“You better go, son. Don’t worry about dinner.”
Tony nodded. “I’ll be back with Violet as soon as possible.”
“Wait.” Mercedes held up a hand. “I’ll go with you. You can sign Violet out of the daycare, I’ll bring her back here and then you can run over to the police department to find out what’s going on.”
“That’s a great idea, Mercedes,” Carlita said.
Mercedes grabbed her purse and followed Tony into the hall, passing Vinnie and Brittney, who were on their way over.
“Where they goin’?” Vinnie asked as the door to the apartment building slammed shut.
“There’s been a small issue with Shelby. Tony and Mercedes are on their way to pick up Shelby’s daughter, Violet, from the daycare. As soon as Mercedes and Violet get here, we’ll eat.”
“What about Tony and Shelby?” Vinnie noted the look on his mother’s face and quickly changed the subject. “We got everything situated over in the apartment. Thanks for letting us hang our hats there during our stay.”
“It’s cozy,” Brittney said.
“I’m glad you like it. Would you care for some water? Sweet tea?” Carlita asked.
“I’ve never had sweet tea,” Brittney patted her hips. “I try not to eat too many sweets. Bad for the figure. I suppose I can try it, just this once.”
Carlita filled three glasses with ice and tea, handed one to Brittney and the other to Vinnie before grabbing her own and lifting the glass. “I propose a toast.”
Vinnie and Brittney lifted their glasses.
“To the family.”
Vinnie lifted a brow as he clinked his glass and then took a small sip. “That was an interesting toast.”
“It’s been an interesting day, wouldn’t you agree?” Carlita asked.
“No arguing with that.”
“This tea is delicious. Is it homemade?” Brittney took another sip.
“Yes. I got the recipe from a friend who’s a native southerner.” Carlita took a sip.
“I’m trying to watch what I eat or drink.” Brittney cast Vinnie a sly look. “Vinnie and I plan to start a family soon. We better get started if we’re going to have six little bambinos before Vinnie gets too old.”
Carlita choked on her tea and spewed it out.
Vinnie patted his mother on the back. “You okay Ma?”
“It went down wrong,” Carlita gasped. “Did you say you want six children?”
“The more the merrier,” Brittney sing-songed. “Right Vin?”
“We’re still hammering out the details,” Vinnie said.
“You make it sound like a business transaction.”
Brittney set her drink glass on the table and tottered across the room where Rambo lay sprawled out in front of the balcony doors. “Hello, Sambo.” She delicately patted the dog’s head.
“Rambo,” Carlita corrected.
Brittney wiped the palm of her hand on her designer jeans. “Do you mind if I step onto the balcony?” She began fanning her face. “It’s a little stuffy in here.”
Vinnie strode across the room and unlocked the door. “It’s a beautiful day and a lot nicer than Atlantic City right now.” The couple stepped onto the balcony and Carlita joined them.
“There’s not much of a view,” Brittney wrinkled her nose. “The apartment we’re in has a much prettier view of the courtyard.” The woman rattled on about the casino penthouse again and Carlita met her son’s eye.
He gave her a small shrug as he eased himself onto one of the lounge chairs.
Carlita’s eyes drifted to Elvira’s apartment building across the alley. Dusk was setting in, and she could see a small light on in what Carlita knew to be the apartment’s cramped bathroom.
Except for a casual chat with Elvira and her sister, Dernice, on New Year’s Eve, there hadn’t been much activity in or around her former tenant’s building. Most people would think that was a good sign when one’s neighbor was a busybody, but it was not necessarily the case when it involved Elvira.
Quiet could mean something completely different. In fact, it was a little too quiet. Carlita made a mental note to stop by her ex-tenant’s apartment to see what she was up to when she spotted their car pulling into the alley.
Mercedes climbed out of the car. The rear passenger door shot open and young Violet bolted from the passenger seat. She skipped to the back of the car, grabbed Mercedes’ hand and they began making their way to the apartment entrance.
“Hey Mercedes,” Carlita waved.
“Hey Ma.” Mercedes waved back and Violet began hopping on one foot. “Nana Banana, Mercedes bought me this.” She thrust something in the air and Carlita squinted her eyes. “What is it?”
“Magnets.”
“For the fridge,” Mercedes said. “I thought it might give Violet something to do while we wait for Shelby and Tony.”
When they reached the apartment, Violet ran across the living room floor and out onto the patio. “Nana, Tony went to get mommy and then later, we’re going to watch my favorite movie.”
“You are?” Carlita knelt down so that she was eye level with the young child. “What movie?”
Violet clapped her hands. “Frozen with Elsa and Anna.”
“How could I forget Frozen is your favorite movie?” Carlita gave Violet a gentle hug. “Are you hungry? Would you like a snack?”
Violet nodded. “Can I put the letters on the refrigerator?”
“As soon as you wash up,” Carlita promised.
Violet turned to go, and then noticed Vinnie and Brittney. She took a tentative step back.
“Hi, Violet. Do you remember me?” Vinnie leaned forward.
“No.” Violet shook her head and reached for Carlita’s hand.
“I’m Tony’s brother.”
“And I’m Brittney.” Brittney stepped closer.
Violet’s eyes darted from Brittney’s face to her hot pink stilettos. “You have pretty shoes.”
“Thank you,” Brittney beamed. “I was wondering what the weather was
