“No. You may remember that I also own the pawn shop next door. The only recent occurrences involve Mrs. Jarvis and her construction crew.”
“I see that you have surveillance cameras on the outside of your buildings. Do you mind if I take a look at last night’s recordings?”
“Of course not.” Carlita led Officer Thryce up the stairs and into her apartment.
Gunner, whose cage was near the balcony doors, eyed the newcomer with interest. “Cops. Hide the body.”
Carlita’s eyes darted from the officer to the parrot. “This is Gunner. He belongs to a friend. I’m parrot-sitting. He…uh. He’s a comedian.”
“You don’t say.” Thryce crossed the room. “Hello, Gunner.”
Gunner strutted along the perch as he eyed the officer.
“Where’s the body?” the cop asked.
“Gunner is handsome.”
The cop and bird bantered back and forth for several moments. Finally, Thryce shrugged and joined Carlita. “He has an interesting vocabulary.”
“Not to mention his timing is impeccable.” Carlita turned her attention to her computer and clicked on the camera icon. She offered the officer her chair and quietly watched while he reviewed the surveillance footage. Several vehicles traveled up and down the alley. Most were Elvira’s work vehicles.
Luigi returned home around eight o’clock. The cop hit the pause button. “Who is that?”
“My tenant, Luigi Baruzzo. He works for EC Security Services, my neighbor’s security services company.”
Carlita emerged from the back of the building. Tony and Rambo joined her moments later. They strolled out of the camera’s range, reappearing shortly after nine. Once again, the officer hit pause. “Is this you?”
“Yes. It’s me, my son and my dog, Rambo.” Carlita explained her son ran the pawn shop. “We strolled around the neighborhood after closing.”
“So, you were in close proximity to Ms. Jarvis’ restaurant around the time of the robbery.”
“I live across the street. My businesses are across the street. I’ll repeat that I did not rob Sandy Sue Jarvis.”
Officer Thryce jotted several notes in his notepad and abruptly stood. “Thank you for your time.”
Carlita followed him down the steps and into the alley. “I would appreciate a follow up, particularly if someone in the neighborhood is targeting local businesses.” She motioned toward Elvira’s building. “You may want to check with my neighbor. She has more operational cameras than Fort Knox.”
“I was heading there next.” The officer tipped his hat and then walked off, around the side of the building and presumably to Elvira’s front entrance.
Back home, Carlita logged onto the computer and pulled up the local news. Near the bottom of the page was a short story about the robbery and how police were investigating.
She clicked away and headed to the bathroom. As she showered, she thought about Shelby. Was her daughter-in-law on drugs? Perhaps she was having an adverse reaction to a prescribed medication for her Addison’s disease.
As soon as the pawn shop opened, she made her way downstairs. Tony was in the back and seated at his desk.
“Hey, Son.” As she drew closer, she noted the dark circles under Tony’s eyes. “Rough night?”
“Rough morning. Shelby was in another mood. She was getting onto Violet about not eating her breakfast and sent her to her room.” Tony told his mother that he’d offered to take Violet for the day, which only seemed to make matters worse. “It’s getting bad.”
“Hang in there. Do you still want us to come by for dinner?”
“Yeah. Before Shelby flew off the handle, she seemed excited to be having you and Mercedes over.”
A customer arrived, ending their conversation. More customers followed suit, and Carlita hung around to help until the afternoon shift employee arrived.
She trudged up the steps and back into the apartment, her stomach grumbling as she made her way into the kitchen. “Now, what to eat?”
Gunner watched as she peered inside the fridge. “Cheeseburger.”
“You can’t have that.” She fed Gunner and was still trying to decide when her cell phone rang. It was her friend, Glenda Fox. “Hey, Glenda. Reese and I were just talking about you yesterday.”
“You’ve been on my mind lately. I know it’s short notice but was wondering if you were free for a late lunch.”
“I am.”
