The Family Affair: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 9)
Page 14
“Oh, you won’t have to worry about me setting foot inside this dump ever again.” Elvira lifted her middle finger and waved it in the air.
The other man made a move toward Elvira and she ran down the sidewalk.
The trio jogged along behind Elvira, joining her a safe distance from the club.
“No one has a sense of humor these days.”
“What were you doing back there?” Annie asked.
“At first, I thought something funny was going on inside the men’s restroom, but when I got there, I realized all of these patrons were bypassing the toilet and entering a room in the back.”
“So you decided to see what they were up to,” Mercedes prompted.
“Yeah. I figured it was worth a shot. I made it as far as the doorway when one of the goons escorted me out. I asked him what was going on and he said something about it being a private party. He grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away and out of nowhere comes goon number two. Next thing I know, they’re dragging me out of the bar.”
“So you weren’t able to see what was going on in the back?”
“You underestimate the determination of Elvira Cobb when she’s on a case. Before I was manhandled, I got a peek inside the room, and you’ll never guess what’s going on in the Black Stallion Club.”
Chapter 23
Elvira lowered her voice. “Illegal gambling. I saw a roulette wheel and a craps table. There were a bunch of men off to the side, and I think I saw them playing cards before the creeps shut me down.”
“I wish I coulda snapped a picture, but the goons were on me too fast.” Elvira began walking and the others hurried to keep up.
“I appreciate you trying to help us, Elvira,” Carlita said as she fell into step with her former tenant. “I’m still trying to figure out why you put yourself in harm’s way this evening.”
“I already told you…I wanted to know who the mystery man was. I don’t like people lurking in our neighborhood. After you told me that someone broke into Shelby’s apartment, I figured we needed to find out whom we were dealing with. Plus, I like Shelby and Violet.”
“Huh.” Carlita shoved her hands in her jacket pockets. “So you’ve been doing all of this for the safety and security of our neighborhood?”
“Absolutely. Not to mention I have a little free time on my hands. The security services business is booming. The investigative business is a little slow right now. Robert Towns’ death is all over the news. If Emmett Pridgen is involved, we could be hot on the trail of one of the biggest news stories Savannah has seen in decades.”
“Ah.” Carlita nodded. “Now I get it. If this turns out to be a big news story, Elvira Cobb and EC Investigative Services will get plenty of free advertising.”
Mercedes chuckled. “And here we thought you were doing this out of the goodness of your heart.”
“It’s a little of both,” Elvira admitted. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“I wish we could’ve eyeballed the owner of the Black Stallion, Pat Duce,” Carlita said.
Elvira abruptly stopped. “Are you saying the owner of that dump is someone by the name of Pat Duce?”
“Yeah,” Annie said. “We looked it up before we left.”
“While I was in the hall, one of the doofuses kept referring to someone named Duce. Next thing I know, there’s some woman standing behind me. She was the one who told her goons to escort me out.”
“She?” Mercedes asked. “Pat is a she?”
“Without a doubt.” Elvira nodded. “She was dressed down, but judging by the body parts I observed, Pat Duce is definitely a woman.”
“I’ll be darned.”
Elvira continued walking. “What do you plan to do with the information?”
“Shelby is coming for dinner. We’re going to tell her what we found out and urge her to go down to the police station.”
“It’s a far-fetched story,” Annie said. “Maybe you should go with her since you have more of the details.”
Carlita’s mind was whirling. How could she possibly explain her theory to the authorities? Would they even believe her? They would have to believe her. Her main concern now was informing the authorities without implicating Vinnie.
“I don’t think we should wait, Ma. Tony and Shelby can take the deed, the backpack with the cash, the laptop and the pictures down to the station.”
Elvira brightened. “You want me to go with them? I was the one who saw the gambling room.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary. Once Tony and Shelby fill the authorities in, they’ll investigate,” Carlita said.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Mercedes said. “Maybe Pridgen greased some palms, too, and the local authorities already know about the illegal gambling at the Black Stallion.”
“True.” They walked Annie to her car and waited for her to leave before heading across the street.
“I appreciate your offer, Elvira, I really do. I’ll have Tony give the authorities your contact information in case they want to follow up,” Carlita said.
Elvira seemed disappointed.
“I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, you’ve been a big help.”
“All I ask is if you end up in front of a news crew, could you please throw out the EC Investigative Services’ name a time or two?”
“I will. I promise.”
“I once read if you repeat something three times, people have a much better chance of remembering it, so if you could say it three times, it would be even better.”
Carlita chuckled. “Okay, Elvira. If I go to the station, and if I run into reporters, I’ll try to repeat EC Services’ name three times, but don’t get your hopes up. There’s a chance this story won’t even make the news.”
