Matrimony & Mayhem: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 11) Hope Callaghan (small books to read .TXT) 📖

Carlita enjoyed the relaxed and quiet dinner with her two children. They discussed Vinnie’s managerial job at the casino, the remodeled apartment in Atlantic City and the baby. They also talked about Ravello’s Ristorante and the pawnshop. Finally, the topic turned to Megan Burelli.

“You find out for sure what happened to her?” Vinnie stabbed a meatball with his fork and took a big bite.

“Not yet. We’re still leaning towards food poisoning, at least that’s what Elvira said. If, and this is a big ‘if’ it was my food, it must have been one of the drinks or appetizers. She collapsed during the cocktail hour.”

Carlita twirled spaghetti around her fork. “There were a coupla employees who took off before the reception ended. Pirate Pete spotted them out back, and then the trolley driver told Reese he picked up a couple matching Pete’s description, at the trolley stop out front.”

“They were acting strange,” Mercedes added.

“Find out who they are and ask them to come in to talk to you.”

“First, we have to figure out who they are. We think we may have gotten at least one of them on the video I recorded in the courtyard when we were waiting for the ambulance.” Mercedes sprang from her chair and grabbed her cell phone off the desk.

She fiddled with the screen before handing it to her brother. “One of these may have been one of them, posing as an employee.”

Vinnie squinted his eyes. “It’s hard to tell anything from this tiny screen.”

“I got a copy.” Carlita grabbed her purse off the counter. She pulled out the printed copy of the two servers and handed it to her son.

“I recognize both of ‘em. They were working the courtyard.” He pointed at one of the women. “This one. She was serving the food. The second time she came around, I was gonna grab something, but she took off with the goods.”

“With a tray full of food?” Carlita shook her head, confused.

“Yeah. That was definitely her.” Vinnie started talking about something else, and Carlita only half-listened as she mulled over Vinnie’s words. Why would the woman leave with a tray full of food?

Could it be the hit was only on Brittney? Was she the same woman Pete spotted, the one who was crying in the alley?

Maybe she was a remorseful killer, realizing she’d injured Megan Burelli, whom she believed was Brittney, and then decided she couldn’t carry through in taking anyone else out.

Another troubling thought surfaced. If it were a paid hit, the woman’s life would be in danger…her life and anyone else involved.

Carlita and her children discussed at length, the theory of Louie’s soldiers infiltrating Ravello’s restaurant staff with the sole purpose of taking Brittney…and possibly Vinnie, out by poisoning their food.

“Except they somehow got Megan Burelli and Brittney mixed up,” Vinnie said. “They could easily have taken both of us out.”

“With his bodyguards standing by watching, no less.”

“The fact there are a couple of employees whose numbers have been disconnected is a clue,” Mercedes said.

“I agree.” Carlita polished off her last bite of leftover pizza. “Dominic might also be able to help. He was around them more than we were.”

Vinnie finished his food and then glanced at his watch. “I better head back downstairs to check on Brittney.”

Carlita reluctantly followed him to the door. “Your visit went by way too fast, Son.”

“New Jersey ain’t that far away, Ma. Why don’t you and Mercedes come visit as soon as you get everything settled with the restaurant?”

“If we open our doors.” A troubled look crossed Carlita’s face. “If the authorities determine my food poisoned Megan Burelli, I might not have a restaurant to open.”

“You’ll be fine, Ma. If not, I’ll come back down here and knock a few heads together.”

“That should do the trick.” Carlita watched her son make his way down the stairs before returning to the apartment. “I wonder if Tony and Shelby are ready to come home.”

“Speaking of Tony and Shelby…how is Violet?” Mercedes asked.

“Oh my gosh. I forgot to check on Violet.” Carlita fumbled inside her purse for her cell phone. “I promised Violet I would stop by to check on her. It completely slipped my mind.” She dialed Paulie’s cell phone. The call went to voice mail, so she tried Gina’s number.

Thankfully, her daughter-in-law picked up. “Gina. It’s me, Carlita. I promised Violet I would stop by to check on her. I forgot until now.”

“She’s on the sofa watching cartoons with the kids. Would you like to talk to her?”

“Yes, please.”

Violet’s small voice came on the line. “Hello?”

“Violet, this is Nana. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. I’m eating popcorn. We’re watching Nemo.”

“Are you having fun?”

“Uh-huh. We made a tent, and we’re going to sleep in it tonight.”

“So you want to spend the night with Aunt Gina and Uncle Paulie?”

“Yep. When is Mommy coming home?”

“She’ll be home tomorrow.”

“Okay.” There was a muffled sound. “Bye, Nana.”

“Bye, Violet.” She was already gone. Gina returned to the line. “The kids are having fun.”

“Thanks for watching Violet,” Carlita said.

“You’re welcome. Violet is keeping the others from fighting. She’ll be a great big sister.”

“Yes, I think you’re right. She’s a sweet little girl.”

Gina promised to give her a call in the morning to let her know when they would be by to drop Violet off.

Carlita had a sudden thought. “Why don’t you and Paulie have dinner or a night out before you leave? Mercedes and I would love to take the kids…not that we wouldn’t love to spend time with you and Paulie, too.”

Gina laughed. “I know what you mean. It would be nice. Sure.”

“Great. It’s a plan. Let me know what works for you.” Carlita thanked Gina again for watching