Page 34 of Takedown in Savannah
Luigi was different. He was a family friend, not to mention he’d put his own life on the line to help the Garlucci family. Was this how she repaid his friendship and kindness? By suspecting him of illegal activity and searching his apartment?
“I can see you’re conflicted,” Dernice said. “Believe me, I am too. Let’s look at it this way. We’ll eliminate him from the list of potential suspects.”
“Eliminate him and move forward with figuring out a way to stop the San Maris Gang in their tracks.”
Dernice lifted her hand and gave Carlita a high five. “Let’s do this.”
Chapter 15
Dernice, with Carlita by her side, casually strolled into Savannah Swag.
They found Luigi standing in front of the jewelry display case while Tony was in the back, helping a customer check out.
Both did a double-take when they saw the women step inside.
“Hey, ladies.” Luigi, who was closest, greeted them first. “How’s it going?”
“Good. Well, maybe. Elvira left a message for me this morning and told me to take the day off.”
“She’s still cranky about your argument last night?”
“Could be. My sister knows how to hold a grudge like nobody’s business.” Dernice leaned her elbow on the counter. “Do you need me to bring you anything for lunch or are you planning on coming home to grab a bite to eat?”
“Tony and I ordered the lunch special, lasagna from Ravello’s. The delivery guy is gonna drop it off when it’s ready.”
“Not to toot my own horn, but our lasagna is the best,” Carlita said. “Is everything okay as far as working here at the pawn shop?”
“No issues at all, but I’ll admit I miss my old job,” Luigi said. “I know Sam is on his way out, but I was thinkin’ about checking with him to see if there’s an update on the San Maris Gang.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind making a call or two.”
A customer arrived, and the women left, making a beeline for the back door. They stepped into the hallway that accessedLuigi’s ground-floor efficiency apartment. Passing by the stairs leading to the upper-level units, they reached his door in a few quick steps.
Carlita could feel her armpits grow damp at the thought of what she was about to do. A wave of guilt washed over her. She quickly forced it from her mind. What she and Dernice were doing was for Luigi’s own good. Process of elimination. As soon as they confirmed he wasn’t part of the ruthless gang, they could move on.
Using the key Luigi had given her, Dernice opened the door. “Where should I start?”
Because of the efficiency’s compact layout, the entire apartment was wide open except for the bathroom. As luck would have it, he kept his home neat and tidy. “Maybe under his bed?”
Dernice hustled across the room and dropped to her knees. She turned her cell phone’s flashlight on and beamed it underneath. “It’s jam-packed with boxes.” She pulled the nearest box out. Flipping the flaps, she began rummaging around inside. “Clothes and shoes.”
Moving on to the next box, she found similar items—shoes, shirts, jackets and jeans. Working her way from end to end, she looked inside every box, finishing when she reached the nightstand on the other side. “It’s clean.”
“How about his nightstand?”
Dernice opened the drawer and removed a handgun. “This is Luigi’s favorite gun, his Glock 19.”
His four-drawer dresser was next. Dernice sifted through the contents, top drawer first, followed by the second, the third andfinally the bottom drawer. “I never realized Luigi had so many clothes.”
“Because he’s wearing his uniform most of the time,” Carlita said. “Did you notice how bummed out he looked when he mentioned missing his job?”
“Yeah.” Dernice closed the drawer and put her hand on her hip. “My sister can be such a pain in the butt. I mean, I understand she doesn’t want to draw unwanted attention from the cops, but what about showing some loyalty and sticking up for her employees?”
“Not to mention she’s been on the authorities’ radar plenty of times. She must have something cooking to be this rattled over a little questioning.”
“You have no idea.” Dernice wrinkled her nose. “If you ask me, she’s taken on a little more than she can handle this time.”
“I’m dying to know what it is.”
