Page 21 of Shakedown in Savannah

It took more than a little finagling and paying a penalty for removing money from several CDs she’d invested in some months back. She hated the idea of being penalized and losing out on the interest, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

Carlita finally had her financial ducks in a row and drove down to the bank. As soon as the teller found out what she was trying to do, she escorted her to the manager’s office in the back.

A woman in her fifties, if Carlita had to guess, waited for her to be seated. “Your withdrawal request is for a substantial amount of money. Has someone asked you to send them money over the internet, perhaps a family member who called and is claiming to be in trouble?”

“Oh no.” Carlita’s eyes widened. “My deceased husband owned a property. He borrowed the money and now the lender is demanding repayment.”

“I am sorry for your loss.” The manager pressed a hand to her chest.

“Thank you. He died almost five years ago.”

The woman’s jaw dropped. “And the lender is only now asking for repayment?”

“It’s a long story,” Carlita muttered. “The bottom line is I need six hundred thousand dollars within the next twenty-four hours.”

“It will be nearly impossible for us to get this amount that quickly.” She suggested initiating a wire transfer. “A wire transfer is the safest way to move large sums of money.”

“I’m not sure Mr. Lombardo is open to this.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of business deal was your husband involved in?”

“Unfortunately, a terrible one.”

The woman reached for her mouse. “I’ll get the process started, but please be sure you’re not being tricked into paying a debt you don’t owe.”

“I assure you I won’t.”

The process was tedious and confusing. By the time Carlita left the bank, she wanted nothing more than to grab Rambo and take a long walk. First things first. Back home, she tracked Pete down in his office and filled him in on what had transpired.

He wholeheartedly agreed with the consensus. The very first thing they needed to do was to make sure the claim was legit. And if so, to pay it ASAP. “What time are you heading over there to look around?”

“At three, after Mercedes’ shift ends. Rambo and I are gonna get some fresh air.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

Carlita smiled, her heart doing a small flip-flop when their eyes met. “Thank you for the offer. I’m all right. To be honest, there are times I still can’t believe Vinnie left me with piles of problems.”

“Because he didn’t plan on dying.” Pete ran a light hand across her cheek. “Even more than the messes, you’re disappointed.”

Sudden tears welled up in her eyes, and she nodded. Her husband had hit the nail on the head. After decades of marriage, not to mention raising four wonderful children together, Vinnie hadn’t trusted her enough to tell her about Savannah. She’d been completely in the dark.

Granted, it was the mafia culture. Never involve the wives in a man’s world. Still, it didn’t excuse him from what could have, should have, been an honest, open marriage. But because of his wheeling and dealing, Carlita was still, after all these years, cleaning up messes he’d left behind. Not only for her, but for their children too.

Hopefully, this was the last of it. Only time would tell.

Pete pulled her into his arms.

Carlita closed her eyes, thanking God for giving her such a wonderful, thoughtful, loving husband. And honest. There were no secrets between them. No business dealings she didn’t know about.

She snuggled closer. “I love you, Pete Taylor.”

“And I love you more, Carlita Taylor.”

Feeling better after talking it over and knowing Pete agreed, she and Rambo headed out. They took their usual route down by the river before turning around and meandering back toward her properties.

They passed by Cricket Tidwell’s bookstore, Colby’s Corner Store, and finally Steve Winter’s tattoo shop. The lights were off. At first Carlita thought the place was closed until she saw movement near the cash register.

It was Steve. Carlita waved.

---