Page 30 of Fatal Fettuccine
Vinnie’s distinctive Jersey drawl echoed across the lines. “Hey, Mercedes.”
“Hey, Vin. I’m here with Ma and have you on speaker.”
“Hey, Ma. I was thinkin’ about calling you. How did Luigi and Dernice’s engagement party go?”
“Other than two people getting what we believe is food poisoning and one of them dying, it was nice.”
Vinnie whistled loudly. “You served some bad food?”
“We’re not sure yet. Mercedes and I dropped samples off at a lab a short time ago. I should know tomorrow.”
“Who was it? Anyone I know?”
“The guy who died was a friend of Dernice and Luigi’s, part of their biker club. We’re kinda thinking it might have been linked to an accident which happened a few days ago when one of the riders got hurt.”
“Don’t forget about the woman,” Mercedes said.
“Yes, and a woman also showed signs of food poisoning. It’s a mess.”
“Sounds like it,” Vinnie said. “What about the woman? How’s she doing?”
“Yvonne, an employee of Elvira’s, is recovering but also talking about hiring an attorney.”
“I’m sorry to hear about it. I hope it all works out.”
“Me too.”
“The reason we’re calling is Ma and I were wondering if we’re still invited to come up there for Thanksgiving.”
“You bet. Brittney and I would love to host you. Bring Luigi, Dernice and Elvira with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I believe Elvira invited herself the last time I was down and brought up the subject of you visiting.”
“I’m sure she did.” Carlita rolled her eyes. “It would be me, Pete, Mercedes, Tony, Shelby, the girls, Luigi, Dernice and Elvira. Ten of us.”
“Paulie and Gina are planning on coming down for the holiday.” Vinnie told her he kept a block of premium guest suites at the casino hotel available for VIP guests. “We got plenty of space to treat you. The hotel’s spa is top-notch, one of the best on the East Coast.”
“I can’t remember the last time I visited a spa,” Carlita said.
“We also have Michelin-starred restaurants. The boardwalk is open but not as busy as during the summer months. If you’re lookin’ for a nice, relaxing break, Treasure Cove Casino is the place to be,” her son said.
“It sounds tempting.”
“I’m sold,” Mercedes said. “I might even try a hand or two of blackjack.”
“Our head dealer, Merlin, is the best in the biz,” Vinnie said. “Should I set aside some suites?”
“Maybe hold them until I can get with the others to see if it’s a go. The holidays are our busy time. I’m not sure if Pete will want to take time off.”
“Let me know. I hope you can make it, Ma. We would love to see you.”
“I’ll let you know by tomorrow,” Carlita promised before telling her son goodbye.
Mercedes ended the call and waved her phone in the air. “Vinnie sounds excited.”
“He does.”
