Thanksgiving Day
Sam
This year, because Aunt Marion invited not only family, but everyone she knows, our turkey celebration takes place in the banquet hall behind the freezer of Petey’s Pizzeria. Most often, Uncle Vinny holds court in this room but it’s a holiday and I guess, even gangsters need a day off.
The bigger children have taken over the booths in the main restaurant, watched by several indulgent parents. Having imbibed much wine, they let the kids go wild. My little man needed a nap so when my mom insisted on taking him home, I agreed.
Unfortunately, that leaves empty chairs around me and soon, they’re filled by blue-haired salon ladies, friends, and family.
Mrs. Murphey stabs her pie, then points her pumpkin confectionary in my face. “Did you name your last job?”
I think of the moment where things began to take shape. “The case of two birds and one stone.”
Uncle Vinny lights a cigar. “If youz write a book, it’s sixty-forty. Mine is the bigger percentage, capice?”
Another of Aunt Marion’s customers adjusts her hearing aid. “I thought your partner was bodyguarding a sex-worker and you were looking for her daughter?”
My father harrumphs. “You were supposed to take the FBI job.”
“I did, daddy, but they fired me. What can I say?”
As I shrug, my cousin Mia pokes me in the arm. “Did you really save your husband’s ass again?”
Done with trying to explain piecemeal, I clink a spoon to my crystal goblet and place one high-heeled foot on my chair. As I climb, my husband places a steadying palm on my ass and laughs.
Having learned to ramble from the best, I put my skills to use. “Okay, listen up. I’m only going to say this once.”
“Wait, wait, wait.” My cousin Rose holds up her phone and a few others follow her lead.
When they all indicate they’re ready, I take a deep breath. “A few weeks ago, a high-priced escort hired Suds as her bodyguard and me to find her teenage daughter. During our investigation, we learned how our client, Selena Bright, witnessed a federal justice take a bribe.”
“Everyone with me so far?” Glancing around the room, I take a gulp of wine.
Their silence I understand as tacit agreement. “For those who don’t follow the news, a few weeks ago, Judge Bannerman changed his position on a case involving native lands and New EnGen Power. Come to find out, the power company’s CEO, James Griffen, orchestrated a bribe. After winning the lawsuit, he had the lobbyist he hired, killed. He also sent mercenaries to murder the man he paid off. Fortunately, Suds and I were there and saved him.”
“But who were the two women who shot at each other in your hotel room?” This highly intelligent question comes from my cousin Joey, which is so surprising, I lose my train of thought.
“Allow me, sweetie?” Suds glances up.
Wobbling, I grab his head. “Sorry, please do.”
He lifts me to the floor and turns to our audience. “I am happy to report both ladies survived. My client, the sex worker, is still in the hospital. The other woman is out on bail. As for motive? Veronica Parker was heavily invested in her father’s company. When he told her he was being blackmailed, she used her connections at the CIA to locate Chrissy Bright. She was determined to use the teen to shut down her mother’s operations.
“What about Selena?” My cousin Mia, always looking for a happy ending, raises her brows.
Lips pursed, Suds looks to me for help and I respond. “None of her victims want their dirty laundry aired. She’s going to get off scot-free.”
Uncle Vinny chuckles. “Give me her number. I could use a person wid her talents.”
“Only if it counts as two favors.” I hold out my hand to shake.
After we seal the deal, I jump up and down, turn to high-five Suds, then hug him tight.
We dodged a bullet and to be honest, those two would totally deserve each other.
