“What about the other hospital visitors? I wonder if he complained about not feeling well to them.”
“It’s possible. If the cops come knocking on my door, I’ll suggest they talk to anyone and everyone who visited Mr. Skidz before he died.” Carlita held up the jar. “In the meantime, I want to get this tested, to rule out my fettuccine as a possible cause.”
“I’m sure Sam knows the name of a reputable local lab.” Mercedes tapped out a text to her former beau, who was also a retired cop. “I’m asking him.”
Tink.Moments later her phone chimed. “He gave me the name and address of a place near here.”
Tink.“He wants to know why.”
“You might as well tell him. Ravello’s will be all over the news by this evening.”
Mercedes replied to Sam’s text. Her phone rang. “He’s calling.” She tapped the screen. “Hey, Sam. I got you on speaker. I’m here with Ma.”
“Hello, Carlita, Mercedes. So something happened at Luigi and Dernice’s engagement party? By the way, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it. I was hosting a large tour group.”
“No worries. We understand.” Taking turns, Carlita and Mercedes brought Sam up to speed. “The bottom line is Sonny Skidz is dead. The other person, Yvonne, is hinting at hiring an attorney, and I have a jar of creamy fettuccine that smells like almonds which, according to Mercedes, could be cyanide.”
“What a mess.”
“A big one at that,” Carlita said. “I figured it wouldn’t hurt to rule out my food as the potential culprit.”
“What about the other dishes?” Sam asked.
“I guess I should probably have them all tested.”
“I’m friends with the lab manager. As soon as we get off the phone, I’ll give him a heads-up to let him know you’re stopping by.”
“Could you? I would appreciate it.”
“No problem. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“We will.” Mercedes thanked him and set her phone on the counter. “Might as well get samples of everything.”
“Better safe than sorry.”
With her daughter’s help, Carlita gathered ample samples of each dish she’d served, labeling the jars before placing them in a reusable shopping bag.
“I’ll go with you to the lab.” Mercedes grabbed her purse. After letting Arnie know they were running an errand, she used the walking GPS to direct them to the lab a few blocks away.
Mercedes stopped in front of a nondescript brick building. “This is the place. Priority Labs Inc.”
“Blink and we would’ve missed it.” They slipped inside and approached the front desk.
The woman behind the counter slid the clear glass partition open. “Can I help you?”
“Sam Ivey, a family friend, recommended your lab. We need a few jars of food tested.”
“Yes, Sam told us you would be stopping by. What do you have?”
Carlita set the bag on the counter. “Samples of manicotti, deep-dish lasagna, creamy fettuccine, and a few other dishes.”
“All to be tested for…”
“Poison,” Carlita and Mercedes answered in unison.
“Because…”
“Two guests who were at a surprise party we hosted became ill. We’re not sure if someone intentionally tainted the food, and we want to find out.”
