From Mangia to Murder (A Sophia Mancini ~ Little Italy Mystery)

by Mickelson, Caroline

“I wasn’t exactly alone,” she corrected him. “I had Mooch with me.”

  “Ah, yes, Mr. DiMuccio. How could I forget? So, you had the brains to take along one of Vidoni’s thugs. Help an old man understand this. How is it a good thing that your ally for the evening’s escapade was the same man who warned me I would never see you alive again if I didn’t do what he demanded?”

  “Wow. It sounds like you had fun, Zia Sophia.” Luciano’s eyes were wide with admiration. “Next time can I go?”

  Sophia looked around for help fielding the question, but no one said a word. Her eyes settled on Francesca. “Can you please take Luciano downstairs for a lemonade?” She turned to her brother. “Give her a quarter, Ang.”

  Francesca took the coin and nodded. “Come on, cugino. Let’s leave the grownups to talk.”

  Luciano scooted off of the bed and took Francesca’s hand. He looked up at her. “How come I get a treat every time Zia Sophia gets in trouble?”

  “I’ll tell you when you’re older,” Francesca answered him.

  “I really can explain,” Sophia protested after her nephew was out of hearing. “And you can’t argue that it wasn’t worth the risk because Maria Acino was arrested. We solved our first murder case.”

  “Which part of we are you referring to?” Angelo asked. “Because while you were solving the case, as you put it, I was frantically searching for you over at Frankie’s warehouse.”

  “I’m sorry Angelo, but it just hit me all at once that it was Maria I’d recognized masquerading as Mrs. Vidoni’s nurse. And I knew if I told you that you’d--”

  “Be reasonable and insist you stay in the hospital while I called the police?” he finished her sentence. “You know me so well.”

  She looked to Andrea for help, but he shook his head. “I’m not helping you out of this one.” He took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. “But I am sorry for my part in Eugene’s attempt to poison you. I had no idea there was anything wrong with the sandwich, or I never would have sent it with Angelo.”

  “I know that,” Sophia reassured him. “But you finding Vincenzo’s blackmail ledger is the nail in Eugene’s coffin we needed. Mooch identified the book as the same one he took from the restaurant, right?”

  Andrea nodded. “Yep, and Eugene stole it back from Mooch’s apartment. Apparently the money Vincenzo was making from blackmailing people was too appealing for Eugene to pass up. It would be more than enough for him to buy the restaurant from Stella. I doubt he had the guts to even think of killing Vincenzo, but when it happened, he must have been delighted.”

  “Not so fast,” Angelo said. “Eugene had the guts to try to poison Mooch and Sophia, and McIntyre says he’s found a witness who saw Eugene try to run down Stella.”

  Oh, God. She’d forgotten all about Stella.

  “How is she?”

  “Doctor Casterinni says she’s conscious now. A broken leg and sore ribs might be the worst of it. She’s lucky to be alive,” Angelo told her.

  “I want to go see her--”

  “No.” All three men shouted in unison.

  “Fine, I’ll wait.”

  She could imagine Stella’s joy when she learned she’d never been legally married to Vincenzo. The church would surely forgive Stella living in sin all those years if she’d been duped, wouldn’t they? They should. Now Stella could put the past behind her, and marry her true love. Sophia smiled. At least something positive would come out of this whole mess.

  “I think we’re getting way off subject here,” her grandfather said. He leaned over the bed rail and kissed her forehead. “Cara, I love you more than my own life. You, your brother, your cousins, and Luciano are all I have in this world. You’re my treasures.” He looked down at her, so much love and tenderness in his gaze that Sophia’s eyes filled with tears.

  “I’m sorry I worried you so much, Grandpa.”

  “I know, love. Now we’re going to leave you.” He motioned for Andrea to follow him. “Your brother has something to tell you.”

  As soon as they were gone, Sophia demanded an explanation. “Does it concern Luciano? Is something wrong with him?”

  Angelo shook his head. “No. But I’ve made an important decision.”

  “I’m listening.” She bit her lip.

