Page 29 of Takedown in Savannah
“I will. I promise.” Later that night, Carlita lay awake in bed for hours, tossing and turning, partly because the air mattress she and Violet were sleeping on jiggled every time one of themmoved, and partly because Melody, who had apparently gotten plenty of snoozes in during naptime, woke every couple of hours.
No doubt the San Maris Gang was a rough bunch. Perhaps even rougher than some of the mafia members she’d dealt with in the past. Or maybe not. Maybe they weren’t as bad as they were portrayed to be.
Hopefully, Carlita and Dernice weren’t about to find out.
*****
A bleary-eyed Carlita, bright-eyed Violet and a wide-eyed Melody were up and at ‘em early the next morning. Deciding a pancake breakfast was in order, she helped her granddaughter mix the batter and then she took over, pouring it on the hot griddle.
Pete, appearing much more rested than his wife, arrived to give them a hand and finish fixing their meal. While they ate, they talked about their plans for the day.
“Beebs is my friend,” Violet said. “We’re going to the mansion where he lives.”
“Byron has been asking about Violet and I’ve been promising to take her over to visit.” Carlita lifted Melody from her playpen and gently bounced the baby on her hip. “After we’re done, I’ll drop the girls off at home and then track down Dernice.”
“As I mentioned last night, I am concerned about you stepping on the wrong toes.”
“We’ll be careful.”
Pete stayed long enough to help Carlita clean up the kitchen and load the car with the girl’s belongings. By the time it was all packed and loaded, her living room looked empty. Even Violet noticed. “You need more furniture, Nana.”
“I need to spend more time with my beautiful granddaughters so it doesn’t look so empty.” Carlita led her into the bathroom to show her the paintings. “Well? What do you think?”
“We’re good painters.”
“They’re the perfect fit. It will remind me of how much fun we had every time I look at them.” Carlita knelt next to her. “What was your favorite thing we did? Making pizza, roasting marshmallows, painting, or camping out in the living room?”
“Can they all be my favorites?”
“They certainly can.”
The young girl impulsively hugged her. “Thanks for letting Melody and me stay. I had the best time ever.”
Carlita’s throat clogged. “Me too, Violet. I hope you never grow up and get tired of hanging out with us.”
“I’ll always come to see you,” she solemnly promised. “Even when I get old and can drive a car.”
“Then you can drive over here.” Carlita cast a wistful last look at the paintings, remembering how Violet had shared snippets of everything in her world…a world that included loving parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Violet was blessed, but so was Carlita, to have the sweet, thoughtful, and funny little girl such a big part of their lives.
Chapter 13
Because Carlita had called ahead, Byron, aka “Beebs,” stood waiting for them near the edge of the circular driveway. Tori’s home was a virtual fortress, protected by several armed guards and nearly every electronic surveillance device known to man. Montgomery Hall gave Elvira’s property a run for its money as far as high tech, state-of-the-art security systems were concerned.
Tori’s prestigious property was well known throughout the area. Making several wise investments, her friend had more than enough funds to comfortably live out the rest of her life.
Stratospheres above the Garlucci family as far as status and wealth were concerned, Tori was a force to be reckoned with, respected by the local community, sought after for special favors. To sum it up, Victoria “Tori” Montgomery was what Carlita considered American royalty.
One of her closest confidants, Carlita was grateful for her friendship and sound advice. She waited for Violet’s excitement to subside, chuckling as the young girl peppered Beebs with a long list of questions.
Mary O’Brien, Tori’s longtime cook, along with Beebs, whisked Violet and baby Melody off to the kitchen to track down treats before she and the others took a “walkabout” the yard to search for a litter of kittens who now called Montgomery Hall home.
After they were gone, Carlita was escorted to the drawing room. She found Tori standing near the fireplace mantle with her hands behind her back as she contemplated the cozy fire.
“Mrs. Taylor is here, Victoria.” The employee announced Carlita’s arrival before stepping out of the room.
Carlita’s eyes were immediately drawn to the mounts on the walls—snarling bears, massive bucks, along with a ginormous blue marlin, all peering down at the room’s occupants.
A smile lit Tori’s face as her friend crossed the room. “You’re admiring the mounts.”
