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

lifted, replaced by a budding curiosity, if the buzz of conversation was any clue.
    Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Frankie Vidoni standing in his shirt sleeves, arms folded across his chest. He was talking to Maria Acino, who stood with her lace shawl draped over her arm. Her agitation was palpable. She watched them for a moment before turning back to her brother.
    “Were you just talking to Frankie?”
    He nodded. “Interesting man.” Interesting wasn’t the word she would have chosen for Frankie. “He wants to meet with us tomorrow morning.”
    “Why on earth would he want to--” Sophia stopped mid-sentence. Her conversation in the back of Frankie’s car came flooding back to her. What had he said? That he knew something was going to happen? Her eyes widened. Was Vincenzo’s murder what he meant? Questions swirled through her mind like snowflakes in a Chicago snowstorm. “What did you tell him?”
    Captain McIntyre appeared at her side. “Tell who what?”
    Sophia gave her brother an imperceptible shake of head. “We were talking about my grandfather,” she lied, startled by how quickly the untruth came out of her mouth.
    “Your nephew is accounted for then?”
    Angelo nodded. “Luciano’s gone home with my grandfather. O’Brian said there was no reason for them to stay around. Can I be of help, Captain?”
    “Just commit anything of interest you might hear to mind and have a word with me later.” Sophia hoped he wasn’t counting on Angelo for any details. He’d be sorely disappointed. “Right then, Miss Mancini, will you be so kind as to join me at the table in the back of the room? I’m ready to start my interviews.”
    Politely phrased, but she knew an order when she heard one.
    ***
    Eugene Gallo was first on Captain McIntyre’s list of people to talk to. Sophia sat next to the Captain and marveled at Eugene’s calm demeanor.
    “When was the last time you were in the kitchen, Mr. Gallo?”
    Eugene shrugged. “I can’t remember. I don’t wear a watch.”
    “You seem incredibly composed considering that your business partner was just found murdered.” The police captain raised an eyebrow. “You’re not surprised that someone wanted Mr. Moretti dead?”
    Eugene leaned forward and folded his hands on top of the table. “Of course, I’m most horrified, Captain. Most horrified.”
    “But not surprised?”
    “Completely shocked, I assure you.”
    Eugene’s level tone of voice conveyed little of his supposed shock, Sophia couldn’t help but think.
    “Vincenzo was a talented chef and a vital part of our community. He’ll be greatly missed.” Eugene made the sign of the cross.
    Sophia could hardly believe what she was hearing. Surely Eugene couldn’t believe that anyone was actually going to miss Vincenzo? Were they even talking about the same person? She glanced at the police captain to see if he was buying what Eugene was peddling but his face offered no clue as to his thoughts.
    “Tell me about Mr. Moretti’s enemies.”
    Eugene waved his hands as if to ward off the question. “I don’t believe Vincenzo had any enemies.”
    Sophia longed to ask Eugene if he knew of two people who could each manage to say one kind word about Vincenzo, but she resisted. Captain McIntyre had warned her to remain silent.
    The first chance she had to grill Eugene alone, she was going to call him out on his colorful portrayal of Vincenzo Moretti as a kind, compassionate member of their community. It was a load of rubbish and, even if the police captain didn’t realize it, she did.
    Frankie Vidoni was the next man in the hot seat.
    “You know what I’m about to say don’t you, Captain McIntyre?” Frankie’s demeanor was relaxed, confident, and just a tad challenging.
    “I do indeed, Mr. Vidoni. But you don’t need an attorney to tell me what you might have seen tonight before Mr. Moretti was murdered. Unless you have something to hide, of course.”
    Sophia’s eyes went back and forth