Family Feud in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 16)

by Hope Callaghan

“So, he plans to sneak weapons on board the ship.” A feeling of dread filled Carlita. Visions of Vinnie, Vito, and his men being handcuffed and led to waiting police cars filled her head.

  Vito Castellini would not go down quietly. Neither would his men. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Ma. You won’t be boarding the ship at the same time. Vito plans to split the group up. Women and children first. Vito and his crew second.”

  “Meaning you, Brittney, and the baby won’t be boarding at the same time.”

  “Nope. Vito’s rules. She’ll be getting on with you and Mercedes.”

  “And Elvira and Dernice.” The cruise was looking more troublesome by the minute…Elvira, Dernice, weapons, mobsters…what could possibly go wrong?

  She had another thought. “I’m sure the cruise lines or port authorities do background checks prior to boarding and convicted criminals aren’t allowed to board the ship.”

  “Correct,” Vinnie confirmed.

  “And yet, Vito and his men will still be able to cruise with a record?”

  “Vito doesn’t have a rap sheet. Neither do his men. They’re clean as a whistle.”

  “C’mon, Vinnie,” Carlita chided. “You’re telling me that Vito and his men have never committed a recorded crime?”

  “I’m sayin’ their records are clean.”

  “Meaning Vito greased some palms to get clean records,” she guessed.

  Vinnie grew quiet again. “I’m on a company phone here, Ma. We probably shouldn’t be having this conversation.”

  “Right. Right.” Once again, Vinnie’s choice of not only a career, but wife, weighed heavily on her mind. “I’m sorry I asked.”

  “Being Ma and all, I get it. I can’t discuss it, at least not now. Hey, I called Tony’s cell phone a little while ago. I haven’t heard back from him. Can you tell him to give me a shout when you see him?”

  “I will.” Carlita started to mention his current situation but decided against it. It was Tony’s decision, whether he wanted his older brother to know about Shelby.

  They wrapped up their conversation, and then she finished sweeping the courtyard. Carlita gathered her supplies and stepped out onto the sidewalk. She checked the gate, making sure it was locked.

  She turned to go when a vehicle caught her eye. It was a Savannah patrol car parked near the corner. Switching directions, Carlita headed to the pawn shop. She found Tony, along with Officer Thryce, standing in the back.

  The officer was holding a ring and a sheet of paper.

  “What’s going on?”

  Tony motioned to the box. “This ring was stolen during an armed robbery.”

  “I’m sure you can trace it back to whoever pawned it.”

  “Remember how you had a problem pulling up the database the other day and how we’ve been manually logging sales and seller’s information? Some of our manual records are missing. Unfortunately, the seller’s information is also missing.”

  “So, now what?” Carlita asked.

  “It’s on us to prove we got it legit.” Tony shifted his feet. “There’s one more thing.”

  “I believe this ring was stolen from Sandy-Sue Jarvis during her armed robbery,” Thryce said.

  Chapter 18

  Carlita reached out to steady herself. “You mean to tell me that this ring was stolen from Sandy Sue Jarvis the other night and now it shows up at our pawn shop?”

  “It’s not uncommon for hot merchandise to make its way into a pawn shop. A robber’s first goal is to unload the goods and make a quick buck.”

  “Which is why we keep a database.” Tony rubbed the back of his neck.

  Officer Thryce pulled a notepad and pen from his pocket. “Can you recall what day this ring was brought in?”

  “I…I vaguely remember it. It was a quick cash sale.” Tony shrugged helplessly. “I can’t remember the name, but then a lot of people come through here.”

  “Can you give me a description? Was it a man or a woman?”

  “It was a woman, with dark hair, kinda on the short side.” Tony told the cop he remembered her having an unusual name, and that she was a local.

  “Does his description match the description of the person who robbed Mrs. Jarvis?” Carlita asked.

  “No. Although the robber was masked, Mrs. Jarvis is certain it was a man.” The officer finished jotting some notes. “I’ll need to confirm with Mrs. Jarvis that this is her ring. Judging by the photo she provided, I believe it will be a match.”

