Page 15 of Shakedown in Savannah

She lifted her chin, defiantly meeting his gaze. “I won’t know until you tell me what it is.”

“You will. Tomorrow.”

“What time tomorrow?”

Costanza rocked back on his heels. “In the morning. How about nine, right here?”

“How do I know you’re legit?” Carlita asked. “I need proof Vinnie and I owed your…boss money.”

“We’ll have proof.”

“And names. As in, who exactly we owed money to.”

“Danny Lombardo.”

“Danny Lombardo,” Carlita repeated. “I’ve never heard the name in my life. I don’t ever remember signing a loan agreement.”

Enzo shrugged. “I believe he may have inherited the debt from another lender. You and your husband failed to hold up your end of the agreement. Thus, the reason for our visit.”

“What other lender?”

“We’re not privy to that information. The debt is legit.”

“Fine. Bring proof tomorrow. I’ll see you at nine.”

“See you at nine.”

“It will be my son, my daughter, and me.”

Costanza looked as if he was going to say something, but didn’t. “Suit yourself.”

Carlita watched the men exit the restaurant. They passed by the front window and disappeared from sight.

“Is everything all right?”

She turned to find Arnie standing behind her. “It looked like you were having an intense conversation.”

“We were.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Unfortunately, no.” Carlita returned to the kitchen, grabbed the food, and trudged out into the back alley.

The pawn shop had closed. She could see Mercedes’ living room lights were on and thought about stopping by to fill her in on what had happened, but didn’t want to ruin her evening. She would wait until later, after she discussed the matter with Pete.

Back home, Carlita left the food on the counter and took Rambo for a walk while she waited for her husband, who sent a text to let her know he was on his way. During the stroll, she replayed the conversation. Had Vinnie and she owed an original lender and now Danny Lombardo money?

If so, why had he waited years to collect? To charge her outrageous interest? Had he been watching all along…waiting for the Garlucci family businesses to become profitable so he could swoop in and demand repayment?

The men had pretty much come right out and told her she would have to accept the offer. What would happen if she didn’t? How would she know if the loan was legit? It could be bogus. It was possible the men were bluffing, attempting to get money from her through intimidation and deception.

A sick feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Something told her these men—and their boss—had no intention of going away. The fact they’d waited all this time to come forward was also a concern.

Her businesses were doing well…exceptionally well. In fact, Carlita had recently given each of her employees a raise.

Despite doing well, she didn’t have half a million dollars sitting around. And even if she did, was she responsible for the debt…a debt she knew nothing about? Apparently, Danny Lombardo thought so.

She and Rambo made it all the way to the River Street steps before turning back. She was halfway there when Pete texted he was home.

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