  “I’ve decided to close the detective agency.”

  Sophia stared at him. She struggled to find the right words to voice her many objections. “Why? That’s crazy. You can’t, Ang. We’re going back to court tomorrow. To what, tell the judge we don’t have an income? That we’ve failed already?” This was the last thing she’d ever expected him to say. “I understand you’re angry with me, and I don’t blame you--”

  “Stop.” He went to sit on the window sill. “My decision wasn’t made out of anger.”

  “Then why?”

  “Because it’s the right thing to do. You were almost killed twice this week. Twice. That’s two times too many. We didn’t start this business so that you would be in danger.” He held up a hand to forestall her protest. “I don’t care how much you enjoyed yourself, and I know you did, so don’t deny it. This isn’t good for the family. We’re done.”

  “But, Ang--”

  “We’re done.”

  “What are we going to do? What are you going to tell the judge?”

  “That I have a new business plan. I’m going to start a security company. We can do background checks, and we can train and provide security guards to businesses. I’m going to need a top-notch secretary who’s good with details, so you’ve got the job. But it’s paperwork only for you, and most of it you can do from home.” He gave her a quick kiss and tucked Luciano’s toy airplane into the crook of his arm. “I know this isn’t what you want, but it’s for the best. You’re going to have to trust me.”

  “I do. But--”

  “But nothing. You do or you don’t. Which is it?”

  “I do.” She did. But that didn’t stop her from feeling miserable.

  “I’m leaving now so you can get some rest. Be warned. Everyone at the nurses’ station knows you’re not allowed to leave your room. For any reason.”

  She nodded her agreement. This time she’d have to play it his way. And honestly, more sleep sounded heavenly. Satisfied with her compliance, Angelo turned to go, and collided with Mooch.

  “I want to see Sophia.”

  “Not a good time.” Angelo, completely outmatched in size, nonetheless stood his ground and blocked the doorway.

  “When can I come back?”

  “I should say never. Not after the stunt you pulled last night, letting my sister leave the hospital.”

  “We had to save Frankie’s wife.”

  Angelo looked from Mooch to Sophia and back again. “You two have never heard of the Harrison Heights Police Department? You could’ve made a telephone call and let the police handle it.”

  Mooch grunted in answer. Sophia felt the same way. She was growing tired of being chided as if she and Mooch were small children.

  “Let Mooch in, please. He’ll only stay a few minutes.”

  Angelo did as she asked, but she could tell he was not happy about it. “I guess I’m going to have to get used to this. You two deserve each other.”

  “What are you talking about?” Sophia asked.

  “Let Mooch explain. And leave the door open,” were his parting words.

  She pointed to a chair. Mooch sat and folded his hands in his lap.

  “I told Frankie I’m done with him.”

  This was a surprise. “You’re going to work for someone else?”

  He nodded.

  “Anyone I know?”

  He nodded again. “Angelo.”

  Oh God. “What are you talking about?”

  “Frankie don’t need me. You do. So your brother is going to pay me to watch you.”

  So this is what speechless felt like. She’d always wondered. She struggled to find words to convey her shock, confusion, and alarm at the thought of Mooch DiMuccio as her s
elf-appointed bodyguard.

  “What does Frankie have to say about this?” she finally managed to ask.

  “He says someone has to keep an eye on you.”

  Exasperated, Sophia flopped back against her pillows and closed her eyes.

  “I knew you’d be happy,” Mooch said. “You go ahead and rest. I won’t let no one near you.”

  Precisely what she was afraid of.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  By the time the judge entered the courtroom, Sophia sat quietly beside Angelo. Her brother appeared outwardly calm, but he was as anxious as she was. She could sense it.

  She also sensed that Luciano’s maternal grandfather thought he had them right where he wanted them. She glanced across the room. Charles Burkwaite smiled at her, like a wolf at a lamb. She looked away, fixing her eyes on the court seal above the judge’s bench.