  Carlita and Tony accompanied Thryce to the door. “So, what happens next?”

  “We continue our investigation. In the meantime, if you remember the name of the woman or any other information, I would appreciate a call.”

  Carlita waited for him to exit the shop and pass by the window. “I don’t think he believes us. I mean, what are the chances we don’t have the seller’s information?”

  “With this computer, the chances were pretty high. I’m sorry, Ma. I must’ve misplaced the handwritten record.”

  “Or the seller knew it wasn’t a legit sale and took it,” Carlita said. “Either way, don’t beat yourself up over it. I would get that database replaced. The sooner, the better.”

  Carlita returned home, all the while wondering who robbed Sandy Sue and then had the nerve to bring the stolen merchandise across the street to pawn it off.

  Surely, the person knew the pawn shop kept a record of their information. Unless they got it from someone else, someone who didn’t know it was stolen, or they somehow managed to swipe the record when Tony wasn’t paying attention.

  Perhaps it was someone who had no concerns about being caught. Perhaps they were using a fake identification, maybe even stolen identification.

  Mercedes wasn’t home but showed up a short time later. “Did you return Elvira’s drone?”

  “I did. I have more good news,” Carlita said sarcastically. “Sandy Sue’s robber stole a ring from her. It ended up downstairs in our pawn shop.”

  Mercedes eyes grew round as saucers. “You’re kidding. Were you able to figure out who brought it in?”

  Carlita gave her a thumbs down. “Nope. Remember how we were having trouble with the database the other day and ended up having to log the information in a book? The record of the sale is missing.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  “Something tells me the cops will be back. I had motive and opportunity, not to mention the goods were found in our possession.”

  “We can’t sit here waiting to see what happens,” Mercedes said. “I did a little online research into Big Hog’s BBQ, the one Sandy Sue previously owned. After our server, Angel, mentioned Sandy Sue and her brother couldn’t stand each other, I started doing some digging around.”

  Carlita perked up. “And?”

  “I think you need to see this for yourself.” Mercedes nudged her mother, who was seated in front of the computer, out of her chair and reached for the mouse. With a few clicks, she pulled up a news story and then hopped out of the way so that her mother could read it.

  “Family feud or fiction fodder?” Carlita read with interest the story about the ongoing dispute between Sandy Sue Jarvis and her brother, Gordon Coldwater. The reporter went into great detail regarding the various disputes between the siblings.

  From what she could glean, it all began several years ago when Sandy Sue and her brother inherited Big Hog’s BBQ from their parents, who began the barbecue joint as a small business they ran out of their home.

  It was almost as if the reporter had an axe to grind, claiming the Coldwaters had an inside scoop on a large development. They sold hundreds of acres of land near the highway and used some of the proceeds to build a lucrative strip mall. The strip mall was also the location of their barbecue restaurant.

  “I wonder where their beef with each other comes in.”

  “Keep reading,” Mercedes said.

  The last half of the story centered on the siblings not agreeing on the
sale of the strip mall. Sandy Sue wanted to sell. Her brother, Gordon, was against it. The case eventually went before a judge who ruled in favor of selling and the siblings splitting the profits.

  “Gordon had to buy back the business,” Carlita said. “Sandy Sue wanted out so she could finish her restaurant across the street.”

  “Reading between the lines.” Mercedes crossed her arms. “What if Sandy Sue’s brother is behind the robbery?”

  “Why? Why not let bygones be bygones?”

  “You missed the footnote at the bottom.”

  Sure enough, there was tiny print at the very bottom, beneath the author credits. Carlita slipped her reading glasses on. “At the time of print, there is still some ongoing litigation between Gordon Coldwater and Sandy Sue Jarvis.”

  “Which means there’s a chance what’s been going on around here has something to do with Gordon Coldwater and Big Hog’s BBQ. I think we should run by there.”

  “I’m game,” Carlita said. “What do we have to lose?”

  *****

  Mercedes steered the car into the parking lot. There was no missing the flashing neon sign and pink plump hog perched atop the restaurant’s roof.

