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“What are you doing?”
“There are some quotes in here. I’m gonna look these places up to see if they’re still around.” She grabbed her cell phone again. “We’re in luck. Spiffy Clean Dry-Cleaning and Laundromat is still in business. The owner’s name is June Cleary. This place is open twenty-four hours a day.”
“Great. We can chat with her and try to find out what she remembers. Reading between the lines, I think Lombardo’s goons believe Vinnie was responsible for the destruction. I know he would never destroy a property, at least not intentionally.”
“This could be why Lombardo is pressuring you. He’s ticked to find out he owns a dump. Meanwhile, here you sit, pretty as a picture with profitable businesses,” Mercedes said. “Maybe if we can prove Pops wasn’t behind it, he’ll be more open to negotiating.”
“Or at the very least, not try to shake us down for no reason,” Carlita said. “It’s worth a shot.”
“We’ll know more after Vinnie and Luigi report back,” Pete said. “Hopefully, they’re making some progress.”
*****
Vinnie shoved his hands in his pockets and studied the outside of the nightclub. “You still hanging around this joint?”
“Nah. Dernice keeps me busy…too busy to run around with the boys. I’ve had a few security gigs near here, though. Do you remember Phil Duce?” Luigi asked.
“Yeah. Phil the Pill Duce. Does he still own this place?”
“Yep. His sister Pat is still in the slammer.”
“And will be for a long time,” Vinnie said. “Murder, illegal gambling.”
“This is the preferred hangout for past and present family members.” Luigi grasped the door handle. “Phil and I are on a first name basis. He’ll be able to tell us if Enzo and Costanza are hanging around.”
Stepping inside the dimly lit club, Luigi and Vinnie strode over to the bar. Both ordered a drink and then scoped out the scene, searching for the men.
“I’m not seeing them,” Vinnie finally said.
“Me neither. I wonder if Phil is around.” Luigi waved the bartender down. “We’re wondering if Phil is around.”
“Boss man?” the bartender asked.
“Yeah.”
“Who’s asking?”
“Luigi Baruzzo.”
“Ah. I thought you looked familiar. You still working for that crazy chick, Elvira Cobb?”
“Yeah. Elvira’s a trip. I’ll give her your regards,” Luigi teased.
“No thanks. I don’t want to be anywhere on her radar.” The guy dropped his dishrag on the bar sink. “I think Phil is in the back.”
Vinnie waited until the bartender was gone. “Elvira has a reputation.”
“Everywhere. The woman is everywhere.”
He returned a minute later, followed by Phil Duce, a man Vinnie had met some years ago.
“Hey, Luigi.” Phil greeted him. “Rudy said you were looking for me.”
“Thanks for coming out.” Luigi extended his hand, and they shook. “I’m not sure if you remember Vinnie Garlucci.”
“I do. Castellini’s son-in-law. I’m sorry to hear about Vito’s death,” Phil said. “You have my condolences.”
“Thank you. It was unexpected,” Vinnie said.