  Mooch, her new constant companion, sat behind them with the family. She had no doubt he was glowering at the Burkewaites. He’d offered more than once to take Mr. Burkwaite outside for a ‘talk.’ If only it were that easy.

  Angelo’s doctor gave his testimony first. “Answer me this,” Judge Hellerman addressed him. “You are saying that Mr. Mancini complied with every request you made of him, and he appeared at the appointments you and he had scheduled, save one. Is that correct?”

  The psychologist agreed that it was.

  “In clear and plain English, give me your impression of Mr. Mancini’s character.”

  “I have found Mr. Mancini to be an intelligent and rational man who is completely devoted to his family.”

  “And his medical prognosis?”

  “Truthfully, we’ve seen little improvement. Certainly not as much as I’d like. Admittedly, it has been a relatively short period of time.”

  “Thank you.” Judge Hellerman consulted his notes before calling the social worker to the witness box. “Mrs. Featherstone, please briefly summarize your findings on the minor’s welfare for me.”

  She did so, unemotionally and succinctly running through a litany of her visits to the Mancini’s home.

  The judge sat back and rubbed his eyes. When she finished speaking he returned his spectacles to the bridge of his nose. “Your conclusion?”

  Mrs. Featherstone hesitated. “It’s a complicated situation, Your Honor.”

  “Simplify it for me then.”

  She sighed. “My overall impression of the Mancini family is that they do not present a danger to little Luciano. I’d even go out on a limb and say they probably love him.”

  Probably? Sophia bit the inside of her cheek. Angelo had made her swear six ways to Sunday that she’d stay silent unless asked a question. She’d have to be content with imagining someone sawing off the limb Mrs. Featherstone had climbed out on.

  “I can say that the elder Mr. Mancini is a positive influence and a devoted grandparent. Luciano’s father, I believe, is doing his best to provide for his son both emotionally and financially.”

  “What about the boy?”

  “Luciano is a polite child who appears to do well in school. His health is excellent. He’s given to slight exaggeration and wild ideas, but I have no doubt where that influence comes from.”

  Sophia ignored the social worker’s pointed stare.

  “He’s healthy, safe, and happy?” the judge asked.

  “It would appear so, yes.”

  The judge nodded thoughtfully. His gaze settled on Angelo. “Mr. Mancini, I’ve reviewed the information you submitted pertaining to the changes you’ve made to your original business plan.”

  “Your Honor, we’ve not had an opportunity to review the amended documents.” The Burkwaites lawyer shuffled the papers in front of him. “We respectfully ask that--”

  “Request denied, Counselor.” Judge Hellerman sighed deeply. “Mr. Mancini is only required to submit this documentation to myself, not to your clients. Let me warn you that I am not feeling particularly charitable at the moment. I had to cut short a fishing vacation with my grandson to hear this case, and I cannot see where there is an immediate threat to this child’s welfare.”

  “You don’t call consorting with murderers a threat?” Charles Burkwaite was on his feet, hands clenched by his side, his face red.

  “When you are running a private detective agency, I call it business as usual.” Judge Hellerman pointed to Burkwaite’s empty chair. “Return to your chair and silence yourself.”

  Sophia glanced over to see how Charles Burkwaite liked being the lamb instead of the wolf. By the looks of it, not much at all.

  Once the courtroom was silent, the judge turned back to Angelo.

  “I have one simple question for you, Mr. Mancini.”

  Angelo stood. His hands shook. So did hers. She kept them clenched in her lap.

  “My understanding is that you successfully solved your first case--a murder case at that--and two suspects are in custody. That certainly is an impressive start. Yet now you propose to change your business plan to provide security. Why the change?”

  “I decided the potential risks to my family’s welfare were greater than I initially realized. Absolutely nothing is worth putting my son, my sister, or any of my loved ones in danger.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Mancini. That is all I needed to hear. I commend your priorities and wish you and your family much success with your new business plan.”

  “Thank you, Your Honor.”

