Page 15 of Family Ties and Alibis

“Of course we can go on the roundy ride.” Pete promptly purchased tickets, and because there wasn’t a line, they were able to quickly board an empty gondola.

Little Vin, his eyes round as saucers, sat on Pete’s lap while Violet and Carlita sat across from them. Although not a huge fan of the gondola lift that carried them high into the sky, she had to admit the view from the top was breathtaking.

Towering casinos lined the shoreline. Directly below them was the crazy crab spinning coaster and carousel, sandwiched in between games and booths.

Their gondola dipped down before rising again, offering an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean for as far as the eye could see.

All too soon the ride ended, and they exited onto the sidewalk.

“I’m hungry, Nana.”

“What would you like to eat? I see a food truck with hot dogs and hamburgers.”

“Ice cream.”

She laughed out loud. “Don’t you want something a little healthier to fill your tummy before dessert?”

Violet thought about it. “But what if I’m too full? I won’t want it anymore.”

“Good point. Ice cream, it is.” Passing by the hot dog and hamburger food truck, they made a beeline for the ice cream shop. Each of them ordered a sweet treat before finding an empty table near the window.

First things first, Carlita settled little Vin in his highchair before sampling her mint chocolate chip ice cream. A corner television blared loudly, giving the weather forecast followed by the local news.

In between ice cream cone licks, Violet laid out her ideas about what they should do next.

“…jogger discovered a body washed up only steps away from Treasure Cove Casino early this morning.”

“Hang on.” Carlita held a finger to her lips, her eyes glued to the television as the news anchor reported on Salvatore Tomaria’s death. “Are you catching this?”

“I am,” Pete said. “That didn’t take long.”

“Nope.”

A photo of the casino appeared. The camera panned the Boardwalk, zooming in on a reporter who stood near the water’s edge, microphone in hand. “The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of the family.”

Carlita nearly fell out of her chair at what the reporter said next.

Chapter 6

The reporter continued. “Although investigators have made no comment about the tragic death, our cameraman noticed a red gas can only a few feet away from where the deceased’s body was found.”

Pete squinted his eyes. “There was a gas can next to Sal’s body.”

Violet tugged on Carlita’s hand. “Who is Sal?”

“He’s a man Uncle Vinnie knew.”

“He died?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” She quickly changed the subject, distracting the child who was delighted to inform her grandparents she had noticed an arcade a few doors down.

With the ice cream gobbled up, they swung by the arcade. Little Vin and Violet darted from machine to machine, spending the tokens Pete had purchased. They worked their way along the perimeter before trying several of the games near the center.

Violet tossed her last Skee-Ball into the ring and clutched her stomach. “I have a grumbly tummy.”

“How does a hot dog sound?”

The girl licked her lips. “I love hot dogs.”