Page 41 of Shakedown in Savannah

“We need to figure out what happened, and fast.”

The conversation ended when the investigator made his way over. “It appears the Savannah-Burnham Police Department is well acquainted with you, Mrs. Garlucci.”

“Mrs. Taylor. I recently remarried,” Carlita said. “I was gonna say you must be new to the police force. I know most of the investigators. Detective Wilson. Detective Polivich.”

“I’ll need your current address. I’ll also need a copy of the documents you and Mr. Costanza and Enzo were negotiating.”

“And I’ll be happy to give it to you.” Carlita rattled off her home address.

The investigator frowned. “This is the Parrot House Restaurant’s address.”

“My husband owns the restaurant. We live in the apartment above it.”

“And you also own…” Ellery flipped through his notes. “Ravello’s Italian Eatery.”

“Correct.”

The detective gave her an odd look. “We’ll be in touch. As a reminder, the property is off limits until we wrap up our investigation.”

“I understand.”

Carlita waited until they went back inside the building. “Remember how I said the cops were the least of my worries?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve changed my mind. They’re right up there with Danny Lombardo now.”

Chapter 16

Back at Walton Square, Carlita called an emergency family meeting at Mercedes’ place.

Taking turns, Carlita and Vinnie filled the others in on what had transpired. “The bottom line is someone took Enzo out. I’m not sure if it was Costanza or Danny Lombardo.”

Vinnie motioned to Tony. “Any sign of Costanza?”

“Nope. I checked with the manager at Ravello’s. No sign of him there, either.”

“So, he’s MIA. Maybe I should ask Elvira to check her surveillance camera recordings from yesterday until this morning.” Carlita dialed Elvira’s cell phone number.

“Hey, Carlita.”

“Hello, Elvira. I need a favor.”

“Sure. What?”

“I was wondering if you noticed if my two debt collectors showed up on your cameras again.”

“I haven’t checked yet today. Why?”

“Vinnie and I found one of them dead inside the property over on Morton Street.”

Silence.

“Hello? Elvira, are you still there?”

“I’m here. I’m trying to process what you said.”

“It’s a lot to take in. A guy is dead. The other is MIA. Pete, Mercedes, Tony, Vinnie and I are trying to muddle through this and wondered if you could check to see if either of them was lurking around here.”

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