Swiped in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 12) by Hope Callaghan (ereader android .TXT) 📗

time. I’m an honest, hardworking business owner who also happens to reside in this community. I would be crazy to risk my reputation over a painting.”

Detective Wilson motioned toward the apartment building. “Speaking of business…I hear you have an efficiency for rent. I’m in the market for a place to live. Since I’m here on a regular basis, maybe I should just move in.”

Carlita lifted a brow. “To keep an eye on me?”

“Kill two birds with one stone,” the detective smirked.

“Sam Ivey is already a tenant. One person with a law enforcement background is enough,” Carlita shot back.

“Sam Ivey?” It was Wilson’s turn to look surprised. “He’s one of your tenants?”

“Yes and a wonderful tenant at that.” Carlita consulted her watch. “If you don’t have any other questions, I have a dinner date with my children.”

Wilson tipped his hat. “I’m done…for now.”

“That sounds like a threat.”

“More of a promise.” Wilson returned to his vehicle. Carlita watched him drive off before making her way to Tony and Shelby’s apartment.

She climbed the steep steps and knocked on the door. Shelby peeked out before sliding the chain lock. “Hello, Carlita. Come on in.”

Carlita gave her new daughter-in-law a warm hug. “You look good, Shelby. Are you feeling better?”

“Yes. I’m on medication now.”

Violet darted across the room and flung herself at Carlita.

“There’s my violet Violet,” Carlita teased as she plucked at the child’s ruffled purple dress.

“Nana Banana.” Violet uncurled her small fist to show her grandmother a cookie crumb. “Mommy and I made cookies today. They’re gooden free.”

“Gluten-free,” Shelby laughed. “They’re chocolate chip.”

Carlita inspected the brown smudge on Violet’s pudgy palm. “Yes, I can see that they are.”

Violet licked the spot and wiggled free. When she was on the floor, she slipped her sticky hand into Carlita’s hand. “Tony and Mommy painted my room. Come see.” She tugged Carlita across the kitchen, through the living room to her bedroom.

“This is lovely,” Carlita admired the cotton candy pink walls before pointing to the prancing unicorns, smiling princesses and stately castles sprinkled across the top of the bedcover. “You have a new bedspread.”

“Yep.” Violet solemnly nodded. “I picked it out. Unicorns are real.”

“And so are princesses.” Carlita ruffled Violet’s hair. “In fact, I think you’re a princess.”

“Now don’t go telling her that. She’ll make me her servant.” Tony stood in the doorway, his arms crossed. “Thanks for coming by on such short notice.”

Carlita turned. “Thanks for inviting me, Son. You’ve got this place lookin’ like a real home.”

The trio returned to the dining area where Shelby was setting the table. “Have a seat. The pizza should be here any moment. Can I get you a glass of lemonade or a soda?”

“I’ll take a Coke if you have it.” Carlita eased onto a chair while Tony helped his wife. Violet wiggled onto her lap. “Tony said you had something you wanted to discuss.”

“Yes.” Shelby gave her husband a quick glance. “We’ve been talking about…my recent health issues and work. I’ll be bored silly sitting home all of the time. My job at the post office is going to be too much if I’m trying to reduce stress.” She handed Carlita the soda.

“Thank you. So you think you would like to work here, with us?”

“Yes. I’ve never waited tables, but I’m a quick learner. I could pitch in wherever or whenever you need me.”

“I like the idea. I think it’s a win-win for everyone.” Carlita sipped her Coke. “We need extra help. If you’re able to be flexible, between the pawnshop and Ravello’s, I think we can keep you as busy as you want to be.”

They discussed Shelby’s possible positions until the pizza arrived.

Tony set the box in the center of the table, and Carlita reached for a slice dripping with cheese. “This looks delicious. It must be Carmela’s.”

“It is.”

During dinner, the trio talked more about the businesses, discussed the upcoming birth of Vinnie and Brittney’s baby and then Tony mentioned Mercedes. “I can’t wait to hear how Mercedes and Sam’s date went.”

“Her non-date.” Carlita tapped the side of her packet of parmesan.

“Sam and Mercedes are dating?” Shelby smiled. “I thought Mercedes couldn’t stand Sam.”

“I suspect her feelings for him may have changed.” Carlita told them Sam had adopted a dog from the local shelter. “She even took the time to dress up - well, dressed up for Mercedes, and she was wearing my perfume.”

“Ah. She’s got it bad,” Tony joked. “Mercedes and perfume?”

“Well,” Shelby said. “I think it’s wonderful. All of the Garlucci children have found love.”

Tony kissed his wife’s cheek. “Yes, it appears that they have.”

Violet made a gagging noise and wrinkled her nose. “Yuck.”

Carlita chuckled. “Violet, maybe it’s time to spend the night with Nana again.”

“Really?” Violet bounced out of her chair. “Tonight?”

“Maybe not tonight but soon.”

The family finished eating, and Shelby began clearing the table. She placed an extra slice of pizza in a to-go container.

“Thank you for the snack.” Carlita leaned in to hug Violet. “Give me a day or so to get caught up, and then you can spend the night. We’ll build a fort in the living room. You and Rambo can camp out.”

“Can Grayvie come, too?”

“Yes, of course. Grayvie can camp out too, although I’m afraid he would be more interested in sleeping on top of the fort. I better get going. I’m curious to find out if Mercedes has returned from her date.”

Carlita didn’t mention it to Tony and Shelby, but she was also concerned about her surprise visit from Detective Wilson. Looking back, it hadn’t been a wise move on her part to become involved in Elvira’s shenanigans.

For the hundredth, maybe even the thousandth time, she asked herself why she felt sorry for Elvira.

She thought of the