Page 71 of Shakedown in Savannah

“He wondered what we were doing,” Carlita said.

“Between you and me, he is a very rude man.”

“I don’t disagree,” she said. “My son and I are planning on chatting with some of the other owners on the street.”

“The liquor store doesn’t open until four. I’m sure Barnie Ziffra is at his check cashing place. He never misses a day of work. Of course, he has a pretty brisk business over there.”

Vinnie casually looked up and down the block. “I bet this would be a good area for people who need cash quickly.”

“It’s been busy since the day he opened his doors. In fact, I may have already mentioned he had considered buying this building before your husband purchased it.”

Carlita’s jaw dropped at what June Cleary said next.

Chapter 29

“Looking back, I’m sure Barnie wasn’t too happy when he found out Mr. Garlucci planned to open a loan and check cashing business, too.”

Carlita blinked rapidly. “What did you say?”

“I said your husband planned to loan money to people. Have you ever heard the term shylock?” June didn’t wait for an answer. “More than one person told me your husband was a shylock.”

“I’m not sure who told you that. Rumors certainly know how to travel,” Carlita answered evasively.

“Did you mention this to the investigators?” Vinnie asked.

“No. Should I have?”

“You don’t think Mr. Ziffra would have a problem with my husband opening a business similar to what he was running?”

“I-I suppose when you put it like that, he might have. Are you thinking…” June’s hand flew to her lips. “Are you suggesting Barnie might have been behind bombing the building and the shooting?”

“It would be an interesting twist,” Carlita said. “He had both motive and opportunity.”

“But why would Barnie kill Mr. Enzo?”

“I don’t know. It’s a question I would like to ask Mr. Enzo’s associate, Mr. Costanza,” Vinnie said. “If we could locate him.”

The color drained from June’s face. “The other gentleman is missing?”

Carlita patted her arm. “He’s around. We’ve caught him on camera.”

“That’s a relief. I’ve always known Barnie could be a wildcard,” June admitted. “Not that I’m a saint by any means.”

Carlita’s radar immediately went on high alert. “Why do you think Mr. Ziffra could be a wildcard?”

“Because of the time he spent in prison. Of course, he never told me about it. I found some records online. It’s been years ago.”

Vinnie cleared his throat. “Do you have any idea why he was in prison?”

“For racketeering.” June frowned. “Please, if you talk to him, don’t mention you heard this from me. I don’t want my business firebombed or for me to end up getting shot at.”

Carlita made a zipping motion across her lips. “We won’t breathe a word. We’ll pretend we never had this conversation,” she promised.

“Thank you.” June made small talk and left not long after.

Carlita wandered to the window and stared out at EZ Check Cashing. A sign in the window said, “Open.”

She spun around. “There’s no way he’s going to confess. The cops already think they have their killer—me.”

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