  “Splendid.” Judge Hellerman closed the file and turned to the Burkwaites. “I see no reason for your grandson to be removed from his father’s care. He is well cared for and well loved, which is all that we can ask from any parent. I am a grandparent myself, and I sympathize with your position. However, removing this boy from his father when he’s already lost his mother is not an action I’m prepared to take.” He stood. “We will reconvene in thirty days to create a plan whereby you and your wife are able to remain a part of your grandson’s life. Barring any unforeseen or dramatic changes in the Mancini’s circumstances, that will be our final hearing on the matter.”

  Moments later Sophia stood with her family in the hallway outside the courtroom. Happiness didn’t begin to describe her relief and delight at the news that Luciano would remain with them, right where he belonged. With his family.

  “Grandpa, I’ll meet you back at the house.” She glanced at her new constant companion, who stood a few feet away. “And Mooch, you come to the house too. We’ve got celebrating to do and you can help.” Her invitation earned her a rare smile.

  “Where are you going?” Angelo asked. “Don’t tell me you’re even thinking about--”

  “I’m going to church to light a candle, so don’t start fussing at me.” She smiled at him. “If I don’t start thanking God for my many blessings, I’ll never get caught up. I won’t be long.”

  Halfway down the courthouse steps, she ran into the police captain.

  “Miss Mancini.” He removed his police hat and nodded.

  “Captain McIntyre.”

  An awkward silence hung between them while Sophia desperately tried to think of something to say. She had the feeling that he was doing the same.

  He spoke first. “You’re here for your nephew’s custody hearing?”

  She smiled broadly. “Yes. Thankfully it’s over and Luciano will be staying home with us.”

  “Congratulations.” He smiled.

  “Thank you. We couldn’t be happier.” She owed him an apology, but didn’t know where to start.

  “And I heard down at the department that your brother will be opening a security firm.”

  Sophia didn’t want to think about the mountain of paperwork that was stacking up to be her future. She nodded, but changed the subject.

  “Eugene’s confession means he’ll be gone for a long time, is that correct?” she asked.

  “It is. Three counts of attempted murder, plus the blackmail business ensures he’ll be incarcerated for many, many years.”

  “And your promotion?” Sophi
a asked. “You’ll officially be made captain now?”

  He hesitated before replying, which was just the answer she didn’t want to hear.

  “As you can imagine, my higher ups were delighted the case was solved. They were less than impressed, however, that I was chasing a false lead at Vidoni’s warehouse at the time of Mrs. Acino’s apprehension.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Truly she was. It had never been her intention to set him up to look bad.

  “Fortunately I wasn’t fired. Apparently I’m being given another chance to prove my mettle.”

  “That’s wonderful. If I can do anything to help you in any way--”

  “No, thank you,” he interrupted her, looking as if she’d suggested he swim across a crocodile infested river. “I think I can make do without your help.”

  “Of course you can,” Sophia agreed. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.”

  “Well, I guess this is goodbye, Miss Mancini. Take care of yourself.” With a shy, but ever so charming, smile he ran up the steps and into the courthouse.

  She watched him go, a curious disappointment edging aside her earlier joy.

  She headed toward St. Catherine’s Church, walking slowly and enjoying the quiet moment alone to think. She consoled herself with the thought that even if they’d kept the detective agency open, there was no guarantee there’d have been another murder case.

  After all, this was Little Italy--a happy, perfectly peaceful place to call home. It wasn’t as if a dead body would just show up out of nowhere, complete with a built-in mystery for her to solve. Really, what were the odds?

  Acknowledgements:

  I am so very grateful to the following people who helped me achieve my goal of publishing a book I’m proud of ~ a heartfelt thank you to:

  ~ Laura J. Miller of www.anauthorsart.com for a book cover I love.

  ~ Stacy Chitwood of www.nimbleforce.com for her amazingly detailed copy edit.

  ~ Alison Dasho of www.alisonedits.com for her insightful and encouraging developmental edit.

  ~ Chiara Zanone of www.chiarazanone.wordpress.com for the Italian translations – Grazie mille.

  ~ Kat Wells, author, friend and amazing critique partner – www.katwells.com