Page 67 of Takedown in Savannah
“Does it involve Elvira?”
Pete contemplated her question and nodded. “In a roundabout way, it definitely involves Elvira.”
“He’s quitting.”
Pete, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, kissed the top of his wife’s head. “That inquisitive mind of yours never rests. Just be patient. Trust me. It will be worth the wait.”
Chapter 28
Carlita lifted her gaze, staring at the luxurious “all-suites” hotel, a popular spot for those wanting to be close to Savannah’s tourist district and only steps away from the Parrot House Restaurant. “We’re gonna watch the San Maris Gang’s demise from here?”
“From the rooftop.” Pete grabbed her hand and led her inside. “We’ll have a primo front-row seat.”
Stopping by the front desk first, they chatted briefly with the hotel’s general manager, Pete’s friend, before he escorted her to the nearby bank of elevators. He pushed the button and up they went. Reaching the top, the doors opened onto a rooftop deck.
Carlita let out a low whistle. “This is nice. I always wondered what the hotel’s pool deck looked like.”
Pete led her around, showing her the modern bar and outdoor dining area, which offered a variety of drinks and appetizers. Passing by the cabanas and lounging area, they circled the pool. Beyond the pool, an alcove with intimate seating areas overlooked the Savannah River.
Carlita spun in a slow circle, taking it all in. “You were spot on. We’re going to see all the action,” she finally said.
“It pays to have connections. Drew, the hotel manager, invited us to hang out for the duration of the evening.” Pete motioned to a few stragglers lounging in the nearby hot tub. “The area will close to guests in less than an hour, meaning we’ll have the place to ourselves.”
Carlita leaned her elbows on the railing and gazed out. The rooftop offered an unobstructed view of the river, from theTalmadge Memorial Bridge all the way to the other end. “The cargo ship will come in from the opposite direction, down the river and toward the bridge.”
Pete picked up. “Based on what Shrimpy told Dernice, the cops are thinking the San Maris Gang plans to board the cargo ship not far from where The Flying Gunner is docked.”
“And will have a whole slew of people ready to load as many of the drugs as they can onto their boats,” she added.
“At least the authorities figure this is the way it will play out,” Pete said. “Hopefully, the gang wasn’t tipped off.”
“We’ll find out soon enough.” Carlita rubbed the back of her neck, a sudden thought popping into her head. “I wonder why the gang is waiting until they reach the river to overtake the cargo ship.”
“Simple. Because they need calmer waters to bring their boat alongside the ship and climb aboard.”
“Ah.” She arched her eyebrow. “That makes sense.”
One by one, the others arrived…Elvira, Dernice, Luigi, Mercedes, Tony and Shelby.
“Where are the girls?” Carlita asked.
“My Uncle Jerry and Aunt Ginny are watching them for the evening,” Shelby said. “Tony and I figured it would be safer for them to stay home.”
Dernice, who had stepped away, hurried over. “Shrimpy called. He’s safe!”
Carlita sucked in a breath, briefly closing her eyes. “That’s wonderful news.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I invited him to watch the takedown.”
“Not at all,” Pete said. “If not for his tip, we wouldn’t be standing here.”
“I’ll go get him.” Dernice ran off, returning a short time later accompanied by a man who looked to be in his late fifties if Carlita had to guess. Built like a beanpole, Shrimpy was thin, with short dark hair slicked back. Below his shirtsleeve, she could see tattoos covering both of his arms.
Dernice made her rounds, introducing him to the others. “If this goes down like we’re thinking it will, Shrimpy should get some sort of reward.”
“I agree and will suggest it to Detective Wilson,” Carlita said. “We’re glad to hear you’re safe. Dernice was worried about you.”
“I was trying to stay alive.” Shrimpy lit a cigarette and took a drag. “My buddy on the dock said two guys came around earlier, asking about me. Do you have any idea how the cops plan to stop the heist?”
