Setup in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 7)

by Hope Callaghan

  The conversation finally drifted to their current book progress. Stephanie was nearing the completion of her fourth romance novel in the Savannah Sweet Romance Series.

  “You’re a writing machine,” Mercedes joked. “I’ll be lucky if I finish my second novel by the end of January. Although, if I’m locked up in a prison cell, I’ll have plenty of time to write.”

  “We won’t let it happen,” Cricket said.

  Tillie rapped on the door, opened it a crack and peered inside. “Sorry Cricket. Got a customer out here who wants a refund.”

  “You can do a refund,” Cricket said.

  “He’s returning a whole series.”

  “Fudge.” Cricket slid her chair back and stood. “Are we still on for our regular meeting this week?”

  “If I’m not in jail,” Mercedes said.

  “We’re going to make you start paying each of us ten bucks every time you say that,” Stephanie teased. She squeezed Mercedes’ arm. “Don’t worry. They got nothin’ on you. After all, you have no family background that would cause the police to suspect you.”

  If they only knew!

  The four of them stopped by the front desk to thank Cricket for the coffee and conversation before making their way out of the store. Tom climbed into his car while Stephanie headed toward the Riverfront District.

  Austin wandered over as Mercedes slid her helmet on and snapped the clasp. “You want to head down to the Thirsty Crow one night to listen to your buddy, Cool Bones and his band play?”

  “Sure,” Mercedes smiled. “That would be fun and he would get a kick out of it.”

  “How about Friday night? I could swing by around seven to pick you up.”

  “It’s a date…er, I mean a non-date,” Mercedes said.

  “Would it be such a terrible thing if it was a date?”

  Mercedes felt her cheeks warm. “N-no,” she stuttered. “It wouldn’t.”

  She hurriedly told him good-bye and then hopped on her Segway before zipping off down the street. Mercedes was almost home when she realized she’d left her notepad and a portion of her new book draft on the conference table, so she did a quick U-turn and headed back to the store.

  She stopped in front of the window, not bothering to lock her Segway since she planned to pop in, grab her stuff and head back out.

  Mercedes stopped in her tracks when she looked inside the front storeroom window and spotted Tom, Austin, Stephanie and Cricket off to the side, huddled close together.

  Chapter 8

  Mercedes quickly backed up until she was out of sight and tilted her head as she watched the others in her author group. Stephanie was waving her hands frantically, while Cricket’s arms were crossed, a serious expression on her face. Austin’s expression was unreadable and Tom Muldoon was shaking his head.

  She was almost 100% certain the group was discussing her. Why else would they be standing there? She’d watched Tom climb into his car as Stephanie walked away. A thread of suspicion crept into her mind. Had she been setup? Were the other authors conspiring against her?

  They acted as if they wanted to help clear her name. She had never even heard of Jon Luis before someone in the group mentioned his name.

  Mercedes turned her Segway around and tilted the handle forward as she sped home. When she reached the apartment building, she steered into the hall, yanked her helmet off and hung it on the handlebar before racing up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

  Carlita and Gina were inside, sitting in the living room.

  “Ma, you got a minute? I need to run somethin’ by you.”

  “Sure.” Carlita slid off the sofa. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time,” Gina said. “I’ll be out on the balcony.”

  Carlita followed her daughter to her room. “How did it go with your group of authors? Were you able to kind of feel ‘em out, see what they thought of Luis’ murder?”

  “The meeting was great. Everyone was sayin’ that they wanted to help me clear my name, but they were just flappin’ their gums. Something is up.” Mercedes went on to tell her mother the group exited the bookstore. She watched two of them leave while Austin hung back and asked her if she wanted to go out Friday night.

  “Ah, another date?” Carlita lifted an eyebrow. “What about Detective Jackson?”

  “It’s nothin’ serious. Neither one, at least not on my end.” Mercedes waved her hand. “Well, I got flustered; I forgot the draft notes for my new book. I remembered when I was almost home, so I turned around and went back to get them. You never know when someone might be tryin’ to steal ideas. I’m not sayin’ my author friends would, but you never can be too careful.”

