Page 55 of Family Ties and Alibis

“So it pays to build a regular clientele,” her mother said.

“Yeah. I guess if I ever get out of the Italian restaurant biz, I could find a job serving drinks in a bar.”

“If I have my way, that won’t be necessary. Ravello’s will be around for a long time.” Carlita shifted her weight onto her good leg. “Have you and Gina come up with a plan on finding out more about Sal and his gal?”

“Sort of. From what Char, our trainer, told us, several of the employees are spooked, especially seeing how the cops haven’t arrested anyone for Sal’s death.”

“Shared concerns are always a solid lead-in.”

“There’s also the mystery about Ione’s gold backpack.” Mercedes told her mother what Char had said, how the woman freaked out if anyone touched it. “She attacked an employee who accidentally grabbed it, thinking it belonged to them.”

“Hmm.” Carlita pursed her lips. “This gives me an idea.”

“You’re wondering what’s in the backpack.”

“For starters. You know how to get the goods on someone?”

“Put a bug in their bag,” Mercedes said. “Unfortunately, I’m fresh out of listening devices.”

“I’m not. Stay here.” Carlita wheeled her way over to her sling bag, sitting on Mercedes’ counter. She rummaged around inside and returned with a compact case. She unsnapped the fastener and laid out a variety of surveillance tools—a pocket-sized listening and recording device as well as earpieces the size of thumbtacks.

Mercedes perused the offerings. “The mini Wi-Fi device might work. It can both listen and record. The trick will be figuring out a way to drop it into her bag. Where did you get this?”

“Elvira sold it to me. She called it a surveillance travel kit.”

“I should’ve known.” Mercedes placed the plastic zippered bag in her jacket pocket alongside her newly issued employee card. “Paige Turner is on the job.”

“Keep your phone handy and charged. If you notice any sign of trouble, of things going sideways, give me a holler. We’ll swoop in and get you out of there.”

“I don’t anticipate issues, but you never know, seeing how this is my first experiment in communal living.” Mercedes’ cell phone beeped. “Gina is down in the lobby waiting for me.”

“Meanwhile Vinnie will try to get the scoop on Ione, the pit boss. I still can’t believe she told the cops Sal was afraid of me.”

“Godmother Garlucci,” Mercedes teased. “With any luck, we’ll be able to put your infamous name to rest.”

Carlita steered her knee scooter out into the hallway and watched while Mercedes shut the lights off and closed the door behind her. “Remember what I said.”

“If Gina and I see any signs of trouble, we’ll hightail it out of there or call for backup.”

Chapter 22

“Welcome to Quick Cash’s female frat house.” Mercedes and Gina were promptly greeted at the door by a young woman, petite, with a pixie cut hairstyle and a smile as wide as her face. “You must be Paige.”

“I am.” Mercedes shook her hand. “And you must be Louisa. Hopefully, there are still spots for us.”

“Absolutely. It’s not much, but at least it’s a roof over your head and a safe place to sleep.”

“Thanks to you for giving me a heads-up.” Gina slung her backpack over her shoulder. “We’re traveling light.”

“I get it. Less to keep track of.” Louisa gave them a tour of the sparsely furnished main room. Bunk beds lined three of the four walls. In the center was a card table where several women sat playing cards.

“These are your bunks.” Louisa showed them two bunks, each sporting a pillow, blankets, and a set of sheets. “You can drop your stuff, and I’ll show you the rest.”

Mercedes set her backpack, containing the bare necessities for their brief stay, at the foot of her bed while Gina did the same.

Continuing the tour, Louisa led them down a narrow hall to a kitchenette equipped with a coffeemaker, fridge, microwave, and hotplate.

“The bathrooms and showers are down here.” Crossing the room, they entered an L-shaped hallway. A surprisingly spacious bathroom with gleaming tile floors and pale pink walls sat at the other end. “The bathroom stalls are on the left. The shower stalls are over there.”