Page 64 of Family Ties and Alibis

“Nope.”

“You’ve figured out where Ione is going after Vinnie confronts her.”

“I’m not a hundred percent certain, but I have a solid hunch.” Carlita ran her finger along the side of the sunglasses. “Hopefully, these little gems will help us catch whoever was behind Sal’s murder.”

Chapter 25

Dun…dun, dun, dun, dun, dunnnnnn. Carlita dismissed her cell phone’s “doomsday” ringtone for a second time.

“Who keeps calling you?”

“Elvira.”

Pete laughed out loud. “You gave her a new ringtone?”

“Yeah. The arooga, old jalopy car horn, seemed too tame. Doomsday is much more fitting.”

“What does she want?”

“I don’t know. I’m almost afraid to find out.”

Tink. The message was brief. Call me.

A second followed seconds behind. ASAP.

“Uh-oh. She wants me to call her.”

“Perhaps you should.” Pete watched a couple stroll past The Royal Flush Casino’s security guard station. “We have time before the clock hits nine and Vinnie confronts Ione.”

“I suppose. I might as well get this over with.” Carlita reluctantly dialed Elvira’s number.

“Hello, stranger.” Elvira’s cheerful, overly enthusiastic voice greeted her. “How’s it going?”

“It’s been…eventful.” Carlita tapped her phone’s screen. “Pete’s here. I put you on speaker.”

“Oh good. I was going to ask if he was around. So, what’s been eventful?”

“We have a minor issue.”

“With Vinnie? Please tell me he’s all right. I miss my man.”

“What about your boyfriend, Sharky?” Carlita reminded her.

“We’re in a cooling-off phase. You know the saying ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder?’ It’s a crock. Long-distance relationships aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.”

“You asked me to call you. How are the repairs going?”

“What repairs?”

Carlita briefly closed her eyes. “The repairs to my pawn shop, the broken window and crack in my building,” she reminded her.

“I haven’t scheduled it yet. I figured I should probably wait until you get home for the repairs in case you want to supervise.”

“You’re right. I do,” she said. “You chose a bonded, reputable company, I hope.”

“No worries. I’m hiring the best in the biz. It’s gonna cost me a small fortune. I tell you what…I learned my lesson.”

“I highly doubt it, but hope springs eternal,” Carlita said.