Pirates in Peril: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 10) Hope Callaghan (unputdownable books TXT) 📖

The top part of the form was standard information, including name, address and property location.

The lower half was a questionnaire. The questions included the type of business, estimated sales, and estimated customers per day, number of employees they planned to hire and how many of the employees would be related to the owner. The final question was a rough estimate of the percentage the venture would spend on advertising.

Carlita followed Mercedes to a row of chairs on the other side of the room. “I don’t remember filling this out for Ravello or the pawnshop,” she whispered.

“I don’t either,” Mercedes whispered back. “Some of this stuff is none of their business. I mean, why should we tell them how many family members we plan to employ? I’m making some crazy business up.”

She tapped the pen on top of the clipboard. “I’ve got it.” Mercedes lowered her head and began scribbling.

Carlita leaned over her shoulder and started to chuckle. “That’s crazy, Mercedes. Graffiti art studio?”

“It’s a real business,” Mercedes insisted. “They’re big time popular in Europe.”

“We’re not in Europe. There’s no way the Savannah business development members will approve a graffiti art studio.”

“It doesn’t matter because we don’t plan on opening one.”

“True.”

After finishing the form, Mercedes returned to the counter. The woman glanced at the paper and lifted an eyebrow, but didn’t comment on the contents. “I’ll be sure to forward your information to Mr. Pridgen. We’ll contact you within the next day or so.”

Carlita followed her daughter out of the building and onto the sidewalk. “That was a bust.”

“Yeah.” Mercedes glanced in both directions. “Now what?”

“I’m worried about Pete. He hasn’t returned my call. He may be on his pirate ship with poor cell signal. Do you mind if we take a run by there?”

“No. I would love to check out the pirate ship.” The women strolled to the corner of the block and crossed the street, making their way to the riverfront district. They passed by the Mystic Dream. The gangway was up and there wasn’t a soul in sight.

“I hope Lawson Bates recovers,” Carlita said. “Someone must have it in for him.”

They continued walking until they reached the pirate ship, anchored only a couple hundred yards away. The gangway was down and the women tentatively stepped onto it. “Hello? Pete? You in here?” Carlita hollered.

The women heard a muffled thump, followed by heavy steps that grew louder.

Pirate Pete appeared, dressed in full pirate garb, from the plumed pirate hat perched atop his head, to his fitted puffy pirate shirt to his shiny black pirate breeches.

“You look like you’re ready to conquer the high seas,” Carlita teased.

“Or handle a crew mutiny,” Pete said. “What brings ya ter my neck of the woods?”

“One, we want to check out your ship,” Carlita said. “I left a message on your cell phone earlier.”

“You did?” Pete pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I don’t see a call. I’ve been busy, dodging reporters and defending my territory.” His expression grew somber. “Did you hear about Lawson Bates’ attack?”

“Yes. I spoke with Tori and Glenda Fox, both of whom were questioned by the authorities. I hope he makes it out of the coma so he can tell them who attacked him.”

“Right now, I think they’re leaning toward charging me with his attack.” Pete went on to explain he was unaware of the incident until the authorities showed up on his doorstep. “The first thing they asked was where I was last night and I told them right here, keeping a close eye on my new ship.”

“And they know Lawson claims you may have been responsible for the fire on board the Mystic Dream, as well.”

“Tis true,” Pete nodded. “I can’t believe Polivich questioned Tori. How could a distinguished woman, not to mention a wee bitty thing like Tori, attack a big, brawny man like Lawson? It doesn’t make sense.”

“I agree,” Carlita said.

“Now that you’re here, would you like to have a look around?”

“We would love to.” Mercedes clasped her hands.

Pete started the tour in the bottom of the pirate ship and the cargo hold, what he explained was the “stores.” From there, they climbed up to the crew quarters, located next to the galley, followed by the upper deck. Their last stop was the captain’s quarters, the nicest of the areas.

“This is so cool.” Mercedes walked over to a hammock hanging from two large wooden posts and gave it a nudge. “Is this where you sleep?”

“Aye.” Pete nodded. “Not as comfy as a bed, mind you. Nevertheless, it got me through in a pinch.”

Their tour ended on the open top deck.

Carlita wandered to the railing, her eyes drifting to the Mystic Dream. “I’m guessing you didn’t see or hear anything last night that might help the authorities figure out who attacked Lawson?”

“Unfortunately, the answer is no. A few of Lawson’s employees stopped by this morning to inquire if I was hiring since they’re not sure when the Mystic Dream will reopen.”

Pete placed his elbows on the railing. “One of Lawson’s employees mentioned the investigators took a box out of Lawson’s office. He made a comment that he wondered if the authorities would be investigating Lawson now, too.”

Carlita perked up. “Investigating Lawson?”

“Yeah.” Pete nodded. “When I asked the young man what he meant, he said, ‘Lawson might have been involved in some shady business ventures.’”

Pete clenched his jaw and stared at the Mystic Dream. “If only there was a way to sneak on board the Mystic Dream and have a look around.”

Mercedes, who joined her mother on the other side, stepped closer. “Where is Lawson’s office?”

“It’s in the front of the riverboat. Lawson was kind enough to give me a tour before he found