Page 49 of Takedown in Savannah
“Not in the least as long as the crew—aka pirates—didn’t accidentally fire off the cannons last night and blow my cameras to smithereens.”
“Not a chance. They’re safe and secure. I double-checked this morning as soon as I got here. They were operational and recording all night.” Brad followed the couple up the stairs to the open deck.
Pete walked over to the cannons. Reaching inside, he carefully removed the recording device and handed it to Brad before removing the second one. “I hope this was worth the hassle.”
“Me too.” Carlita held her breath, reminding herself she shouldn’t get her hopes up. “I would like nothing more than to catch the thugs in the act and take them down.”
The trio returned to the main level and gathered inside the office.
Pete turned the computer on and logged onto the surveillance system. With a few quick clicks, he accessed the recordings from the previous night. “It will probably be easier if you come around back.”
Brad and Carlita huddled behind him, watching as the recorded footage moved in what seemed like slow motion. Time dragged, and Carlita struggled to remain focused.
“I see something.”
She perked up. “Wh-what is it?”
“I see it too.” Pete hit the pause button. He zoomed in and hit the play button.
Bright lights flashed across the screen. A large cargo ship laden with towering stacks of metal shipping containers drifted past, followed by another smaller boat.
“I’m not seein’ it.”
“I went too far back.” Pete tapped the mouse. The recording continued in slow motion. Coming from the left side of the screen, what appeared to be a speedboat sped past, moving so fast it skimmed across the top of the water. “I’ve never seen a speedboat on the river before.”
“Not just a speedboat, but a cigarette boat,” Brad said.
“What’s a cigarette boat?” Carlita asked.
“A high-end racing boat.” Pete rubbed his thumb and index fingers together. “Those boats are pricey. Owners don’t typically purchase them for leisurely cruises along the river.”
“They’re built for speed and racing,” Brad added. “Can you hit the pause button again and zoom in? Maybe we’ll be able to read the registration number.”
“The boat’s identification?” she asked.
“It’s a unique set of numbers assigned to all vessels.” Pete leaned in, quietly studying the still photo of the speedboat. “It’s too dark. I can’t make it out.”
Brad grabbed a pad of paper and a pen. “I have the first part…GA for Georgia. The boat is registered in Georgia. Followed by a 22.”
“GA22,” Pete repeated. “Unless we have the rest of the numbers, this is useless.”
“And only speculation that the speedboat belongs to the San Maris Gang,” Carlita added. “What time did the boat go by?”
“Twelve forty-nine this morning.” Brad tapped the screen. “It has a two-tone paint job, although it’s impossible to tell what color it is.”
“What would a speedboat be doing out on the river at that hour?” Pete asked.
“Making a getaway after committing another crime.” Carlita sent a group text to Autumn, who was always up on the most recent news stories, and Elvira, who had connections inside the police department, to see if the gang had struck again.
Autumn’s reply was almost instantaneous.Another hit, this one at Savannah City Bank a block away from City Market.
Elvira’s was less than a minute later.Cross-referencing my competitor list. Savannah City Bank doesn’t use Uptown Uniform Services.
“Crud.” Carlita tapped out a reply. “Either the gang ran out of local company uniforms to commit their crimes, or they could have abandoned the scheme knowing the police were onto them.”
“The bank is only a few blocks from the river,” Pete pointed out. “They could have easily made it from the bank to the river. Does Autumn know what time?”
Before Carlita could ask, Autumn followed up with another text.The bank’s alarm system was disarmed & the cameras weren’t recording. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken.