  “Let’s check out the strip mall first.” Mercedes circled back around and drove to the low-lying u-shaped structure tucked in behind the barbecue joint.

  The storefronts were all occupied. There was a national chain’s cell phone store and a pizza place, along with a Chinese restaurant which took up a sizeable chunk of real estate. An all-suite hotel was behind the strip mall.

  Mercedes backtracked and returned to the restaurant’s packed parking lot. “They’re doing a brisk business this afternoon.”

  “This is a prime location.” Carlita pointed to the cars zipping along the interstate. “I bet Sandy Sue and her brother got a pretty penny for this property.”

  The tantalizing aroma of smoked meat greeted them as soon as they entered the restaurant. Barstools, filled with patrons, lined the bar on the left. Stainless steel tables and matching chairs filled the other half. They were packed in so tightly there was little room to maneuver.

  A jukebox, playing a catchy country tune, sat off in the corner. A few of the diners cast an uninterested glance in their direction. Near the front door was a sign, “Seat Yourself.”

  Carlita followed Mercedes as they squeezed past a few tight spots to a table for three. The menus were tucked in behind the napkin holders.

  Upon closer inspection, the items were almost identical to Sandy Sue’s. A server appeared, order pad in hand. “Welcome to Big Hog’s. Is this your first time here?”

  “It is,” Carlita said.

  “We’re glad you’re giving us a try.” The woman rattled off the daily specials, took their drink order and then left.

  She returned a short time later and set their drinks on the table. “Have you decided?”

  “We have.” Carlita waited for Mercedes to place her order. “This is a neat restaurant. Have you been here long?”

  “Decades. This is a family-owned business, serving the area’s best barbecue since the sixties. A food show recently featured us.”

  “No kidding,” Carlita said. “How did you manage to get on television?”

  “I don’t know the details. Gordon, the owner, would know more. He’s over there behind the bar.”

  Carlita cast a quick glance in that direction. She thanked the woman and waited for her to leave. “Too bad we can’t get Ravello’s on a food show. Maybe I should ask him how that works.”

  “And then what?” Mercedes asked. “Tell him you own Ravello’s, the restaurant across the street from his sister’s place? That will make him want to share any tips he might have.”

  “True.” Carlita drummed her fingers on the table. “I can’t pass up the opportunity. I’m gonna ask him, anyway.”

  When their food arrived, Carlita inhaled hers and then shoved her chair back. “I gotta find out how he got this place on the radar.” She approached the counter and waited until she caught the owner’s eye. “Hello.”

  “Good afternoon,” Coldwater politely smiled.

  “Our server told us your restaurant was recently featured on a food show.”

  “It was. It aired a couple of weeks ago on ‘Roadside Restaurants. The best eats in the south episode.’”

  Carlita motioned to the crowded dining room. “I bet it helped boost business.”

  “It sure did.”

  “How did you end up on the show, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”

  “It’s Carlita Garlucci. I gotta confess. I own a restaurant in Savannah and would love the publicity.”

  “What’s your restaurant’s name?”

  Carlita had been waiting for the question, even expecting it. “Ravello’s Italian Eatery.”

  “Ravello’s Italian Eatery.” Coldwater repeated the name. If it rang a bell, he gave no indication he recognized it. “There’s a website you can go to, to enter your restaurant’s information and submit it online.” He grabbed a napkin and jotted it down before handing it to her.

  Carlita glanced at it. “Thank you. By the way, your food is delicious.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it, and you’re welcome.”

  Mercedes watched her mother make her way back to their table. “He told you how he did it?”

  “Yep. He gave me the website and everything. I told him the name of our restaurant. I don’t think he put two and two together.” While Mercedes finished her food, Carlita paid for the meal.

  On their way home, they drove past Sandy Sue’s. The parking lot was nearly empty – a stark contrast to Big Hog’s.

  Similar to Sandy Sue’s, Ravello’s had only a couple of cars parked out front.