“It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t we meet in Monterey Square? I’ll bring the food. I have plenty of leftovers from an SAS luncheon. I’ll meet you there in say…forty-five minutes?”
“It’s a date. I’ll bring dessert.” Carlita thanked her friend for thinking of her and then dashed into the bathroom to freshen up.
After finishing, she placed two of the coconut cream cheese cupcakes she’d been experimenting with in a to-go container.
Rambo trotted into the kitchen.
“I suppose you can go with me. Where’s Grayvie?” Carlita did a quick check of the apartment. Suspecting that the cat was still in Mercedes’ bedroom, she tiptoed to the doorway. “Grayvie.”
There was a faint meow. A small gray paw batted at her from beneath the door.
She playfully tapped the cat’s paw and then eased the door open. Grayvie stalked out, rubbing up against Carlita’s leg and purring loudly.
Carlita scooped him up and his body rumbled as he began licking her chin. “Are you hungry?”
She portioned out his meal and added a handful of his favorite treats. “I’ll let you out on the balcony when I get home.”
While Grayvie ate, she assembled Rambo’s lunch and then placed it in the bottom of her backpack. The container of cupcakes was next. “Let’s go, Rambo.”
It had been some time since Carlita had visited Monterey Square. The square’s most famous attribute was the Pulaski Monument, erected in memory of General Casimir Pulaski, who died during battle while protecting the City of Savannah during the American Revolution.
Shortly after arriving in America, Pulaski met with both Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Not only was Pulaski a revolutionary war hero, he’d also helped save Washington’s life.
Glenda was already there and stood waiting for them not far from the Mercer-Williams House, a landmark made famous by the novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Carlita gave her friend a warm hug. “It’s so nice to see you.”
“Same here. Like I said, you’ve been on my mind lately.”
They found the perfect spot for lunch, a bench under a towering oak tree. Only steps away, the impressive Mercer-Williams house served as their backdrop.
“I’m starving.” Carlita fed Rambo first and then eyed the bags Glenda was holding.
“So am I.” Her friend handed a soda and container of food. Inside was a BLT wrap, veggies and dip and a generous helping of creamy macaroni salad.
Carlita sampled a carrot and the dip first. “What’s happening in your world?”
“The Savannah Architectural Society is keeping me busy. It seems everyone is eager to start on renovations. How about you?”
“The same. I haven’t taken a day off in who knows how long. The kids and I are looking forward to our cruise vacation this fall.” Carlita thought about Elvira’s surprise. “We’re going to have company on the cruise.”
“Company?”
“Elvira and her sister.”
Glenda made a choking sound. “You’re kidding.”
“She sprung that little gem on me the other day.”
“It sounds as if it will be an exciting voyage.”
“Or a shipwreck in the making,” Carlita joked.
“So, how is business?” Glenda polished off the first half of her wrap and reached for her napkin.
“It’s all right. Good, I guess.” Carlita mentioned Sandy Sue’s Bar-B-Que. Without going into detail, she briefly told her about her two recent run-ins with the owners.
“I’m quite familiar
with Sandy Sue Jarvis and her husband. They just opened for business and are already requesting an expansion. They want to add a pavilion, an eyesore if you ask me, to their property.”
“She was robbed at gunpoint last night.”
Glenda’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
“Yep. A cop showed up on my doorstep early this morning, asking me if I knew anything about it and wanting to check my surveillance recordings.”
“Surely, they don’t think you had anything to do with it.”
“Maybe not them, but I got the impression Sandy Sue was pointing fingers.”
Glenda cast Carlita a sympathetic look. “If it’s any consolation, I have what you might consider good news.”
Chapter 6
“I could use some good news,” Carlita said.
“The city, at the SAS’s recommendation, turned down Sandy Sue Jarvis’s request to add the pavilion.”
“I’m not against fair competition, but adding a pavilion for parties and live entertainment late into the night is not what I want in my neighborhood.”
“I’ll get a closer look at the place tonight. Mark and I are attending their grand opening.”
