J.M. Griffin - Vinnie Esposito 05 - Season for Murder (27 page)

Rafael poisoned Iva Lindon. Dona had told him Iva was an overeater and had a passion for fruitcake. He laced a few pieces of cake with drops of poison, with the intention that nobody else would get hurt. After Iva died, Dona approached Mrs. Galumpky about skimming from the mob. They were outside on the evening of Mrs. Galumpky’s murder. She threatened to let the mob loose on Mrs. Galumpky. They argued and Mrs. Galumpky turned away from Dona. In a fit of rage, Dona raised her cane and struck her with the heavy metal handle. The woman hit the bushes, but wasn’t quite dead. While Mrs. Galumpky lay entangled, Dona finished her off. Rafe had nothing to do with the murder of Mrs. Galumpky, just hiding the fact that Dona had done the deed.

The fact that my mother would have taken the blame and maybe even gone to jail never bothered either Dona or Rafe. I listened to Aaron’s excuses as to why he didn’t tell me of his involvement and how he wanted to help me, so he did what he could from behind the scenes.

“Did you know I was chased across the highway and nearly run off the road by a monster truck?” I asked.

“That had nothing to do with anything, I can assure you. It was a coincidence, honest.”

“Okay, I believe you,” I said grudgingly.

“Where’s Marcus?”

It was the first time he’d asked about Marcus, and I wondered why.

“He’s in New York with his mother for the weekend. Why do you ask?”

“I just figured he’d be around trying to talk you out of meeting Jimmy. That was pretty daring, Vin, crazy, too.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. No lectures, please. I did what I had to for my mother. I realize you aren’t Italian and have no clue what it’s like, but I’m sure you can identify with the need to protect those you care about.” Oops, I’d struck a nerve. Just from the look on his face, I knew I had.

In a soft voice, he said, “Yes, I can. You have no idea how I felt when you walked around that corner with Jimmy.” He shook his head at me. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to choke you or rescue you from something you wouldn’t be able to control.”

“My life is far from mundane, and I am thankful for it.” I laughed. On a serious note I added, “Even if my actions are often rash.”

Aaron went on to tell me how he’d been ordered to go deep undercover. He hadn’t wanted to take on the task, but when my mother had been accused of murder, he was glad he had. He mentioned the money again and I realized that he and Marcus had spoken. How I knew it, I wasn’t sure. A gut reaction to the story, I guessed.

“Did Marcus give you the money or are the state police holding it?” I asked and watched him closely for telltale signs of a lie.

“He turned it in to the FBI. The Colonel knew of our operation and wanted to make sure we had the evidence we needed. You were smart to hand it over, Vin. Rafe may have killed you for it. He did break into your apartment, right?”

“He did. I nearly caught him, too.”

As he leaned against the sofa, his gaze never left my face. It was as though he couldn’t absorb enough of my appearance. I smiled, but said nothing.

He cleared his throat and asked, “What’s happening for the holidays?”

“Marcus has to work, I’m on vacation, and you’re coming to Christmas dinner.”

His answer was a wide smile.

“Lola has asked that we go to the deli for supper. Would you like to go now?” I asked him.

“I’ll get my jacket. We can walk to the corner if you want.” He left the room for a moment and came back with a heavy jacket on.

We strolled through the late afternoon chill. The cold wind that had been ever present had moved on to parts unknown. All that was left behind was a chilly breeze and cool temperatures. It was refreshing to smell the cold air and not be buffeted around by the wind.

Chapter 24

Christmas arrived with no unfortunate mishaps. No murders, poisonings, or difficulties of any kind. How that had happened was a mystery in itself. With extra time on my hands, I wondered what I would do for excitement until the next semester at the university commenced.

Dinner at my parents’ house in Cranston was a loud and boisterous affair. My twin cousins arrived for dessert after the meal. Nonni was ever present with her sharp wit. Marcus showed up for a bite to eat and ran out the door mid-meal when he was called to an accident on the highway. Aaron stuffed himself with Italian goodies until he couldn’t move. He even undid his belt and unbuttoned the waist of his slacks.

Gifts were shared, laughter abounded, and all-in-all the day went well. I arrived home with arms full of leftovers, gifts, and a feeling of prosperity. Why? I didn’t know, except that I always adored the holiday season and this one was no different.

A knock at the door brought me scurrying from the living room into the kitchen. Marcus stood outside, a red Santa hat sat lopsided on his head, a pair of red pajamas dangled from his fingers. I gawked at him and smiled.

Marcus grinned and said, “I came by for a pajama party.”

I laughed out loud, pulled Marcus inside by his jacket lapels, and locked the door securely behind him.

Merry Christmas, indeed!

About the Author

J.M. Griffin is a student of the human condition, wielding the written craft
to stimulate the imagination. Like an artist, J.M. uses blank pages to draw vivid characters. Her other books in the Esposito Series include
For Love of Livvy
,
Dirty Trouble
,
Dead Wrong
,
Cold Moon Dead,
and the
Esposito Series Box Set
. J.M. also has an entertaining new series called the Deadly Bakery, featuring a gutsy heroine sleuth who runs a bakery. Her first book in that series is called
A Crusty Murder
. J.M. lives in rural Rhode Island, a colorful and interesting state.