“Savannah is a small town.”
“It can be. Do you know anything about the missing painting at the museum?”
“I heard about it from a friend and also caught the local headlines about it this morning,” Carlita said. “I’m not sure why someone would want to steal that particular painting.”
The detective stopped writing. “You were at the museum yesterday during the exhibit?”
“Yes.” A feeling of dread swept over Carlita. “I was.”
“Did you speak with Ms. Cobb at any time during your visit?”
“I…Yes. Elvira offered me a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the exhibit while waiting for a special guest to arrive. I took a quick tour of the museum, we stopped by the kitchen area to taste test some of the hors d’oeuvres and then we returned to the front.”
“Did Ms. Cobb say anything about the exhibit, something which may have struck you as odd or out-of-character?”
“Odd? Yes. Out of character for Elvira? No.”
“And what exactly was that?”
Carlita could feel her cheeks redden. “I…Elvira tends to make a lot of off-the-wall and odd comments.”
“Specifically about the museum or the artwork?” Detective Wilson prompted. “Did she say anything about the artwork that was stolen?”
“Well…” Carlita hesitated. “Elvira dabbles in artwork, and she paints. She made an offhand remark about how her artwork was better than the artwork in the exhibit.”
“Is there anything else?”
Carlita swallowed nervously. Although she’d told Elvira she wouldn’t lie to the investigators if questioned, she was certain that repeating what Elvira had said - even in jest - would look bad. “Yes. She said she could replace A Piece of Renaissance with her own artwork, and that no one would notice.”
The detective tapped the top of his notebook thoughtfully. “And it never occurred to you she might actually do just that?”
“No.” Carlita hurried on. “You have to know Elvira to understand. She says stupid stuff all of the time.”
“Yeah. All of the time,” Mercedes chimed in. “It doesn’t mean she actually does half of the things she talks about.”
“I didn’t take it seriously. Truth be told, I don’t honestly believe Elvira is responsible for the missing artwork.”
“Is there anything you can think of that you would like to add?” the detective asked.
“No,” Carlita grimaced. “I think I’ve said enough.”
“If you remember anything else, here’s my card.” Detective Wilson handed Carlita his card. “I believe it’s time for me to stop back by Ms. Cobb’s place now that I have this additional information.”
Carlita held the door for the detective and followed him down the stairs. “Like I said, Elvira shoots off her mouth without thinking. I can’t imagine her actually stealing the artwork. Besides, it would be stupid of her to take the painting considering she was in charge of keeping it safe.”
Wilson stopped when he reached the bottom of the stairs. “You would be surprised at how dumb some criminals are.”
Carlita waited for the man to step into the alley before slowly closing the door behind him. She trudged up the steps and joined Mercedes inside the apartment. “I don’t think I did Elvira any favors.”
“You didn’t mean to throw her under the bus,” Mercedes said.
“But that’s exactly what I did.” Carlita’s mood was gloomy for the rest of the evening as she mulled over what she’d told the detective.
Obviously, someone had taken the painting. The number of suspects would be limited to those who had access to the museum and the painting.
Perhaps Elvira, in a moment of lack of judgment, had decided to “borrow” the artwork and planned to return it. Carlita quickly dismissed the thought. Pulling that kind of stunt would be damaging not only to herself but also to her investigative and detective services.
After dinner, Mercedes offered to run some plates of food down to Tony to take home.
While her daughter was gone, Carlita dialed Glenda Fox’s cell phone number to let her know that Detective Wilson had stopped by. She planned to leave a message and was surprised when her friend answered.
“I was getting ready to call you,” Glenda said. “The authorities picked Elvira up. She’s being charged with stealing the painting.”
“I’m not surprised. Unfortunately, I think I’m partially responsible.” Carlita told her friend about her conversation with the detective, how Elvira had joked about taking the painting and suggested replacing it with her own artwork. “I told the detective she was joking, that you would have to know Elvira to understand she says and does some dumb things.”
“She’s in hot water now,” Glenda said. “Elvira isn’t the only one in hot water.”