“Better you than me.” Carlita devoured the rest of her wrap. “Are you ready for dessert?”
“Eagerly awaiting it.” Glenda rubbed her hands together. “Anything you make is a real treat.”
Carlita removed the cupcakes from the container and handed one to her friend. “There’s a surprise in the center.”
Glenda took a big bite. She closed her eyes and let out a moan of pure delight. “This is delicious. The cupcake is melting in my mouth.” She took another bite. “There’s something else.”
“A hint of tartness. I added a pinch of lemon zest to the batter.”
“You have a winner. Are you planning on selling these in the restaurant?”
“Maybe. I’m thinking of adding an Italian baked goods counter.” Carlita told her one of the line cooks had surprised her by bringing in an array of tasty treats and pitching the idea of selling baked goods.
“If you do, be sure to add these. I’ll make a special trip over, just to buy a batch.”
Rambo, who had finished his lunch, let out a low whine. Carlita fed him the scrap of bacon she’d saved from her wrap. “Rambo’s ready to go. I say we walk off our lunch.”
They wandered out of Monterey Square and into Madison Square, where a crowd had gathered in front of the Sorrel-Weed house.
An afternoon tour was beginning. The women stood off to the side as a man sporting a coat and tails stood at the top of the steps. “And now to embark on our harrowing, haunting adventure.” The guide tucked his cane under his arm before opening the front door and leading the group inside.
“Mercedes is dying to take this tour,” Carlita said.
“The house is fascinating. If, for no other reason than to see it as a part of Savannah’s history and to learn about the magnificent architectural details, I would do it.”
Carlita and Glenda continued walking, making their way through the Colonial Park Cemetery, and then paused when they reached Oglethorpe Avenue.
“I guess this is where we part ways.” Carlita hugged her friend. “We need to do this more often.”
“Agreed. Thank you for sharing your cupcakes.”
“And thank you for bringing lunch.”
Glenda headed in the opposite direction while Rambo and Carlita finished their walk by taking one more detour along the riverfront.
She lingered near the railing, gazing out at the fast-flowing river, the ripples sparkling like diamonds in the afternoon sun. Carlita breathed deeply and closed her eyes. She could feel her tension slip away.
Rambo nuzzled her hand, and she reached down to pat his head. “Shall we stay for a few minutes?”
Woof.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She settled onto a nearby bench while Rambo greeted passersby. Two young boys, accompanied by their parents, stopped to say hello. The pup rewarded them by licking their hands.
After they left, he trotted over to the bench. “I suppose we need to head back to check on Gunner.”
Gunner was waiting for them and greeted Carlita with the same phrase he’d used on Officer Thryce. “Cops. Hide the body.”
“Yeah. Thanks,” Carlita muttered. “You’re lucky the cop didn’t come back with a search warrant.”
“Don’t let the pirates steal your booty.”
Carlita fed Gunner a handful of frozen grapes and then, as promised, she carried Grayvie out onto the balcony.
Mercedes joined her. “I got your note. How was lunch?”
“Wonderful. Glenda and I picnicked in Monterey Square and caught a few minutes of the Sorrel-Weed House tour.”
“No fair,” Mercedes said. “Sam never has time to take me on their ghost tour.”
“We should go.”
“Seriously?” Mercedes’ eyes lit up. “Soon?”
“Whenever you want.”
“It can’t be tonight. I stopped by the pawn shop. Tony told me we’re having dinner with him, Shelby and Violet.”
“We are.” Carlita started to share Tony’s concerns but changed her mind. Mercedes could form her own opinion on whether Shelby was acting strange. “It will be nice to see Shelby. It’s been a while.”
What was left of the afternoon passed quickly. When the dinner hour arrived, Mercedes was the one to remind her mother it was time to go.
It was a quick walk to the family’s apartment. Tony greeted them at the door. “Shelby’s in the bathroom, getting ready.”
The fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. “It smells delicious in here,” Carlita sniffed appreciatively.
