Page 51 of Family Ties and Alibis

“And you must be…”

“Very thirsty.” Mercedes placed a light hand on Gina’s back and propelled her toward the bar. “The lady is rude but we have to focus on why we’re here.”

“You’re right. She was pushing my buttons. I hate nasty people,” Gina muttered.

Char watched them approach, waiting until Gina handed her order sheet to the bartender. “Are you doing okay?”

“Yeah. I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure things’ll smooth out.”

Mercedes checked her order pad, confirming what was on her tray and began making her rounds, handing out the complimentary beverages and collecting tips. She returned with another list while Gina took off to deliver hers.

With only a single minor incident, the newbies delivered drinks, making casual conversation with the patrons all under Char’s watchful eye.

Mercedes headed back to the bar with a small order.

“Are you ready for a break?” their trainer asked.

“More than ready,” Mercedes said.

Gina finished another round of orders and joined them. “Are we done?”

“For now.” Char motioned to a cocktail waitress who breezed in and began taking orders. “Let’s get going while the going is good.”

Retracing their steps, the trio returned to the employee-only area and continued walking until they reached the breakroom.

“Jimmy gives all employees a food and drink allowance.” Char reached into her apron pocket, pulled out a fistful of tokens, and handed a few to them. “Fifteen minutes goes by pretty darned quick so if you’re hungry or want to rest your feet, I would start now.”

“Duly noted.” Mercedes selected a Coke from the vending machine, plopped down in an empty chair and wiggled her toes, letting out a sigh of relief. “We’ve been going nonstop.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Char took the seat next to her while Gina sat across from them.

“You mentioned the other casino, the competitor, is even busier.”

“Treasure Cove is way busier,” Char said. “They also have more staff.”

“Alec, from the temp agency, didn’t mention them,” Gina fibbed. “Maybe they aren’t hiring.”

“The holidays are always busier. I’m sure they’ll be hiring soon, which is when I was thinking I might try to make the switcheroo.”

Mercedes perked up. This was the opening she’d been looking for to start gathering information and clues. “Why does Treasure Cove sound familiar?”

“We heard about them on the news the other night,” Gina said. “Something about the manager…you mentioned his name earlier, being attacked.”

“Behind the casino, from what I was told,” Char said. “You have to be careful wandering around after dark. Crime isn’t rampant, seeing how the Boardwalk is heavily patrolled, but muggings and attacks do happen. Poor Sal was killed only hours before the other incident involving the casino manager.”

“Sal?”

“Sal Tomaria. He worked as a security guard here at Quick Cash.”

“You knew him?”

“Everyone knew Sal. He had a reputation for…” Char’s voice trailed off.

“For what?”

“Being a jerk.” She hurried on. “I mean, I never had an issue with him, but others did. Rumor has it Mr. Garlucci, the manager at Treasure Cove, kicked Sal out. Hours later, poor Sal’s body washed up on shore.”

“Maybe the person who killed your co-worker is the same person who attacked the casino manager,” Gina theorized.