Page 30 of Takedown in Savannah
“They’re watching us. I’ve never noticed them before.”
“I moved these two from William’s cigar room.” Tori leaned back, studying the bears. “Intimidating, aren’t they?”
“Yes, and as weird as this may sound, they remind me of Elvira.”
“I believe she refers to my drawing room as the torture chamber.” Reaching for the teapot, Tori poured piping hot tea into delicate China cups and took the seat across from her. “How is the annoying woman these days?”
“She hasn’t changed.”
“I would be shocked if you told me otherwise.”
While they sipped their tea, the friends caught up, easily chatting about life and the Savannah art scene as well as Tori’s philanthropic endeavors. “I’ve made a rather large donation to the Savannah Architectural Society. Glenda Fox has done a wonderful job managing the society and ensuring our city’s historic treasures are preserved for many years to come.”
“She’s a great person. Speaking of Elvira, she once worked there.”
“I remember hearing about it. Such an aggravating woman,” Tori sighed. “The local news channels ran a story about her place last night. Something about Luigi Baruzzo, your tenant and heremployee, potentially being linked to the gang wreaking havoc around town.”
“I’m guessing you saw the picture of my apartment building and pawn shop too.”
“I did.” Tori sipped her tea, eyeing Carlita over the rim of the cup. “If my memory serves me correctly, Mr. Baruzzo has a murky past.”
“Murky as in he was a former mafia bodyguard,” Carlita said.
“Do you think he’s involved with them?”
“I don’t. He was working at the time the Walton Square Diamond and Gem store was vandalized. In fact, he may have scared off whoever was trying to break in.”
“The authorities took him in for questioning and did some digging around,” Tori said.
“Correct. Even though he was wearing his security uniform and Elvira confirmed he was working at the time of the attempted break-in.”
“Yet the police didn’t find anyone else in the vicinity?”
“Nope. Not that I’ve heard.”
“Hmm.”
“You think he might be working with the gang?”
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” Tori said. “Perhaps the authorities know more than you do or more than Mr. Baruzzo is admitting to.”
Carlita mulled over her friend’s suggestion. What if Luigi had run into some old acquaintances, now a part of the San Maris Gang, and they enticed him with an offer he couldn’t refuse? What could be better than having a security company supervisor keeping watch during the crime sprees?
Luigi made some extra money, the gang was protected by someone on the inside, and no one was the wiser. Could it be Elvira had more information than she was letting on? Maybe she had a legitimate reason for wanting to let him go.
But wouldn’t Dernice, his girlfriend, know what was happening? Dernice’s past wasn’t squeaky clean, either. Maybe they were in on it together.
Carlita immediately dismissed the idea. There was a chance Luigi might have returned to a life of crime, but she couldn’t envision Dernice being involved. She would be an idiot to get caught up in a gang. But then again…
Her scalp started to tingle. Dernice and Luigi were both living under her roof. Wouldn’t that be something if she was harboring criminals? “Luigi bought a fancy new car, an expensive set of wheels.”
Tori cleared her throat. “Does Elvira pay him enough for him to afford an expensive vehicle?”
“No. I mean, I don’t know. The rent for his studio apartment is reasonable.” Carlita sprang to her feet and started to pace. “I hope you’re wrong.”
“I hope I am too.”
A commotion near the door caught their attention. Mrs. O’Brien, carrying Melody, bustled into the room. “She’s an inquisitive little one, isn’t she?”
