Page 14 of Takedown in Savannah
“Yeah. The San Maris Gang is creating a massive headache for me.”
“And extra income,” her sister reminded her. “As you’ve mentioned several times recently, crime pays, at least when you’re in the security business.”
Elvira snatched her cell phone from the desk and tapped the top. “I’m asking Luigi to swing by. I need to get ahead of this police investigation.”
“Get ahead of it,” her sister echoed. “By doing what?”
“Making some tough decisions.” She set her phone down. “He’s at his place and on his way over.”
A sick feeling settled in the pit of Carlita’s stomach. Elvira was understandably concerned about having the police poking around. Although she didn’t believe the woman was involved in illegal activity, she suspected her former neighbor occasionally skirted the local laws.
The fact that she’d removed a bunch of papers from Luigi’s files…papers she didn’t want Detective Wilson getting his hands on, meant there was, at least in Carlita’s book, a red flag. She was hiding something.
She thought about the detective’s line of questioning. Something wasn’t adding up. Luigi had a legitimate reason to be near the jewelry shop. Surely, the surveillance recordings confirmed his innocence and he wasn’t nearby when the store’s window was busted out. So why were the cops hyper-focused on him?
The front door slammed. Luigi appeared. “Hey, Elvira. You caught me just before I was heading out for my next job.” He slowed, noting the glum expressions on the trio’s faces. “What happened? Did someone die?”
Elvira ignored the question. “Thanks for getting here so quickly. Unfortunately, I have some bad news.”
Chapter 7
Carlita blinked rapidly, wondering if she’d heard Elvira correctly. “C’mon, Elvira. You’re joking.”
“Business first. Friends second. That’s my motto.” Elvira patted Luigi’s arm. “It’s nothing personal, but you have some baggage…baggage the cops are gonna find. I can’t afford to have my security services company scrutinized. Therefore, I’m putting you on unpaid leave until further notice.”
“You can’t get rid of Luigi,” Dernice argued. “He’s one of the best employees you have. Never late for work. Always volunteering for the jobs nobody else wants, not to mention he puts up with your crap.”
“And I don’t disagree. Except for the ‘putting up with my crap’ statement, Luigi is a team player. This isn’t a personal decision, nor is it a decision I’m taking lightly. Until this investigation wraps up and the cops take down the San Maris Gang, you’re too much of a liability.”
“I understand.” Luigi’s shoulders sagged. “I’ll be the first to admit I knew it was only a matter of time before my past caught up with me. Although to be honest, I figured it would be a bullet in the back of the head. Not being fired from a legit job.”
“You haven’t been fired,” Elvira said. “It’s a temporary leave.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but I think you’re making a huge mistake,” Carlita said. “Putting Luigi on leave is almost as bad as admitting guilt. The cops are gonna wonder why, which will put him under even more scrutiny.”
“It can’t be helped.”
“I have a little money saved up to cover my bills. No hard feelings, Elvira,” he graciously replied.
“Thanks for understanding. As soon as the cops nab the bad guys, you’ll be back on the payroll.”
Carlita tapped his shoulder. “Tony can always use help at the pawn shop if you want to work there until this all blows over.”
Luigi’s eyes lit. “Thanks, Mrs. T.”
“You’re welcome.” Carlita began making her way toward the door. “I’m stopping by there now if you want to go with me.”
“Give me a minute to clean out my locker.”
Dernice followed Luigi down the hall to the locker room.
Carlita waited until they were out of earshot. “I’m guessing there are other reasons why you don’t want the cops scrutinizing your business, reasons unrelated to Luigi.”
“Maybe. Everyone has skeletons in their closets, including you,” Elvira pointedly reminded her.
“I’m not saying I don’t. I hope you honor your word and give Luigi his job back once this is over.”
“You know it. Dernice is right. He’s one of the best employees I have and, unfortunately, my biggest liability right now. I hate to do this to him, but…”
