Page 26 of Takedown in Savannah
“It’s like losing a family member. At least he’ll still be around town.”
“Yep.”
Mercedes thanked her friend for the heads-up. She ended the call and waved her phone in the air. “Poor Luigi. He can’t seem to catch a break.”
“I had better warn Tony in case reporters start sniffing around.”
“And Luigi.”
Carlita sent a text to both, explaining about the breaking news story and warning them to be on the lookout.
Violet, who had been sitting at the counter quietly listening, spoke. “Elvira is a crackpot.”
Carlita struggled to maintain a straight face. “Violet, where on earth did you hear such a thing?”
“From Dad. She was out in the alley with Snitch, teaching her a new word.” Violet stopped drawing and tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I think it was eardrop.”
“Eavesdrop?” Mercedes asked.
“Yeah. That was the word. She was teaching Snitch to eavesdrop, and Dad called her a crackpot.”
“He’s not far off.” Carlita muttered under her breath. “On a brighter note, it’s time to roast marshmallows.”
“Yippee!” Violet sprang from her chair. She ran to the cupboard and grabbed the bag.
While Carlita tracked down the roasting sticks, Mercedes fixed cups of hot chocolate.
Gathering up everything needed, they traipsed out onto the patio. While the girls settled in, Carlita turned the firepit on. With a flick of her wrist, the trio had a marshmallow-roasting fire burning brightly.
Melody cooed, kicking her feet and watching the flames from a safe distance, sandwiched in between her aunt and grandmother. Twinkling stars appeared, and they made a game out of guessing the constellations.
Pete arrived to find them still gathered around the fire. He filled a plate with pizza and pulled up a chair, quietly listening while Violet gave him a rundown of what he’d missed. “And our house was on television tonight.”
“On television?” Pete shot his wife a questioning look.
“Luigi made the evening news. A reporter from Channel Eleven covered the story of him being picked up. They showed Elvira’s building and the pawn shop.” Carlita told him she’d already warned Luigi and Tony.
“It’s a mess,” Mercedes sighed. “I gotta admit I’m a little worried this might scare off potential tenants. If Autumn’s news station is picking up the story, so are other local stations.”
“Hopefully, the police will track down the gang and this will all blow over.” Pete polished off the rest of his pizza and stood.
Violet yawned loudly. “I think Melody is ready for bed, Nana.”
“And so is someone else,” Carlita teased.
“I should head home.” Mercedes stacked the roasting sticks in the corner and snuggled her niece. “Thanks for inviting me to the pizza party.”
“You’re welcome, Aunt Mercedes.” Violet tugged on Pete’s arm. “Can you read Melody and me our bedtime story?”
“Of course. Do you have a story picked out?”
“Yep.”
Pete lifted Melody’s carrier and followed Violet inside while Carlita trailed her daughter to the door. “Did you walk here?”
“I did.” Mercedes jangled her keys. “It was still pretty early when I left.”
“I don’t want you walking home alone, especially with this gang roaming the streets and targeting Walton Square businesses.”