“What do you mean…she’s not the only one?” Carlita asked.
“The authorities made a second arrest, and you’ll never guess who it is.”
Chapter 6
“A second arrest?”
“They arrested Dernice.”
Carlita’s eyes widened. “Elvira’s sister?”
“Yep. Apparently, she was one of the security staff on duty yesterday and into last evening before the artwork went missing,” Glenda said. “I’m not sure why they detained her, too.”
Carlita started to reply and then promptly closed her mouth. She knew exactly why the authorities had decided to take a closer look at Dernice. The woman was a former convict, imprisoned in California for armed robbery.
She carried the phone to the balcony door and stared down at her neighbor’s rear entrance. The place was dark. Carlita leaned to the side and peered down the alley where Elvira’s new company van was parked.
“Elvira also used Pirate Pete as a reference. He knows a lot of the stuff that goes on around Savannah. He may have some information about the theft, too.”
Carlita could hear a light tapping on the other end of the line.
“I feel kind of guilty,” Glenda said. “I told the detective when Elvira was employed by SAS, she was always getting into trouble. I didn’t mean to suggest she would actually steal a valuable painting, just that she was a pain in the rear.”
“I pretty much said the same thing. I also feel somewhat responsible for the fact Elvira is taking the heat, and that Dernice is, as well.”
“The authorities would not have arrested them unless they had some sort of proof they committed a crime,” Glenda said. “Hopefully, Elvira keeps her cool during the questioning.”
“That’s debatable,” Carlita muttered. “In the meantime, I think I’m gonna run by Pete’s place tomorrow morning to see what he knows.”
“Do you mind if I tag along?” Glenda asked. “We could have breakfast at Garden of Goodness.”
“Sure.” Before signing off, the women agreed to meet at the restaurant at nine the next morning.
“Who are you meeting?” Mercedes stood in the doorway.
“Glenda. We’re having breakfast and then stopping by Pete’s place to chat about Elvira’s dilemma.”
“Because you feel responsible,” Mercedes guessed.
“Yes. I should’ve kept my mouth shut, and none of this would’ve happened.” Carlita placed her cell phone on the counter. “Dernice has been detained, too.”
“Because of her past record?”
“Yep. The authorities must’ve started doing a little digging around and found out about Dernice’s criminal history.”
Mercedes leaned her hip on the doorway. “Do you mind if I tag along? I’m working at Ravello’s during the lunch hour, but I don’t start my shift until eleven.”
“Sure.” Carlita changed the subject. “How is Shelby?”
“Tony said I just missed her. She was getting restless and decided to give him a hand in the pawnshop this afternoon.”
“That’s a good sign.” Carlita stifled a yawn. “I think I’m gonna hit the hay a little early. Tomorrow is shaping up to be busy.”
/> It didn’t take long for her to get ready for bed. She glanced at the beam of light coming from under her daughter’s bedroom door and could hear rustling coming from within.
Rambo beat Carlita to the bedroom. He flopped down on his doggie bed while she settled in with her remote and turned the television on. She mindlessly flipped through the channels before switching both the television and bedside lamp off.
Carlita fell fast asleep and then woke halfway through the night. No matter which way she turned, she struggled to find a comfortable spot. Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, she gave up and crawled out of bed.
Rambo gave her a quick look before flopping over to face the wall.
“I agree. It’s way too early. Don’t mind me.”
She tiptoed into the hall. Mercedes’ lights were off. She could hear the faint hum of the floor fan coming from her daughter’s room.
After the coffee finished brewing, she carried a cup onto the balcony. The cool morning air gave her goosebumps, so she ran inside to grab a light sweater. Rambo plodded out behind her.
She settled onto the lounge chair and absentmindedly patted his head. What would Tony and Shelby do? Although Tony made a decent salary managing the pawnshop, Shelby’s income helped pay the bills, too.
Shelby needed something to keep her busy, but maybe full-time was too much. Carlita tossed around the idea of talking to Tony and Mercedes about offering their new family member a part-time job.
