Carlita pressed her hand to her forehead. “At the risk of appearing judgmental, a few of them sound like they were recently released from prison.”
“Or are on parole,” Mercedes added.
“I’m sure some of them are. In fact, I know a couple for sure have records, but then so does my sister and Luigi. However, you wanted to invite their friends, and these are it.” Elvira placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t know why you’re getting so cranked up. It’s not like you haven’t been around the criminal element.”
“Key word being had,” Carlita said. “I try to avoid people who are likely to cause trouble, especially when it involves one of my businesses.”
“You could’ve fooled me.”
Mercedes crossed her arms. “What do you mean?”
“Mafia men showing up, claiming your deceased husband owed them money,” Elvira said. “Plus the burglaries.”
“Because of an investigationyouwere involved in,” Carlita reminded her.
“Most recently, gang activity.”
“Which was Luigi, not me.”
“Let’s not get into the minutiae of each incident,” Elvira lectured. “If you’re so concerned about it, call off the party.”
On the one hand, Carlita was tempted, only because she had plenty on her plate. To be fair, Elvira had a point. The Garlucci familyhadbeen involved in more than their share of criminal activities, both directly or indirectly.
“Elvira is right,” Mercedes said. “Luigi and Dernice don’t know about the engagement party.”
“My staff will also be here, including the security services employees who aren’t working,” Elvira said. “They can be our eyes and ears to make sure there isn’t any trouble.”
Carlita stared at the list. It was manageable, but still…the Thursday Riding Club? An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. What biker group came up with that name?
Dernice was no longer involved with former convicts, or at least she didn’t think the woman was. Same for Luigi. Despite being a former mafia man, he had left the life of crime and was a hardworking, upstanding citizen, not to mention an ideal tenant who rented an efficiency in Carlita’s building.
“Lest we forget…your oldest son, Vinnie, is a made man,” Elvira said. “A mobster through and through.”
“It’s up to you, Ma.”
“I just thought it would be such a nice surprise, a way to celebrate two people who have turned their lives around and are starting a new chapter.”
“We have the decorations, the gifts, the games, the food, all ready to go.”
“It would be a shame to cancel now. I mean, it’s less than twenty-four hours away.” Carlita heaved a heavy sigh, the weight of her decision settling in. “You both think we should go ahead with the party?”
Elvira and Mercedes nodded in unison.
“Then I say we stick with the plan.” Carlita folded the list and set it on the table. “We might have a few guests who are a little rough around the edges, but you’re right. No one will show up looking for a fight. What could possibly go wrong?”
Chapter 2
“It’s almost time.” Mercedes breezed into Ravello’s lobby where Carlita stood tying a bouquet of silver and gold balloons to the custom sign,Congratulations Luigi and Dernice!
“Lookin’ good, Ma.”
“Thanks.” Carlita climbed down from the ladder and dusted her hands. “I gotta say…this is shaping up to be one heck of a party.”
“You outdid yourself. The food, the decorations, and the games not to mention the gifts.” Mercedes hoisted one end of the ladder and helped her mother carry it to the storage room in the back. “Any regrets about not cancelling?”
“Nope. I got to thinkin’ about what Elvira said, and she’s right.”
“About what?”