“We’re having spaghetti and meatballs. Violet and I made them.”
“Nana.” Violet skipped across the room and flung herself at Carlita.
“There’s my girl.” Carlita scooped her up and held her close. She smelled of sugary spice and toothpaste. “Have you been busy helping Daddy with dinner?”
“I made the meatballs.” Violet held up three fingers. “I made this many.”
“I can’t wait to try them.” Carlita gave her a hug. Violet began squirming, and she set her down.
“One of these days you’re going to have to spend the night with Nana and me,” Mercedes said.
Violet let out a squeal. “Tonight?”
“It’s up to your mom and dad.”
“Daddy.” Violet began tugging on his pant leg. “Can I stay with Nana and Mercedes?”
“We’ll have to check with Mommy first.”
“I thought I heard voices.” Shelby emerged from the bathroom. Carlita wasn’t sure if she was looking for signs of trouble, but her daughter-in-law’s face was pale. Her eyes were red, as if she’d been crying.
Carlita greeted her with a gentle hug. “Thank you for inviting us to dinner.”
“You’re welcome. We’re glad you could make it.” Shelby glanced at her husband. “Right, Tony?”
“Of course. Family is always welcome. Dinner is ready.”
Carlita pitched in to help the couple set the table while Violet led Mercedes to her room to show her a picture she’d drawn.
They returned moments later and gathered at the table. An uncomfortable silence ensued, and Mercedes shot her mother a questioning look. She gave a slight shake of her head and then forced a conversation about the weather and the pawn shop, anything to keep the conversation going.
Thankfully, young Violet filled in the gaps, chattering on about her friends and how she wanted to bring Rambo a treat.
As soon as she finished eating, she ran into her room to change into the princess dress her parents had recently bought her. The dress was sparkly blue with thick layers of taffeta. It reminded Carlita of Cinderella’s dress.
A jewel-encrusted crown surrounded Violet’s brown ringlets. She wobbled back and forth, singing a silly little tune Carlita was certain she was making up as she went along. Around and
around she twirled.
The song ended. Violet landed in a heap on the floor, her giggles warming Carlita’s heart. She crawled under the coffee table, bumping into her mother’s leg.
Shelby winced as she lifted the edge of her skirt, giving the others a glimpse of a large bruise above her knee.
Carlita shot Tony a questioning glance. Based on his expression, it was the first time he’d seen it too. “Hey, Shelby. You got a nasty bruise on your leg. What happened?”
“Clumsy me. I bumped into the corner of the television stand again.”
“That’s a pretty bad bruise for a collision with a television stand.”
“What are you saying?” Shelby shot to her feet.
“I’m not saying anything,” Tony said. “I was just asking what happened.”
Violet clamped her hands over her ears, her eyes round as saucers at her parents’ raised voices.
“Stop!” Shelby’s eyes flashed with anger. “Can’t you see you’re upsetting Violet?”
“Mercedes.” Carlita nudged the child toward Mercedes, who quickly herded her out of the living room. “Show me your unicorn again. What was his name?”
Tony watched them leave. His expression was grim as he faced his wife. “I’m tryin’ to figure out what’s going on.”
“I’ve had enough.”
“Shelby. Wait.” Tony reached out to stop her. Enraged, Shelby lunged at him.
Chapter 7
To her son’s credit, Tony held his reaction in check, easily moving out of Shelby’s reach. “You’re out of control. You need help.”
“I don’t need help. I need you to stop breathing down my neck.” Shelby clenched her fists and lowered her voice. “You upset Violet.”
“I upset Violet? You’re the one screaming and coming after me.”
Carlita stepped between them. “Tony, why don’t you and Violet pack up a few things and spend the night over at my place? A little time apart will give both of you a chance to calm down.”
There was a flicker of surprise in Shelby’s eyes. It was as if she’d forgotten her mother-in-law was a witness to what had just taken place. “Tony’s been on me lately. I guess I just snapped.”
Family Feud in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 16) Page 4
