The Family Affair: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 9) by Hope Callaghan (top 10 ebook reader TXT) 📗

not far from the river district. The police took her to the station for questioning and we’re pretty sure they’re going to charge her with his murder.”

“So she was gonna meet her ex and someone whacked him? It doesn’t make her the killer.”

“The cops found a text from Shelby on his cell phone. She told him to leave her and Violet alone or else.”

Vinnie let out a low whistle. “Yeah, that ain’t good. You gonna help her stay out of jail?”

“He and Shelby aren’t talking. I’m going to meet with Shelby in the morning to go over everything she knows.”

Mercedes emerged from her room.  “I thought I heard voices. Where’s Brittney?”

“Brittney is in the apartment, lying down.”

She punched Vinnie in the arm. “What’s the big idea of running off and marrying the head of the mafia’s daughter?”

“You married into the family?” Tony sputtered. “Brittney is a mob daughter? Oh, that’s a good one Vin. I’m surprised you’re still alive.”

“Vito and I are pals,” Vinnie said.

“I wasn’t talking about Vito killing you. I was talking about Ma killing you.”

“I wanted to. In fact, the option is still on the table. I promised your father I would get all of you out of the family and now look at what you’ve done. You brought the family to my doorstep. And not only the family, but Vito Castellini himself.”

“Brittney told me her father is on his way down here to check out our place,” Mercedes added.

Carlita crossed her arms, her attention focused on her eldest son.  “What on earth were you thinkin’?”

Vinnie became defensive and bristled at his mother’s harsh reprimand. “You’re not giving Brittney a chance. She’s a sweet woman and isn’t involved in the family.”

“But you are.” Carlita jabbed her finger at her son.  “Are you really gonna take a job working for Castellini in Atlantic City?’

Tony hooted. “Way to go, bro. You landed a job at one of Castellini’s casinos?”

“One?” Mercedes raised an eyebrow. “How many does the man own?”

“He has two. Vito’s son, Tommy, runs The Royal Flush Casino on the boardwalk. I’m gonna take over the daily operations of the Treasure Cove Casino, a block off the main drag.”  Vinnie shrugged.  “It’s gonna be an easy breezy job, mainly just keeping the staff in line.”

“Tell Tony about the penthouse,” Mercedes said.

“Penthouse?” Tony grinned.  “You got in good, didn’t you?”

Vinnie returned the smile.  “Got a smokin’ hot wife, a cush job, swanky digs. What more could a guy want?”

“You sold your soul to the devil,” Carlita muttered.  “All I gotta say is there ain’t much loyalty in the family. You should know that, Vinnie.  You cross Vito Castellini and your job, wife and penthouse apartment won’t mean squat.”

“I appreciate your concern, Ma,” Vinnie replied with a tinge of sarcasm.  “I love my wife. I thought long and hard before popping the question to Brittney. I’m gettin’ up there in years and my options for career advancement were limited. I could languish at the bottom of the family ladder or make a big move. I chose to make the move.”

“You’re an adult. I hope you fully understand what you got yourself into,” Carlita said.

Mercedes changed the subject.  “How is Shelby?”

“She’s holding up.” Carlita briefly explained to her daughter what Shelby told her and that she needed help.  “Your brother here, the other brother, is letting his pride get in the way. He and Shelby are fighting and he’s digging in his heels.”

“Turd!” Mercedes whacked Tony’s arm this time.  “Shelby needs you. If you stand by and let her take the rap for this, poor Violet will be homeless.”

“No matter what the outcome, Violet won’t be homeless. We’ll be here to care for her if she needs us,” Carlita said. “In the meantime, I’m meeting Shelby in the morning to try to get more information and hopefully help her figure out who offed her ex.”

A sudden thought occurred to Carlita and she pressed a hand to her chest.  “What if…”

Mercedes’ eyes widened.  “What if Shelby or Violet is next.”

“Now you’re scaring me Ma,” Tony said.

“You should be scared - for Shelby’s sake.”

“I’m gonna go over and try to talk some sense into her.” Tony marched to the apartment door.

“You can catch more flies with honey,” Carlita called out.  “Shelby has been through a lot.  Remember that before you open your mouth.”

Vinnie, Mercedes and Carlita watched Tony exit the apartment, slamming the door behind him, hard enough to rattle the pictures on the wall.

“He’s bullheaded,” Vinnie joked.

“Like someone else I know.” Carlita gave her eldest son a pointed stare.  “I finally get Paulie and Gina on the road to reconciliation and now I’ve got you two to worry about.”

“There’s nothing to worry about with me, Ma. Life is peaches and cream.”

“As long as you give your pampered bride her heart’s content 24/7, you should have it made,” Mercedes teased.

“You guys got Vito pegged all wrong. He’s a tough guy on the outside cuz he has to act tough. Underneath, he’s a real easygoing fella once you get to know him.”

“You’re defending the godfather, the head of the mob?” Carlita shook her head.  “They either got you brainwashed or you got your head stuck in the sand.”

“It’s neither,” Vinnie insisted. “You’ll see.  Once you get to know Vito and Francesca, you’ll see for yourself what I’m talking about.”

The front door flew open and Tony stormed into the apartment, a dark look on his face. “I knew I shoulda left well enough alone.”

“What happened?” Carlita took a step forward.

“I tried to reason with Shelby and she threw me out of her apartment.”

“What exactly did you say?”

“What you told me, Ma. That she needed my help and I was there to support her.”

“That’s all?” Carlita asked.

“Well…”