“Corrupt politicians,” Elvira mumbled.
Carlita was still smiling when Elvira entered her building and slammed the door shut. “Some things never change.” She turned to her daughter. “Let’s track down Tony and Shelby.”
***
Violet stayed with Carlita at the apartment while Tony and Shelby gathered up the evidence and drove to the police station.
It seemed as if they were gone forever and the hands on the clock crawled.
Brittney and Vinnie arrived and began helping Carlita set the dinner table.
“Vinnie, could grab the silverware? I’m going to send Tony a quick text.” Carlita had just picked up her cell phone when she heard a muffled thump. The door flew open and Tony and Shelby stepped inside.
“Thank goodness,” Carlita hurried to the door. “I was getting worried. How did it go?”
“Better than expected. We gave the authorities the proof that Robert owned the Harner Street property, I turned over the backpack with the laptop, showed them the bookie website and the envelope filled with the cash.”
Mercedes wandered over. “Did you tell them about the illegal gambling at the Black Stallion?”
Vinnie dropped the fork he was holding. “Who said there was illegal gambling at the Black Stallion?”
“Violet, why don’t you let Rambo out onto the deck?” Mercedes waited until the child was out of earshot.
“What about the killer?” Mercedes asked.
“I think they’re hot on the trail of Pridgen and Duce,” Tony said.
“What about the brother, Quinton?” Carlita asked.
“The authorities plan to question him, too,” Shelby said. “My personal opinion is that I think Quinton was in on the gambling ring, but that was the extent of his involvement. He knew about the money, but not about the property. The brothers had a strange relationship.”
“There’s also the illegal gambling operation in the back room of the Black Stallion,” Carlita pointed out.
“We tried to tell the authorities about that. They blew it off. I think the officials already know and are turning a blind eye,” Tony said.
“That’s wrong,” Mercedes said.
“It happens all of the time,” Vinnie spoke up. “You w
ould be surprised.”
“Now that the unpleasantness is behind us,” Tony said as he turned to Brittney. “Brittney, I don’t think you’ve met my girlfriend, Shelby.”
Shelby shyly extended her hand and Brittney took it, giving her a warm smile. “It’s so nice to meet you. Do you like to shop?”
Mercedes laughed. “Oh no. That’s a loaded question.”
Violet skipped back into the room and her mother helped her into her chair.
Carlita waited until everyone was seated before taking her place at the head of the table.
Despite Vinnie’s shocking news of his recent nuptials, and to a mafia boss’ daughter no less, she was happy for her son.
It appeared Tony and Shelby had overcome their first major crisis and were back on track.
Tony tapped the side of his glass with his fork. “Shelby and I have an announcement.” He turned to Shelby. “Go ahead, show them.”
“Show us what?” Carlita asked.
Shelby held up her hand, revealing a glittering diamond engagement ring. “Tony proposed to me a few moments ago.”
“You did?” Carlita began jumping up and down. “You’re engaged. Oh my gosh.”
The table erupted in excited chatter as everyone congratulated the newly engaged couple.
“This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” Carlita gushed and then caught Vinnie’s eye. “Other than the wonderful news of Vinnie and Brittney’s marriage.”
Carlita admired the ring. “It’s time to plan a wedding. Promise me you won’t run off and elope like your older brother.”
“Not a chance,” Tony grinned. “We’re gonna do it up big.”
When the excitement over Tony and Shelby’s announcement died down and everyone began eating, Carlita paused to gaze at her loved ones seated at the table.
As far as she knew, Paulie and Gina were on solid ground. The only one left was Mercedes, who dated here and there. So far, she hadn’t shown a strong interest in any of the men she’d met.
Mercedes reached for another slice of crusty bread. “Don’t look at me like that Ma.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re trying to find me a husband or something. I know that look.”
Tony snorted and Vinnie laughed. “You know Ma would never try to play matchmaker,” Tony teased.
“I would not,” Carlita said.
“Ma…” Tony smiled.
“Okay. Maybe a little, but you and Shelby were such a perfect match. Now eat your food before it gets cold and leave your poor mother alone.”
***
Vinnie helped his wife into the car and then closed the door. He joined his mother near the back. “It was nice seein’ you, Ma. As soon as our apartment is ready and we’re situated, you’ll have to come up for a visit.”
“I will, Vin.” Carlita nodded toward the car. “I like Brittney. She’s a sweet person. I hope you have a long and happy marriage.”
“And lots of children,” Vinnie joked.
“That too. I’m not sure about six, though.”