  “I agree. You have some great ideas, Mercedes.”

  “Thanks. When I got there, I stopped out front. That’s when I noticed all of the other authors, Tom, Stephanie, Austin and Cricket, inside the store. They were huddled off to the side havin’ a serious conversation.”

  “Maybe you left too soon,” Carlita said.

  “No. Tom was already in his car and Stephanie was halfway down the block when I left. I think they were waitin’ for me to leave.”

  “What does this mean?”

  “I don’t know. It’s a good thing I always keep a current copy of my book draft on the computer.” Mercedes began to pace the floor. “What if they had a plan to set me up? They must think I’m dumber than a box of rocks. I gotta figure out if I was setup.” She snapped her fingers. “I got it. I can tell them I can’t make it to the next meeting. In the meantime, I’ll ask Autumn if she would be willing to join the author group to spy on them.”

  “Do you think she’ll do it?”

  “There’s only one way to find out.” Mercedes pulled her cell phone from her back pocket. “I think she’s workin’ today. I want to ask her in person.” Mercedes shifted her gaze. “Do you mind if she stops by later? I know you got all the kids coming over.”

  “Sure. The more, the merrier. Invite her for pizza,” Carlita said.

  “Thanks Ma.” Mercedes had started to slip her phone into her pocket and it beeped. “She’s fast. Yep. She said no prob-lemo.” Mercedes shifted her gaze. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you and Gina’s chat.”

  “I think she was glad you interrupted. She’s probably out on the deck smoking.”

  “Gina started smokin’ again? I wonder what Paulie thinks.”

  “I dunno,” Carlita said. “She’s been sneakin’ out onto the balcony while Paulie and the kids aren’t around.”

  The women wandered out of the bedroom and made their way back to the empty living room.

  Tap. Tap. Gina was out on the deck, tapping on the glass.

  Carlita hurried across the room and unlocked the door. “You got locked out again?”

  “Yeah.” Gina stepped back inside; the lingering smell of cigarette smoke followed her in. “This time I heard it latch. I figured you’d be back in a minute, so no biggie. You better have it checked out before someone ends up stuck out there.”

  “I don’t understand.” Carlita flipped the lock back and forth. “We’ve never had a problem with it before. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Gina glanced at her watch. “I’m sure the kids are up by now, and bouncing off the walls of the small apartment. If I was Tony, I’d go stir crazy in such a small space.”

  Carlita walked Gina to the door. “He doesn’t spend a lot of time there. You still have to meet Shelby and Violet.”

  “Tony must really like her. I never heard him talk about a woman before.” Gina shook her head. “Everything is Shelby this and Violet that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to step it up a notch.”

  “Propose?” Carlita asked.

  “No. Shack up.”

  “Not on my watch,” Carlita said. “If Tony wants to live with Shelby…”

  “He’s gonna have to spring for a ring,” Mercedes joked.

  “Exactly. You took the words right out of my mouth.”

  “I’
ll be back in a coupla hours with the kids.” Gina impulsively hugged Carlita. “Thanks for takin’ the kids and for takin’ Paulie in. I think the time he’s spent down here has been good for him.” She wagged her finger. “But don’t be gettin’ no ideas about us movin’ down here.”

  “I had hoped you would consider it,” Carlita confessed. “Of course, it would have to be you and Paulie’s decision.” She waited until Gina was downstairs before slowly closing the door behind her. “I guess that settles it.”

  “I think you should work on Vinnie instead,” Mercedes said. “He’s the one who still has both feet in the family business.”

  “True.”

  “I’m gonna log onto the computer to work on my book draft unless you need me for somethin’ else.”

  “Nah. Bob Lowman sent a rough estimate for repairs to the restaurant. I haven’t had a chance to go over it yet.” Carlita settled in at the small desk while Mercedes returned to her room.

