Exes and Woes: A Garlucci Family Saga Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 14) by Hope Callaghan (good summer reads .TXT) 📗

During the remainder of the drive, Carlita kept her eyes peeled, half-expecting the vehicle to reappear and either shoot at them or force them off the road again. She let out a sigh of relief when Dernice turned onto their street.

“Hey, Luigi, you got time to fill out some paperwork?” Dernice asked.

“You still interested in hiring me?”

“I like your style. You know how to handle yourself under pressure, not to mention you saved me…saved us from taking a bullet. I admire that in a man.”

“Then, you got yourself a new employee.”

When they were back at EC Security Services’ office, Dernice handed Luigi an application.

His eyes skimmed the front. He flipped it over. “I don’t have much of a work history.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Dernice waved dismissively. “I found out everything I need to know on the trip back here. The paperwork is a formality. You got my back, and that’s what matters most. Besides, I know you worked security detail for a mafia boss in New York and New Jersey.”

“Mrs. G. told you that?”

“Elvira ran a thorough background check on each of the guests at Tony and Shelby’s wedding a few months ago when she offered the company’s security services as their wedding gift.”

“She did?” Carlita briefly closed her eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

“She was curious.” Dernice cleared her throat. “Your skills are unique, and you get the job done.”

“Get the job done?”

“Not only did you protect us, but the boss, the family kingpin, is still alive…right?” Dernice asked.

“Alive and kickin’. I like you gettin’ right to it and not beating around the bush. I think we’re gonna work good together.”  It didn’t take long for Luigi to fill out the application. He signed his name and handed it back. “When do I start?”

“How about right now? I’ll pay you a flat fee to guard the building for the next several days. I’ll even throw in three hots and a cot if you want.”

“I appreciate the offer for a place to stay, but I’m pretty comfortable in my apartment.”

“Suit yourself,” Dernice shrugged.

“I’ll be back in ten to start patrols.” Luigi followed Carlita out of the building. He waited until they were a safe distance away before speaking. “How well do you know this lady and her crazy sister?”

“Unfortunately, a little too well.” Carlita explained how Elvira had been a former tenant. “I ended up evicting her. The last straw was when she set her apartment on fire. Instead of me getting rid of her, she bought the building next door. Why? Are you having second thoughts?”

“Not a chance. I just like to know the deal.” Luigi led the way inside their building. He trudged to the end of the hallway and stopped when he reached his apartment door. “Thanks for getting me a job, Mrs. G.”

“You’re welcome, Luigi. I think this is gonna be good for both you and Dernice. She needs help, and you landed a job that’s right up your alley.” Carlita wished him luck before returning home.

It was time to start tinkering with one of her Thanksgiving Day recipes. She slipped an apron on and then sorted through her recipe box until she found her mother-in-law’s eggplant parmesan recipe. She wanted to give it a test run before serving it to her family and friends.

After preheating the oven, the first step was to peel and slice the eggplant. She dipped the slices in a bowl of beaten eggs followed by breadcrumbs. She finished dipping each of the slices and arranged them on a baking sheet before sliding them into the hot oven.

When the eggplant finished baking, she placed a single layer on the bottom of a baking dish. She topped the eggplant with spaghetti sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. She repeated the layering until she ran out of eggplant and sauce and finished with a heavy-handed dose of both kinds of cheese so that it coated the top.

The last step was to sprinkle fresh basil on top before popping it into the oven.

“Something smells good,” Mercedes said as she wandered into the kitchen. “Whatcha making?”

“Nonna Maria’s eggplant parmesan.”

“You haven’t made that in years. I’ll be your official taste tester.” Mercedes leaned her hip on the counter. “So, what’s the scoop on the explosion next door?”

“It was an accident.” Carlita told her daughter about the rusted propane tank. “The cops and firefighters checked the place out to make sure it was safe for Dernice to return inside. You’ll never guess what they found.”

“A booby trap?” Mercedes joked.

“You got the trap part right. They found a trapdoor hidden beneath an old cabinet.”

“Leading to a basement?”

“I think so. Luigi and I helped her pull the cabinet out of the way but didn’t have time to check it out. I’m sure Dernice will later. We also made a quick trip to Tybee Island.” Carlita briefly told her daughter about the dilapidated property and the damaged door. “On the way back here, the car behind us bumped us. At first, we thought it was an accident until they did it again. They forced Dernice’s van off the road and began waving a gun at us.”

Mercedes’ eyes grew wide. “Did they shoot at you?”

“Luigi never gave them a chance. He got off the first shots and managed to take out one of the car’s mirrors.”

Mercedes let out a low whistle. “Dernice better watch her back.”

“She hired Luigi.”

“Now that’s a match made in heaven.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Carlita set the timer on the oven. “While this is baking, I’m gonna run down to the pawn shop for a minute.”

“I’ll keep an eye on it.”

“Thanks.” Carlita removed her apron before making her way