Page 58 of Shakedown in Savannah

Carlita leaned in, studying the bird whose head was tucked down and her eyes closed. “Pete knows a lot more about parrots than I do. Let’s take her upstairs.”

The women made the quick climb up the steps and into the apartment. Heeding Carlita’s suggestion, the parchment papers and timber were long gone.

“Hello, Elvira.”

“Hey, Pete. I’m sorry to bother you guys. Snitch is refusing to eat. I was hoping you could help me figure out what’s wrong.” Elvira told the men what she’d already told Carlita. “You know a lot more about these birds than me. What do you think?”

Pete approached the cage. He unlatched the door and gently stroked the top of her head, talking in a soft, low voice.

Snitch opened her eyes and stared at him as he continued talking.

“She seems to be responding,” he said. “As I mentioned before, she could be going through a period of adjustment. Moving to a new place, new surroundings and she’s still trying to settle in.”

“I was thinking maybe you could introduce her to Gunner. The two might bond,” Elvira said.

“We can certainly see what happens.” Pete went into their bedroom and returned with Gunner.

“Gunner is handsome,” he squawked. “Gunner the pirate.”

“Yes, you are.” Carlita hurriedly moved his stand next to the counter.

Pete hooked his cage to the stand and turned him so that he faced Snitch.

Gunner’s rambling sentences abruptly stopped. He skittered across the pole, his gaze laser focused on the other parrot. “Hello.” He let out a flirty whistle.

Snitch slowly lifted her head, blinking rapidly and staring back at Gunner with equal interest. “Hello,” she replied.

“Gunner is handsome.”

She introduced herself. “Snitchy Snitch.”

A rapid round of chirps and words ensued.

Snitch flapped her wings and pranced on her perch, whistling a merry little tune.

Gunner, not to be outdone, displayed his plumage and puffed out his chest. “Hot little mama,” he sang. “Gunner, Gunner.”

Back and forth, the parrots chatted, flirting and carrying on.

Elvira grabbed Pete’s arm. “This was it. Snitch is lonely.”

“It appears the two are quite taken with one another,” Carlita said.

Long minutes passed. Finally, Pete suggested they try getting Snitch to eat something.

“I didn’t bring any food with me,” Elvira said.

“We have plenty.” Pete grabbed a banana from the basket of fresh fruit. He peeled it back and held it out.

Snitch nibbled a small bite and then dug in with gusto.

“She’s eating.” Elvira clapped her hands. “Snitch needs a friend.”

“And it appears Gunner is happy to oblige.”

The parrots continued to banter. Meanwhile, the group gathered on the balcony while Vinnie smoked. “I’ve been thinkin’ about what Dernice told us.”

“About June Cleary?”

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