The more she thought about it, the more Carlita warmed to the idea. Even if Shelby was a floater, helping in both the pawnshop and restaurant, it might give her enough to do to keep her busy when she was feeling up to it. It would also give the couple some extra money.
By the time she finished her second cup of coffee, Carlita was convinced her idea was perfect for all involved. Shelby and Tony could use the extra income. Carlita could use the extra help in a pinch.
“Hey, Ma.”
Carlita jumped at the sound of her daughter’s voice directly behind her. The coffee in her cup sloshed over the side and onto her pajama top.
“Sorry. I thought you heard me.” Mercedes took a tentative step onto the deck.
“It’s okay.” Carlita reached for her napkin and dabbed at the damp spot. “How is the book progressing?”
“The words are flying off the pages.” Mercedes flopped down in an empty chair. “I finally picked a name - True Crime Mafia. Life in the Family.”
Carlita wrinkled her nose. “Are you ever gonna stop writing about the mafia?”
“Yeah. This is the last one. My next book is gonna be a psychological thriller. I figure once Angelica Reynolds moves in, I can pick her brain.”
“You haven’t even spoken with her yet.”
“I will. I have a good feeling about her.”
“So what’s the new story about…the one you’re finishing up?”
“It’s about a consigliere, an adviser to ‘The Family.’ He goes missing; the authorities suspect it was a family hit, but without a body, they can’t pinpoint what actually happened to him. A decade after he went missing, the suspects in the case are found shot to death, execution style with the consigliere’s initials carved on their right hands.”
“A story like that would give me nightmares.” Carlita shifted in her chair. “Why don’t you write about women’s romance or cozy mysteries…something that won’t keep you up at night?”
“The only reason I’m up at night is because I’m writing. I have the stomach for the heavy stuff. I figure I can segue into thrillers,” Mercedes said. “Besides, I gotta write what I know.”
“Then we should find you a boyfriend so you can start writing romance,” her mother teased.
“Very funny.”
“Speaking of boyfriend, I wonder if Sam has accepted Autumn’s dinner invitation yet.”
“Who cares?” Mercedes popped out of the chair. “I’m gonna go get ready. We still on for breakfast at nine?”
“Yep.”
Mercedes got ready first, and then Carlita hit the shower, her thoughts wandering to Elvira and Dernice’s dilemma. Surely, the authorities had more suspects than just the sisters. There must also be some sort of video surveillance, which would help clear them of suspicion.
She finished getting ready and found Mercedes in the kitchen, a scowl on her face. “Did something happen while I was in the shower?”
“Sam Ivey.”
“What did Sam do to annoy you this time?”
“It’s not him. It’s his dog.”
“Sam has a dog?” Carlita changed direction and stepped into the outer hall.
Mercedes trailed behind. “It’s a puppy. I took Rambo out while you were in the shower. We ran into Sam and his new companion in the parking lot. Did you give him the okay to get a dog?”
“Sam did mention possibly getting a puppy and making him his tour guide partner.”
“Then we need to charge him a pet deposit and up his rent with a per-month pet fee.”
“Mercedes,” her mother chided. “I’m sure Sam is lonely. A puppy is a perfect companion. Let’s stop by to meet him on our way out.” She grabbed her purse before sidestepping her daughter and heading to the catty-corner apartment.
Carlita gave the door a couple of light raps. It opened a crack, and then Sam swung it open.
A brown puppy, his back dotted with white spots, scampered into the hall and pounced on Carlita’s sandal. She bent down to pat the small pup’s head. “Mercedes told me you got a puppy.”
“Hey, there little fella,” Carlita cooed. “He’s adorable.” She lifted her head and looked up at Sam. “What is he?”
“He is a she. She’s a mix. I found her at the animal shelter. I haven’t picked a name yet.” Sam scooped the pup up, and she lunged forward to lick the side of his face. “She’s a stinker.”
Mercedes joined them. “Like dog, like owner.”
Carlita shot her daughter a warning look.
