Swiped in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 12) Hope Callaghan (english novels to improve english TXT) 📖

She settled onto the lounge chair and absentmindedly patted his head. What would Tony and Shelby do? Although Tony made a decent salary managing the pawnshop, Shelby’s income helped pay the bills, too.

Shelby needed something to keep her busy, but maybe full-time was too much. Carlita tossed around the idea of talking to Tony and Mercedes about offering their new family member a part-time job.

The more she thought about it, the more Carlita warmed to the idea. Even if Shelby was a floater, helping in both the pawnshop and restaurant, it might give her enough to do to keep her busy when she was feeling up to it. It would also give the couple some extra money.

By the time she finished her second cup of coffee, Carlita was convinced her idea was perfect for all involved. Shelby and Tony could use the extra income. Carlita could use the extra help in a pinch.

“Hey, Ma.”

Carlita jumped at the sound of her daughter’s voice directly behind her. The coffee in her cup sloshed over the side and onto her pajama top.

“Sorry. I thought you heard me.” Mercedes took a tentative step onto the deck.

“It’s okay.” Carlita reached for her napkin and dabbed at the damp spot. “How is the book progressing?”

“The words are flying off the pages.” Mercedes flopped down in an empty chair. “I finally picked a name - True Crime Mafia. Life in the Family.”

Carlita wrinkled her nose. “Are you ever gonna stop writing about the mafia?”

“Yeah. This is the last one. My next book is gonna be a psychological thriller. I figure once Angelica Reynolds moves in, I can pick her brain.”

“You haven’t even spoken with her yet.”

“I will. I have a good feeling about her.”

“So what’s the new story about…the one you’re finishing up?”

“It’s about a consigliere, an adviser to ‘The Family.’ He goes missing; the authorities suspect it was a family hit, but without a body, they can’t pinpoint what actually happened to him. A decade after he went missing, the suspects in the case are found shot to death, execution style with the consigliere’s initials carved on their right hands.”

“A story like that would give me nightmares.” Carlita shifted in her chair. “Why don’t you write about women’s romance or cozy mysteries…something that won’t keep you up at night?”

“The only reason I’m up at night is because I’m writing. I have the stomach for the heavy stuff. I figure I can segue into thrillers,” Mercedes said. “Besides, I gotta write what I know.”

“Then we should find you a boyfriend so you can start writing romance,” her mother teased.

“Very funny.”

“Speaking of boyfriend, I wonder if Sam has accepted Autumn’s dinner invitation yet.”

“Who cares?” Mercedes popped out of the chair. “I’m gonna go get ready. We still on for breakfast at nine?”

“Yep.”

Mercedes got ready first, and then Carlita hit the shower, her thoughts wandering to Elvira and Dernice’s dilemma. Surely, the authorities had more suspects than just the sisters. There must also be some sort of video surveillance, which would help clear them of suspicion.

She finished getting ready and found Mercedes in the kitchen, a scowl on her face. “Did something happen while I was in the shower?”

“Sam Ivey.”

“What did Sam do to annoy you this time?”

“It’s not him. It’s his dog.”

“Sam has a dog?” Carlita changed direction and stepped into the outer hall.

Mercedes trailed behind. “It’s a puppy. I took Rambo out while you were in the shower. We ran into Sam and his new companion in the parking lot. Did you give him the okay to get a dog?”

“Sam did mention possibly getting a puppy and making him his tour guide partner.”

“Then we need to charge him a pet deposit and up his rent with a per-month pet fee.”

“Mercedes,” her mother chided. “I’m sure Sam is lonely. A puppy is a perfect companion. Let’s stop by to meet him on our way out.” She grabbed her purse before sidestepping her daughter and heading to the catty-corner apartment.

Carlita gave the door a couple of light raps. It opened a crack, and then Sam swung it open.

A brown puppy, his back dotted with white spots, scampered into the hall and pounced on Carlita’s sandal. She bent down to pat the small pup’s head. “Mercedes told me you got a puppy.”

“Hey, there little fella,” Carlita cooed. “He’s adorable.” She lifted her head and looked up at Sam. “What is he?”

“He is a she. She’s a mix. I found her at the animal shelter. I haven’t picked a name yet.” Sam scooped the pup up, and she lunged forward to lick the side of his face. “She’s a stinker.”

Mercedes joined them. “Like dog, like owner.”

Carlita shot her daughter a warning look.

“What?” Mercedes crossed her arms.

“Look at that adorable little face.” Carlita reached for the puppy and cuddled her close. “You have little flecks of orange and brown. She reminds me of a…”

“Terrier,” Sam said. “I’m going to make her my tour guide assistant.”

“I love it.” Carlita tilted her head and inspected the pup. “You need the perfect name. Something catchy.”

“Piggly Wiggly?” Mercedes suggested. “She’s got a little pot belly.”

“She does,” Sam laughed. “I was thinking of an old-fashioned name.”

“How about Sadie?” Mercedes said.

“Sadie,” Sam repeated. “I like the name…Sam and Sadie’s Savannah Tours.”

“Now that’s alliteration. Sam and Sadie’s Savannah Tours,” Mercedes repeated.

Carlita shifted the pup. “Sadie?”

The pup let out a small squeak.

“I think she likes it, too.” She handed the puppy to Sam.

“And I think we found a name. Thanks, Mercedes,” Sam said.

“You’re welcome.”

“I owe you one. Perhaps you and Rambo can accompany Sadie and me for a tour of