  She worked on balancing her checkbook and then checked her email. Carlita’s mind drifted to her husband, Vinnie, who had died in the early spring. There were times it seemed like yesterday and at other times, it seemed like eons ago. So much had happened since then.

  During the days and weeks right after Vinnie first passed away, Carlita felt his presence, as if he was there with her all of the time, but now the feeling was starting to fade. Maybe it was because there were so many other things to occupy her mind and quiet moments were few and far between. Still, in those quiet moments, she could hear his deep voice and smell his cologne.

  Carlita’s eyes watered and she swallowed hard. In a way, Vinnie had helped her deal with his unexpected death when he made her promise to get their sons out of the “family business.” Her promise kept her going, kept her moving, kept her pushing on.

  That and the fact that she had something to prove to herself. When Vinnie was alive, she never had to worry about balancing a checkbook or budget for living expenses, let alone run a family business, which would soon be three family businesses.

  She’d even learned how to drive, thanks to Mercedes mercilessly hounding her. Carlita had no idea what she would’ve done if her daughter hadn’t been by her side. Mercedes’ life had been almost as sheltered as Carlita’s, but in their defense, it had been the only life they’d ever known.

  The last thing she wanted to do was to have her daughter feel obligated to hang around and take care of her. No, Carlita was determined to prove to herself and her daughter that the Garlucci women could not only take care of themselves but also thrive, to enjoy life, to embrace new experiences.

  Secretly, Carlita was thrilled Mercedes had started “non-dating” as she liked to call it, and how she had joined an author group on her own. Mercedes was starting to spread her wings, just like her mother.

  A loud rap on the door pulled Carlita from her musings. “Must be Paulie and the kids.” She hurried to the door and flung it open, coming face-to-face with Elvira, who was covered in a thick layer of gray dust.

  “I’m glad you’re home.” Elvira shoved past Carlita and stepped into the living room. “There was a small fire in my back bedroom, but there’s no reason to be alarmed. I put the fire out and am pretty sure I can patch the holes in the wall.”

  Chapter 9

  Carlita’s mouth fell open. “I knew it! I knew you were up to something.”

  “Hold your horses.” Elvira held up a hand. “Like I said, I’ve got it all under control, but I figured I better head over here before you smelled smoke and called the fire department.”

  “What’s going on?” Mercedes rushed into the living room.

  “Elvira set her apartment on fire. I want to see the damage,” Carlita gritted out. “You were already treading on thin ice.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic.” Elvira led the way out of the apartment and Mercedes and her mother followed. A thick cloud of smoke drifted into the hall and the heavy smell of smoke filled the air.

  Beep. Beep. “Darn smoke alarms. I thought I unplugged them all,” Elvira said. “I must’ve missed one.” She darted inside the apartment, to the smoke alarm in the kitchen. She climbed onto the counter and teetered on the edge as she unscrewed the alarm and pulled out the battery.

  The beeping stopped.

  Carlita headed down the hall while Elvira hopped off the counter and ran after her.

  “Don’t freak out. It looks worse than it is.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  Carlita stepped into a thick haze of smoke and her eyes started to burn.

  Mercedes gasped, and said the first thing that popped into her head. “Elvira isn’t worth going to prison over.”

  At first, Carlita had trouble wrapping her head around the mess, which centered on what appeared to be a bust. She stepped closer. Despite the soot-covered nose and ear, the image was unmistakable. “Is this a bust of you?”

  “Yeah. I was working on a self-image. I got bored with painting, so I switched over to table art, you know, the kind you display. I was almost done with it, too.”

  Elvira ran her fingertips over the charred hairline. “I thought it would be cool to add a bronze spy cap. It didn’t turn out quite right and I read online where other artists used blow torches to smooth the edges.”

  “A blow torch? You used a blow torch inside your apartment?” Carlita yelled.

  “The bust was too heavy for me to carry out to the courtyard,” Elvira said in a small voice. She hurried on. “It would’ve been all right except the torch got a little too close to the curtains and they caught on fire. I ripped them down and was able to put out the fire, but I tore out a couple of small chunks of the drywall where the curtain rods screwed into the wall. I promise. I’ll have this mess cleaned up in twenty-four hours.”

