Page 69 of Family Ties and Alibis

Tony checked in, followed by Paulie, both sticking close by in case Ione left the casino.

Who is this? Luigi sent a photo of Ione wearing a gold backpack, exiting the restricted area alongside a man, bald as a cue ball and fluffy around the middle.

Mercedes: Jimmy Grimaldi, the casino manager.

Gina. Bummer. I was hoping he wasn’t involved.

Luigi sent another short video clip of Ione and the casino’s manager chatting. The last few seconds showed her walking away. She’s on the move again.

“It’s not over,” Pete said. “I’m curious to find out where she goes next.”

Tony: On Blackjack Street.

Luigi: Maintain a visual. Paulie and I will catch up.

Block by block, Carlita, Pete, Mercedes, Gina, and Shelby kept tabs via the others, following Ione along the main drag that ran adjacent to the Boardwalk.

Finally, Paulie texted: She’s going in.

Vinnie: Where?

Tony: Royal Flush Casino.

Vinnie: Don’t let her leave. On my way for round two.

Carlita hurriedly tapped out a text. Pete & I are here. What entrance?

Paulie: Main.

“She’s here.” Carlita plucked the Megamart smart glasses from her handbag and slipped them on. “Wonderful.”

“What’s wonderful?”

“I’m so nervous the lenses are fogging.”

“You want me to try them?”

Carlita removed the glasses and handed them to her husband.

Pete slid them on. “Clear as a bell. Where’s the record button?”

“Top right temple, or you can tell the glasses to record,” she whispered.

“Got it. Do you see her?”

“Not yet.” Carlita bounced on the tip of her uninjured toe, gripping the scooter’s handlebars to keep her balance.

Pete slowly scanned the entrance area. “I think I see her.”

Carlita slid the tiny earpiece into her ear and turned the listening and recording buttons on. Muffled noises of someone hurrying at a brisk clip. She watched the woman matching the photo Gina had shown her earlier walk past them on her way to the player services desk. She waited her turn before approaching the counter.

Gesturing with her hands, Ione nodded her head and moved over to the side, as if waiting for someone.

Tink.

She clicked on the message from Vinnie. Is she there?

Carlita: She’s waiting for someone near customer service.