Page 4 of Family Ties and Alibis

“Maybe she needs a hobby…something to keep her busy.”

Loud voices echoed from the casino.

“It looks like there’s something going on over by the cashier’s counter.” Carlita balanced on her good leg, struggling to see where the voices were coming from.

Fast steps echoed. Two security guards hurried past.

“I had better go see what’s going on.” Vinnie made a move to follow them.

A third guard appeared, stopping him before he walked away. “Hey, boss. Sorry to interrupt, but we've got a problem.”

“What is it?”

“More like who. Salvatore Tomaria was trying to cash counterfeit bills. You wanna handle this one?”

“Yeah.” Vinnie clenched his jaw. “It’s time to ban this guy from Treasure Cove.”

Voices grew louder, and a crowd started to gather.

“Be careful, Son,” Carlita warned.

“No worries.” Vinnie’s expression grew grim. “Taking the trash out shouldn’t take long.”

Chapter 2

Carlita held her breath, watching as Vinnie, flanked by a pair of security guards, strolled over to the cashier’s counter. A man who appeared to be in his late fifties waved his arms in the air, motioning to the casino floor and the nearby gaming tables.

Vinnie, calm, cool, and collected, nodded several times. He pointed to the nearest exit while placing a light hand on the man’s arm.

The customer jerked away, his face turning bright red. He jabbed his finger in her son’s face.

“The dude better watch it or Vinnie will clean his clock,” Mercedes whispered under her breath.

The guard who had first stopped Vinnie to let him know about the guest trying to pass counterfeit money, stepped closer…so close he was mere inches away from the alleged offender’s face.

A few tense moments passed before the man reluctantly allowed Carlita’s son to escort him to the nearby exit.

The security guards moved in lockstep, following their boss and the ousted customer through the crowded casino.

Pete, Carlita and Mercedes waited several long moments. When Vinnie and the guards didn’t return, they made a beeline for the exit. Hitting the automatic door opener, Carlita wheeled her way out of the building and onto the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

She spotted Vinnie and the guards standing in front of a pizza joint, adjacent to the casino. Although she couldn’t hear what they were saying, judging by her son’s clenched fists, Salvatore’s sudden exit may not have gone off as smoothly as they’d hoped.

Finally, the security guards left, and Vinnie made his way over.

“You don’t look happy,” Mercedes said.

“Salvatore…what’s his name, didn’t leave peacefully,” Pete guessed.

“He’s threatening to burn Treasure Cove to the ground. He started shoving me and I had to push back.” Vinnie rubbed his neck. “He’s lucky I didn’t call the cops and have him arrested.”

“So he tried passing counterfeit money, got kicked out, and now he’s threatening you?” Mercedes asked incredulously.

“This guy has had several run-ins with security.” Vinnie added that he suspected the troublemaker was making his rounds to the various casinos, pulling similar stunts. “He’s worn out his welcome and got himself banned from ever stepping foot in Treasure Cove. If he does, I won’t think twice about having him arrested.”

Carlita tapped her lower lip. “I think I’ve heard his name before.”

“Pops knew him back in the day. Maybe that’s why he thinks he can come in here, cause trouble and I’ll look the other way. If so, he’s sadly mistaken.”