  Carlita closed her eyes and began counting. She opened her eyes. “You will clean this up and I’m starting the eviction process. This is the last straw.” She turned on her heel and stomped out of the apartment.

  “You can’t throw me out on the street.” Elvira ran after her. “I pay my rent on time. Well, I mean I pay my rent and right now, I’m current. It was a small mistake. I got so excited, I was careless.”

  Elvira followed her out of the apartment and to her front door. “Please. Give me another chance.”

  “I have been more than patient with you, Elvira. More than fair and even felt sorry for you, but this fiasco is beyond careless. It was downright dangerous. Fix the damage and start packing because you’re out of here.”

  Mercedes slunk past her mother and into the apartment, thankful that she wasn’t on the receiving end of Carlita’s wrath.

  She watched as her mother slammed the door in Elvira’s face. “I can’t say she didn’t deserve that.”

  “I should’ve done it long ago,” Carlita fumed. “I felt sorry for her. I can’t let her continue her antics here. No wonder her previous landlord kicked her out.”

  Knock. Knock. “She doesn’t give up!” Carlita jerked the front door open. “Now what?” she growled.

  Paulie and Carlita’s grandkids stood on the other side. “I. Are you okay Ma? You look like you’re gonna punch someone in the face.”

  Carlita sucked in a breath. “I’m sorry Paulie. I just had a run-in with Elvira.”

  “Ah. I see,” Paulie smiled. “It wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with the smoke in the hall? I was gonna tell you, you need to check it out.”

  “I checked it out all right. Elvira tried to burn this place to the ground.”

  “You got it under control? Cuz I can run over there,” Paulie said.

  “It’s under control.”

  “Okay. Uh. You sure it’s a good time to leave the kids? Gina and I can do the dinner boat another time.”

  “No. I’m fine. Come on in.” She ushered the children into the house. “Mercedes and I can handle it from here.”

  “Who’s on your backpack?” Carlita forced Elvira from her mind and tapped the square yellow character on
the front of PJ’s backpack.

  “Nonna, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants,” PJ said. “He lives in a pineapple at the bottom of the ocean.”

  “I wonder if he has room for Elvira,” Carlita muttered as she turned to Noel. “And who is this on your backpack?”

  “Elsa.”

  “I have Anna,” Gracie said. “See?” She spun in a half circle, to show her grandmother the back of her backpack. “Can we make cookies? Mommy said we might make cookies.”

  “We are,” Carlita nodded. “They’re Great Nonna Garlucci’s Italian Cookies.”

  PJ rubbed his tummy. “I’m starving.”

  “Let’s have a snack, then we can start the cookies,” Carlita said. “Later, we’re gonna order pizza.” She assembled three peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then added celery sticks and ranch dressing on the side of each of the plates.

  While the children ate, they told their grandmother about the places they’d visited. Carlita grinned as she heard all about Savannah through the children’s eyes.

  Mercedes breezed into the dining room. “You haven’t started the cookies yet?”

  “In a minute,” Carlita replied.

  “Can I help?”

  “Of course. Why don’t I supervise and you can help your nieces and nephew this time?”

  The small kitchen wasn’t large enough for three children, eager to bake and two adults, so Carlita sat in the dining room and watched as they mixed the ingredients and then each of the children took turns dropping cookie dough onto the greased cookie sheet.

  While the cookies baked, they made the frosting. Carlita had slightly tweaked Great Nonna Garlucci’s frosting recipe, by adding a small amount of cream cheese and lemon zest.

  After the cookies finished baking and they waited for them to cool, the children and Carlita walked Rambo around the block, stopping by the pawnshop to find out if Tony would be around for pizza and cookies after the store closed.

  “I’m goin’ to Shelby’s for dinner. I forgot to tell ya.”

  “If you change your mind, you can come on over. I’ll order extra.”