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

“That’s a possibility,” Mercedes said. “If so, we’re back to square one.”

“I hope it’s not Pete,” Carlita muttered. “Not only would I be a terrible judge of character, we might be out twenty-five thousand dollars.”

Chapter 22

“Before we do anything, we have to come up with an excuse to stop back by The Ghost Roast,” Mercedes said.

“We got all the ingredients to make the marinara sauce. I say we whip up a batch, and then take it over to the restaurant for Tierney to sample our version.”

“That’s a great idea, Ma.”

When they reached the apartment, they headed to the kitchen where mother and daughter whipped up a large batch of the marinara sauce in record time. Carlita made a few adjustments, tweaking the recipe so they weren’t copying Tierney’s exactly.

After several samples and taste tests, Mercedes proclaimed the sauce as tasty as Tierney’s sauce.

Carlita placed a portion of the sauce in a small to-go container and then they headed back out. “Do you think we should stop by the police station first?”

“And tell them what? That we unlawfully boarded the Mystic Dream, broke into Lawson’s office and found some paperwork we think points to his involvement in human trafficking?” Mercedes shook her head. “They’ll laugh us right out of the building or arrest us.”

“I suppose you’re right. It doesn’t help that Lawson is related to the mayor.” Carlita picked up the pace to keep up with Mercedes’ quick steps. “Do you think Tierney will be annoyed we keep dropping in?”

“She might. If you think about it, technically Ravello and The Ghost Roast will be competitors.”

“I guess I wouldn’t blame her,” Carlita said. “I hope Kyle wasn’t responsible for Lawson’s attack.”

“Me, too. Maybe it was Emmett Pridgen,” Mercedes said. “He’s a jerk.”

“Better him than Mark Fox or Pirate Pete.”

They reached the restaurant a short time later. It wasn’t busy with the dinner crowd yet, and there were only a few patrons inside. Tierney was nowhere in sight, but Carlita caught a glimpse of Kyle in the back.

He gave a quick wave and then joined them near the front. “Tierney is off for a few hours. She won’t be back until seven or so.”

Mercedes held up the container of marinara sauce. “Ma and I made a batch of Tierney’s marinara sauce, but with our own twist. We thought she might like to give it a taste.”

“I’ll leave it in the fridge for her.” Kyle took the container.

“Thank you,” Carlita said. “We were also going to give both of you some good news.” She turned to Mercedes.

“Yes. We heard Lawson Bates is not only coming out of his coma, but he’s also starting to remember what happened the other night and was able to give the authorities a vague description of his attacker.”

The color drained from Kyle’s face. “He did?” he squeaked.

“Yes. It’s only a matter of time before the authorities find out who attacked him,” Carlita said.

“And damaged the Mystic Dream.”

Kyle’s eyes grew wide and he took a step back. “That’s…great news. I better get back to work.” He lifted the container of sauce. “I’ll be sure Tierney gets this.” Without saying another word, Kyle darted to the back.

“Crud,” Mercedes muttered. “I wanted to see the expression on his face when I described him as Lawson’s attacker.”

“Now what?”

“Maybe it’s time to call Glenda and tell her the same story.”

“I think we’re chasing our tails,” Carlita said. “Mark is as likely to confess as Kyle, if either of them is even guilty of attacking the man.”

“Oh ye of little faith. We’re just applying a little pressure to see if anyone cracks,” Mercedes said. “Besides…nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

“I suppose.” Carlita stepped onto the sidewalk before dialing Glenda’s number.

“Hello, Carlita. How are you?”

“I’m okay. I was talking to Mercedes. We heard Lawson has not only come out of his coma, but he’s starting to remember details of his attack.”

“Yes,” Glenda said. “He is. Mark and I heard it’s only a matter of time before Lawson is able to name his attacker. Mark’s business partner visited Lawson a short time ago. He told us Lawson is very agitated, insisting the doctors release him from the hospital.”

“I’m glad he’s going to recover for everyone’s sake and I’m sure the doctors are as anxious to have him leave as he is to go.”

The women chatted for a few more moments before Glenda said she needed to take another call.

Mercedes watched her mother drop her phone into her purse. “What did she say?”

“I guess we weren’t far off. Glenda actually heard Lawson is starting to recall details of his attack and is demanding he be released from the hospital.”

“Perfect,” Mercedes squealed. “Then this case will be solved soon and Pete can move forward with his pirate ship.”

“Unless it’s Pete,” Carlita pointed out.

“Nah.” Mercedes waved her hand. “It wasn’t Pete. I’m still not convinced the person who damaged the Mystic Dream was the same person who attacked Lawson.”

“I think it’s the same person,” Carlita said. “Who else could it be?”

“I keep thinking about the other night when Autumn and I snuck on board the Mystic Dream, how we were sure we heard something and then I was sure I saw someone on the top deck as we were getting off.” Mercedes grabbed her mother’s arm.

“Ma, what if those people, the trafficked people, are hiding out on the Mystic Dream? What if one of them accidentally set the fire?”

“Then we need to let the authorities know…in a roundabout way of course, without incriminating Autumn and you, that we suspect Lawson may be harboring/hiding illegals or individuals against their will on board the Mystic Dream. A thorough search of the vessel while