Page 16 of Takedown in Savannah
“Yes.”
“And?”
“She’s convinced herself the excavation team found something and is keeping it for themselves.”
“I’m surprised she hasn’t suggested digging beyond the restaurant walls.”
Carlita arched her eyebrow.
“She has?”
“It was one of the first things she mentioned when she got the bad news. I wouldn’t put it past her to sneak over and start digging after dark.”
“You know her better than any of us,” Tony teased.
“Unfortunately.” Carlita glanced at her watch. “I need to swing by Ravello’s. Mercedes mentioned wanting to hang out with Violet and Melody later during their visit. What time do you think you’ll be by?”
“Shelby and I were thinkin’ about heading to City Market to listen to some music and maybe grab a bite to eat. Would four be too early?”
“Four is perfect.” Carlita gave her son a thumbs up. “We’ll see you then.”
“Thanks, Ma. Violet is bouncing off the walls. It’s all she’s been talking about.”
“I can’t wait to spend time with my adorable granddaughters.” She gave Tony a quick hug, promising to see him later before heading down the block.
The restaurant was a beehive of activity with the first shift crew prepped for a busy lunch. After checking to make sure all was running smoothly, she trekked next door to the apartment building and made her way upstairs.
Stepping onto the landing, she noticed a stack of boxes at the end of the hall, halfway between Sam Ivey’s door and her other tenant Cool Bones’ door. On closer inspection, she realized they were moving boxes from a local moving company.
Carlita gave Mercedes’ door a firm rap. The door opened, and her daughter appeared. “Hey, Ma.”
“Hey, Mercedes. I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“Not at all. Actually, I was getting ready to call you to ask if you were working at Ravello’s today.”
“I have the day off,” Carlita said. “Did you hear about Luigi?”
“No.”
She filled her daughter in on what had transpired.
“Seriously? I’m sure he explained to them that he works for a security services company.”
“Reading between the lines, I think for whatever reason the cops didn’t believe him and took him downtown to run a background check.” Carlita shared her suspicions, how the cityofficials were eager to wrap up the investigation and Luigi was their scapegoat. “Elvira put him on unpaid leave.”
“Because she doesn’t want the cops taking a closer look at her shenanigans,” Mercedes guessed.
“Yep. Tony’s hired him to help at the pawn shop.” Carlita changed the subject. “The reason I’m here is I wondered if you still wanted to hang out with Violet, Melody and me later. They’re spending the night.”
Mercedes’ eyes lit. “Sure. We could take them on a little adventure.”
“Hopefully not as adventurous as when Melody’s stroller rolled down the hill last time we took them out. Violet likes to cook. Maybe we could whip up a special dish, Garlucci family style.” Carlita fumbled for her phone. “Which reminds me…Tori has been asking about the grandkids. I was thinking we could swing by her place tomorrow so Violet can visit with Beebs.”
Byron “Beebs” Greeley, Tori’s long-time employee, had lost his granddaughter in a tragic accident a few years back and become fond of Violet, who reminded him of Lilly. Carlita promptly sent a text to Tori and received an equally speedy response.
She and Byron would love to have the Garluccis visit. “It’s all set. I’ll take the girls over to Montgomery Hall in the morning.”
“I won’t be off work until seven.” Mercedes trailed behind her mother, following her to the door.
