Page 66 of Takedown in Savannah
“The authorities are taking the warning about the potential cargo heist seriously,” Pete summarized. “They’ve started tracking the ship, which is still on schedule to pass through the Savannah River later this evening and will be on hand to make sure the San Maris Gang doesn’t intercept it.”
“How do they plan to set up a sting without being seen?” Tony asked.
“This is where it gets interesting,” Pete said. “Brad’s buddy, the local cop, asked him if The Flying Gunner was available.”
Carlita’s eyes lit. “They want to use your ship to take the San Maris Gang down?”
“Don’t you have an evening sailing booked?” Dernice asked.
“Yes, but it wasn’t sold out or sailing for a special event. I notified the booked guests that we had an emergency and thevoyage was cancelled.” Pete offered them a full refund and free tickets as compensation. “The authorities are limiting the river traffic to only essential watercraft. I could not have done the tour regardless.”
“To keep everyone safe,” Carlita said.
“Correct. From what we were told, a small fleet of boats and jet skis will be waiting to capture anyone or anything that makes a move on the cargo ship.” He told them the authorities were already monitoring the cigarette boat’s trips up and down the river. “As hard as this is to believe, they might even be a step ahead of my wife in this investigation,” he teased.
“What about Shrimpy?” Dernice asked. “I still haven’t heard from him.”
“They’re searching for him as we speak. Unfortunately, I don’t have an update. Hopefully, he’s okay and hiding out until after tonight.”
“We’re going to miss all the action,” Elvira whined.
“Why would we miss it?” Pete asked. “We’ll have front-row seats to watch it unfold.”
She brightened. “From The Flying Gunner? The cops are gonna let us hang out with them?”
“We won’t be allowed on board, only Brad because he knows how to captain the ship if needed, but we can watch from shore. Which reminds me, I need to make a quick call.” Pete stepped out of Elvira’s office, returning moments later. “It’s all set.”
“What’s all set?”
“A watch party and everyone is invited.” Pete gave them the location. “We’ll be able to watch it go down in real time.”
“With a bird’s-eye view from both sides.” Carlita clapped her hands.
“Hopefully, it will end with a celebration for Luigi.”
“And I can return to my security job.” Luigi nudged Tony’s arm. “As much as I appreciate you letting me help out at Savannah Swag, I miss the action of the night beat.”
“I’ll bet you do.” Carlita caught Elvira’s eye and gave her a pointed stare. “I’m sure Elvira is equally as anxious to have you back on board, supervising your new team.”
“As soon as the cops nail these guys.”
“Maybe even by tomorrow morning,” Dernice added.
Tony slowly stood. “I need to get back to the pawn shop to close for the day.”
Pete rattled off the address of the watch party location. “I’ve reserved it from nine to midnight.” He turned his cell phone on. “According to the tracker app, the cargo ship is still on schedule, traveling the Savannah River between eleven and eleven thirty, give or take a few minutes.”
After the meeting ended, Carlita noticed Luigi quietly pulling Pete off to the side. They talked in low voices for several minutes, both nodding their heads.
Pete gave Luigi a pat on the back, told him he would take care of it and said he would see him later.
Carlita lingered near the door, waiting for her husband to catch up. “What was that all about?”
“What?”
“Luigi pulling you aside.”
“I can’t tell you. I gave Luigi my word.”
