Page 54 of Family Ties and Alibis

“According to Char, Jimmy planned to transfer Sal to another department.”

“Wow. Well, at least we now know Ms. X’s identity.”

“How we find out more about her remains to be seen.” Mercedes held the door and waited for Gina to step out onto the sidewalk. “How about you?”

“As a matter of fact, I met Louisa, another server. She’s originally from Upstate New York. She’s been down here for about a week, living in the casino’s temporary housing.”

“Temporary housing?” Mercedes repeated.

“Reading between the lines, Quick Cash Casino is trying to attract employees and has set up some sort of temporary living arrangement on site for those who need a place to sleep. I’m not sure how serious she was, but Louisa mentioned it’s like a frat house.”

“Interesting.” Mercedes scanned the Boardwalk and found the vendor truck Char had mentioned. “Let’s grab a bite to eat.”

The tantalizing aroma of grilled onions and French fries wafted through the air. Mercedes’ stomach grumbled, reminding her she’d skipped breakfast because of her nerves.

“I’m starving,” Gina groaned. “I’ll take a hot dog with the works and tater tots.”

Mercedes placed their orders. Within minutes the food, hot and fresh, was bagged and sitting on the stainless steel counter. She paid for it in cash and added a generous tip.

“I see an empty bench. Paulie sent me a text, asking how it was going.” Balancing her hot dog in one hand, Gina tapped out a reply. “I told him we were making some progress and had Sal’s girlfriend’s first name.”

Tink. Mercedes’ phone chimed. “Vinnie’s asking the same thing. I gave him Ione’s first name. Maybe he can do a little digging around on his end.”

“Louisa asked me where I was staying.” Gina popped a tot into her mouth. “I told her we were in a hotel and she said we should check with Jimmy to see if there’s a spot for us in the temporary housing.”

“You’re thinking that you and I should spend the night here at the casino?”

“Why not?”

“It would be helpful to get additional info on Sal and his girlfriend.” Mercedes warmed to the idea. They were running out of time. Being totally immersed in the casino atmosphere might be just the ticket to figuring out who had murdered Sal. “I think someone who works here knows what happened to Sal or at least has information that would help us.”

“It stands to reason,” Gina agreed.

“Is Paulie gonna be okay with you being gone?”

“We’ll have to find out if they have room for us first.” Gina polished off her hot dog and tots and tossed her empty wrappers in the trash. “I say we go talk to Jimmy since he’s the one who decides which employees are allowed to use the temporary quarters.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Mercedes hurriedly finished her food and caught up with her sister-in-law, who stood waiting on the sidewalk. “I doubt it will be as luxurious as our accommodations at Treasure Cove.”

“Maybe not as luxurious, but something tells me it has the potential to be a lot more exciting.”

*****

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” Carlita followed her daughter to her hotel room’s closet. “You don’t have to give up these upscale accommodations for a bunk bed.”

“I don’t mind. Gina and I took a quick peek. It’s pretty plain Jane. There aren’t many bells and whistles, but if our goal is to get info about what Sal may have been up to, then this is our best shot at it.” Mercedes draped her jacket over the handle of her carry-on suitcase. “Besides, it’s only for one night.”

“Paulie isn’t too thrilled about it.”

Mercedes chuckled. “Because he’ll have to keep track of all three of his kids. It’ll be good for him to have the gift of missing his wife.”

“I don’t disagree.” Carlita reached into her pocket and pulled out a small stack of twenty-dollar bills. “Take this.”

“What do I need money for?”

“I dunno. Food.”

“I have most of the jackpot I won, plus tip money. Actually, the more you serve a person, the better they tip.”