Page 27 of Takedown in Savannah
“Why don’t you give Mercedes a ride while I read Violet her story?” Pete suggested.
“Sounds like a plan.” Carlita helped Violet get ready for bed and track down her book while Melody napped nearby. When all were comfortably settled on the sofa, Carlita, Mercedes and Rambo headed out.
It was a short drive from home to the apartment. Circling the block, Carlita passed by the businesses, confirming all was quiet. She turned into the alley, coasting past the parking lot. “Maybe the thugs packed up and moved on.”
“That would be great, but only wishful thinking on our part.”
Carlita noticed a flash of white hurrying across the alley. She tapped the brakes and flicked her brights. It was Dernice, dragging a bulky box behind her, tromping toward their apartment building.
Chapter 12
Carlita flicked the switch and dimmed her headlights. “What is Dernice doing?”
“Dragging a suitcase.”
“She’s moving out of Elvira’s place?”
“This raises so many questions,” Mercedes said. “The first being…what took her so long?”
“You read my mind.” Carlita stopped in the middle of the alley and shifted her car into park.
She and Mercedes hopped out and hurried to the stoop where Dernice stood waiting for them to catch up. “What’s going on?”
“Elvira and I had a big blowout. Luigi offered to let me stay at his place.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but an argument about what?”
“She’s gonna fire Luigi.”
Mercedes’ jaw dropped. “Because of the investigation?”
“An evening news’ report mentioned him by name. When they showed a clip of Elvira’s building, she freaked out.”
“I saw it too and figured she wouldn’t be happy. So, she’s blaming Luigi?” Carlita shifted her feet. “He didn’t do anything.”
“I tried telling her.” Dernice patted the luggage handle. “I’ve let plenty of her antics slide, but this was the last straw.”
“Sam is moving out. We’ll have an apartment for rent in a couple of weeks.” Carlita rattled off the monthly rental amount she and Mercedes had discussed.
Dernice made a clicking sound with her teeth. “Unfortunately, the rent is out of my price range. I have a friend who might be interested.”
“I’ll send you an application to forward to your friend first thing tomorrow morning,” Mercedes said.
Carlita looked around. “Where’s Luigi?”
“Waiting for me to ring the bell so he can let me in.”
Mercedes slipped past her and unlocked the door. “Do you have more bags you’re bringing over?”
“This is it for now.”
They stepped inside and Autumn appeared at the top of the stairs. “I thought I heard voices.”
“Dernice and Elvira are fighting. She’s staying with Luigi until things blow over,” Carlita said.
“She’s upset about her place being on the news,” Autumn guessed.
“And she’s firing Luigi.”
