran behind the bar, returning with order pads and pens. “Our next stop is the non-smoking slot lounge.”

Adjacent to the high rollers, they entered a smallish room. Slot machines lined every inch of wall space, while banks of additional machines filled the center.

“This is where the tour ends. I’m gonna cut you loose to see how you do on your own.”

“I’ll take this side.” Mercedes started near the opposite end of the room, repeating what Char had told her to say. “Cocktails. Drinks. Coffee.”

Working her way along the wall, she jotted orders, noting the location of each customer. She finished filling an entire page of her small pad and ran to the bar.

Char moseyed over. “Good job.”

“Thanks. I’ve served drinks along with food at my moth…at my last job.”

“How long ago was that?”

“Last week.”

“Here in Jersey?” Char asked.

“No, Savannah.”

“Georgia?”

“Yep.”

“What brought you to Jersey?”

“Family,” Mercedes truthfully replied.

“Ah. Nothing like family,” Char craned her neck. “Your sister-in-law seems to be struggling.”

Gina, gripping a drink tray in one hand and juggling her notepad in another, dropped her pen, picked it up and promptly dropped it again.

Mercedes darted over and snatched the pen up.

“Thanks,” Gina tipped her head toward a customer. “Did you say you wanted a gin and tonic?”

“No. I ordered a mudslide with a dusting of sugar.”

“Got it.”

“I hope so,” the woman sneered. “You must be new.”