Spoiler Alert!

“All the evidence I need is right here,” you say, gesturing around the room and capturing everyone’s attention. “The footprints make it clear, the person who did this came in through the window and wasn’t wearing high heels,” you say. “In fact, that person left a fingerprint on the glass, which matches one of the prints on Rosa’s compact mirror. It’s also interesting that this someone claims to have been supervising the unloading of ciga… I mean, merchandise that only just now arrived in port.” You point out the window at the boats.

Vinnie pales. “You got nothin’ on me!”

“You must have found out about the photo Rosa had,” you continue. “Then you blackmailed Angelica to give you her cut of the money that you and she were skimming off Mickey’s bootleg operation.”

“That’s not true,” says Vinnie, glancing nervously at Luigi.

“When you realized the ship was delayed, you thought you’d turn my office over and see if you could find a copy of the photo for yourself. Seems like Mickey and Angelica had the same idea. They busted in on you, and Angelica tried to shoot you but she hit my water cooler instead. You returned fire with the gun that you had found in my desk.”

“Then you got clever. You left Luigi a note from Mickey so he would find me with Mickey’s body when I came to the office this morning. You also left a tip with the cops hoping they’d show up just in time to catch Luigi finishing me off. Luigi ends up in jail and you can take over his territory; nice set up. You even stashed some money so the cops would think I was being paid off by the Mafia and wouldn’t bother to investigate my murder.”

“You ain’t got no proof,” says Vinnie.

“Your fingerprints are on my window,” you reply.

Vinnie lunges and grabs the gun from your hand. “Fine, you caught me. But none of that matters now because I’ve got the drop on all of you!”

“You idiot,” says O’Sullivan. “That gun you’re holding; did you forget you already emptied it into Mickey? It has no bullets.”

Vinnie’s face drops as O’Sullivan pulls out his handcuffs. He tightens the restraints roughly around Vinnie’s wrists.

“I’ll take this trash out,” he says and pushes Vinnie through the door.

As they leave, you address Rosa. “The ring was for you,” you say. “It was in his pocket. Angelica would’ve had it on if he got it for her. She must have been helping him pick one you’d like. He loved you.”

For a moment it is quiet. Then Luigi puts his arm around Rosa and leads her out of the office. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you home.” He stops at the door and turns back to you.

“You uncovered traitors to the Family. I owe you one. Oh look.” Luigi gestures at the bucket filled with dried concrete. “You’re still alive. I guess that makes us even.” He follows Rosa out the door.

And, finally, you are alone in your office. Alive.

Well look at that. It’s just after 10:00 am on a Monday and you’ve already solved your first case of the week. Now if you could just drum up some paid work.

Congratulations!

You have successfully escaped Murder in the Mafia!