“What?” Mercedes crossed her arms.
“Look at that adorable little face.” Carlita reached for the puppy and cuddled her close. “You have little flecks of orange and brown. She reminds me of a…”
“Terrier,” Sam said. “I’m going to make her my tour guide assistant.”
“I love it.” Carlita tilted her head and inspected the pup. “You need the perfect name. Something catchy.”
“Piggly Wiggly?” Mercedes suggested. “She’s got a little pot belly.”
“She does,” Sam laughed. “I was thinking of an old-fashioned name.”
“How about Sadie?” Mercedes said.
“Sadie,” Sam repeated. “I like the name…Sam and Sadie’s Savannah Tours.”
“Now that’s alliteration. Sam and Sadie’s Savannah Tours,” Mercedes repeated.
Carlita shifted the pup. “Sadie?”
The pup let out a small squeak.
“I think she likes it, too.” She handed the puppy to Sam.
“And I think we found a name. Thanks, Mercedes,” Sam said.
“You’re welcome.”
“I owe you one. Perhaps you and Rambo can accompany Sadie and me for a tour of the area.”
“If you’re not too busy hanging out with Autumn.” Mercedes clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Busy with Autumn?” Sam shook his head. “I helped her move. I would do the same for you and your mother.”
“I think a doggie tour is a wonderful idea.” Carlita placed a light hand under her daughter’s elbow. “We have a breakfast date this morning, but I’m sure Mercedes and Rambo could fit you in a little later …right Mercedes?”
“You’re a tour guide. I’m sure you know all of the areas. You don’t need me to show you around.”
“True, but I don’t know the hot spots for my new four-legged companion. I’m sure Rambo has some favorite areas.”
“He does.” Carlita eyed her daughter expectantly.
Mercedes clenched her jaw and gazed at her mother defiantly. “Fine. Yes.
I think Rambo and I could fit you in our busy schedule unless you’re working.”
“No. As a matter of fact, I have a few tours this morning but took this evening off. Perhaps we could make it an official date, and I can take you to dinner,” Sam suggested. “We’ll call it a doggie and dinner date.”
“I…”
Carlita was certain Mercedes was going to refuse and quickly cut her off. “Mercedes would love to have dinner and a doggie date. She’ll see you around five then?”
“Yes.” Sam grinned as Carlita took control of the conversation. “Five o’clock sounds perfect.”
“She’ll see you then.” Before Mercedes could protest, her mother propelled her across the hall and down the steps. She didn’t stop until they were on the back stoop.
“Why did you do that?” Mercedes slammed the door behind them.
“Because it’s time you got it through your hard head that you and Sam have a chemistry. It’s high time you stop treating him like a frenemy.”
“We don’t have a chemistry,” Mercedes argued. “Besides, he likes Autumn.”
“Says who?”
“Says me. He helped her move in. They’re making dinner plans.”
“Mercedes.” Carlita wagged her finger. “That’s absurd. He even said himself he would have helped us move, too.”
“Yeah. Well…” Mercedes kicked at a pebble. “He was just trying to be nice. I don’t think he expected me - expected you - to say yes to a date.”
“I have to agree he expected you to say ‘no,’ but I’m also sure he’s thrilled. You should’ve seen his face light up when you finally agreed.” Carlita linked arms with her daughter, and they strolled to the end of the alley. “Someday you’ll thank me for butting in.”
“I doubt that.”
Carlita changed the subject, and they began discussing the missing artwork. Both agreed they didn’t believe Elvira or Dernice was responsible for the painting’s disappearance.
“I’m hoping Pete can shed some light on the mysterious missing artwork. His pirate ship isn’t far from the museum. He may have heard something from the guests about the theft. After all, both are popular tourist attractions.”
They reached the restaurant. Glenda was already inside and seated at a corner table. She gave Carlita a quick hug and turned to Mercedes. “It’s nice of you to join us this morning, Mercedes. I didn’t think you were a morning person.”
Swiped in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 12) Page 5