“Eh. We’ll work it out.” Vinnie changed the subject. “You hear anything back from Tony on Shelby’s ex?”
“Yeah. Tony called before I went to bed last night. The authorities brought Quinton in for questioning. According to what the investigators told him, someone had used Quinton as a punching bag.”
“Someone beat the brother up?” Vinnie asked.
“Yeah, they got him good,” Carlita nodded. “When the authorities told Quinton that eyewitnesses placed him inside the Black Stallion Club earlier in the evening, he confessed he’d been worked over by some people his brother owed some money to.”
Carlita continued. “After more questioning, Quinton also confessed he broke into Shelby’s apartment, looking for a backpack and money Robert owed to some ‘associates.’”
“Did he say who those associates were?”
“Yeah. Quinton said it was Pat Duce and some other individuals who frequented the club,” Carlita replied. “I figured he would name Pridgen, but Quinton claims the only thing he knew about Pridgen was that he had some business dealings with the Black Stallion Club.”
“So you’re thinking Pat Duce killed Robert?”
Carlita nodded. “Quinton swears Duce hired someone to murder Robert. She told Quinton that if he didn’t come up with the cash, he would meet the same fate as his brother. Quinton cut a deal to cooperate with authorities in exchange for immunity.”
“What about the illegal gambling?”
“Tony said they charged Duce with Robert’s murder and shut down the Black Stallion Club.” Carlita lifted a brow. “Why? You concerned about future business transactions?”
“Nah. Vito visited the Black Stallion Club while he was here. He said it was small potatoes, although he is interested in possibly expanding his operations.”
“Gambling,” Carlita guessed.
“That is one of his lines of business.”
Carlita walked Vinnie to the driver’s side of the car. “I’m gonna miss you son.”
Vinnie noted the look of concern in his mother’s eyes. “Don’t worry Ma. Like I said, Vito isn’t such a bad guy.”
“So you say.”
Vinnie hugged his mother tightly and then reached for the door handle. “I’m sure you’ll be planning a big wedding for Shelby and Tony.”
“Yeah, since I got ripped off with yours.”
“I feel kinda guilty about that.”
“You should.”
Vinnie opened the car door and climbed inside. “Brittney and I already decided we’re gonna come back down for the grand opening of Ravello.”
“You are?” Carlita brightened. “I can’t wait.” She impulsively leaned in and kissed her son’s cheek. “Now try to stay out of trouble…both of you.” She winked at Brittney.
“And I could say the exact same thing for you,” Vinnie shot back.
“The Garlucci family stay out of trouble?” Carlita rolled her eyes. “We’ll have to see about that.”
The end.
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The series continues...book 10 in the “Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery” series coming soon!
Books in This Series
Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series
Key to Savannah: Book 1
Road to Savannah: Book 2
Justice in Savannah: Book 3
Swag in Savannah: Book 4
Trouble in Savannah: Book 5
Missing in Savannah: Book 6
Setup in Savannah: Book 7
Merry Masquerade: Book 8
The Family Affair: Book 9
Book 10: Coming Soon!
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Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series
Key to Savannah: Book 1
Road
to Savannah: Book 2
Justice in Savannah: Book 3
Swag in Savannah: Book 4
Trouble in Savannah: Book 5
Missing in Savannah: Book 6
Setup in Savannah: Book 7
Merry Masquerade: Book 8
The Family Affair: Book 9
Book 10: Coming Soon!
Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series
Who Murdered Mr. Malone? Book 1
Grandkids Gone Wild: Book 2
Smoky Mountain Mystery: Book 3
Death by Dumplings: Book 4
Eye Spy: Book 5
Magnolia Mansion Mysteries: Book 6
Missing Milt: Book 7
Bully in the ‘Burbs: Book 8
Fall Girl: Book 9
Home for the Holidays: Book 10
Sun, Sand, and Suspects: Book 11
Look Into My Ice: Book 12
Forget Me Knot: Book 13
Nightmare in Nantucket: Book 14
Greed with Envy: Book 15
Dying for Dollars: Book 16
Stranger Among Us: Book 17
Dash For Cash: Book 18
Arsonist and Lace: Book 19
Book 20: Coming Soon!
Garden Girls Box Set I – (Books 1-3)
Garden Girls Box Set II – (Books 4-6)
Garden Girls Box Set III – (Books 7-9)
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Deadly Deception: Book 4
Vanishing Vacationers: Book 5
Cruise Control: Book 6
Killer Karaoke: Book 7
Suite Revenge: Book 8
Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’: Book 9
High Seas Heist: Book 10
Family, Friends and Foes: Book 11
Murder on Main: Book 12
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Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set II (Books 4-6)