  “Don’t worry, Ma. I’m sure now that spring is here, foot traffic will pick up.” Mercedes turned into the alley and parked next to Tony’s car. There was another vehicle, this one in Elvira’s lot, and parked on the end.

  “I wonder whose car that is.” Carlita grabbed her purse and wandered over, studying the back of the vehicle. There was something about it. She glanced at the rearview window and then the license plate. Her heart skipped a beat. “Hey, Mercedes. Get over here.”

  Chapter 19

  Carlita stared at the South Carolina license plate belonging to Ava Whalen.

  Mercedes joined her. “Elvira’s gonna pitch a fit if she comes home and finds someone parked in one of her spots.”

  “This is the vehicle Shelby got into the night she left.”

  Mercedes made a choking sound. “She’s here?”

  “I would bet money on it.” Carlita cast a wary glance toward the apartment. “She knows Tony’s at work and doesn’t think anyone would recognize this vehicle.”

  “What are you gonna do?”

  On the one hand, Carlita thought Tony should know his wife had returned. On the other, Carlita suspected Shelby was there to “grab and go.” A confrontation between them might prove disastrous.

  “You wait here,” Carlita said. “I’m gonna run upstairs to see if Shelby is in the apartment.”

  There was a sick feeling in the pit of Carlita’s stomach as she climbed the stairs. She reached the landing and found the apartment door was closed. Carlita twisted the doorknob. The door was locked. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before rapping loudly.

  No one answered.

  She tried knocking again, this time louder. “Shelby, it’s me, Carlita. I know you’re in there.” Carlita could’ve sworn she heard a muffled thump, followed by silence.

  Not ready to give up, she tried again. “Shelby! Please open the door.”

  The door slowly opened. Shelby, her face pale and drawn, stood on the other side. “How did you know I was here?”

  Carlita ignored the question. “Do you have a minute to talk?”

  The door opened a little wider. “Does Tony know I’m here?”

  “No. Just me ‘n Merced
es.”

  Carlita caught a glimpse of a woman, in her forties if she had to guess, standing near the kitchen counter. “What are you doing?”

  “Grabbing some things for Violet and me. I’m not staying…long.”

  “I figured as much.” Carlita acknowledged the woman with a nod. “Can we talk privately?” she asked.

  “Sure.” Shelby stepped out of the apartment and closed the door behind her.

  A thousand different questions ran through Carlita’s mind. She had no idea where to start, but knew it needed to be with a question that wouldn’t immediately put her daughter-in-law on the defense. “Did you get my message?”

  “I did.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m-I’m okay.” Shelby twined her fingers. “I’m sorry for taking off the other night. I just. Things have been a little tense between Tony and me lately. I needed to get away to clear my head.”

  “We all need that once in a while,” Carlita said. “Tony loves you and Violet.”

  Shelby’s lower lip quivered, and her eyes shined brightly with unshed tears. “I know he does. I can’t explain it to you right now. Maybe soon. Maybe soon I’ll be ready to talk.”

  “Are you gonna stay with your Uncle Jerry and Aunt Ginny?” More than anything, and especially after seeing the deplorable condition of the property in Bayrock, she prayed the answer would be “yes.”

  “No. We’re okay where we’re at. For now,” Shelby said.

  “You’re sure? Are you sure that you’re okay?”

  Their eyes met, and Shelby quickly looked away. “My friend, Ava, is letting me hang out with her at her place.”

  “The woman who’s with you – that’s Ava?” Carlita sensed Shelby withdrawing as she reached for the door handle. “Yes. If you talk to Tony, please ask him to give me a little time. I have some stuff I need to sort through.”

  Carlita fought the urge to hug Shelby and then gave in. “Let me give you a hug.” She wrapped both arms around her. The young woman was trembling. She could feel her shoulder blades through the thin material of her blouse. “Where’s Violet? Is she with you?”

  “Uncle Jerry and Aunt Ginny dropped her off a few hours ago. Another friend is watching her so that I could come here to pick up a few things. I decided not to bring Violet with me because I thought it might upset her. She’s been asking for Tony. She’s confused right now.”