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

“I bought one of the first passes,” Mercedes said. “The cool thing is you can use it for all of the trolleys, both tour trolleys and commuter trolleys.”

The trolley pulled away from the curb and Carlita turned her attention to the driver. “Will you be running the locals and tourist trolley in my area?”

“Yep.” The woman nodded. “I’ll share the early daily route and tourist route with another driver. I’m not sure who that will be. Some of the other drivers are whining and crying about their route. Not me. I’m just happy to have both feet sunny side up.” She glanced at Carlita in the rearview mirror. “You own a business in Walton Square?”

“Yes. I own a pawnshop, Savannah Swag, some rental properties and soon, an Italian restaurant, Ravello.”

“Nice. I’ve never worked this side of town. I’m excited to get to know the locals on the east end. My name is Claryce Magillicuddy.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Claryce. My name is Carlita and this is my daughter, Mercedes.”

“I like your accent,” Claryce said. “It’s rare to hear one of those nasally northerners.”

Carlita wasn’t sure if she should be offended, but Claryce kept talking and she quickly realized it was nothing personal and more of an offhanded comment. While they rode, Claryce rattled on about her job, how she loved to meet new people.

She’d retired, after working for the city sanitation department as a dispatch operator for decades. “I sat around staring at my four walls for about a month and then I said to myself, ‘Claryce, if you sit here staring at these four walls for one more day, you’re gonna lose your mind.’ That very day, I drove down to the city offices and put in an application for a trolley driver.”

“You’re retired? You look too young to be retired,” Carlita complimented.

“I turned sixty-seven two weeks ago.” Claryce patted her hair. “Don’t let the luscious spiced cider locks fool you. There’s a head full of gray underneath.” She glanced at them in the rearview mirror. “You wouldn’t happen to know Elvira Cobb, would you? She lives on the east side, somewhere in your area.”

Mercedes snorted. “Yes, we…we know Elvira.”

“That woman is a royal pain in the rump,” Claryce said. “She’s always trying to bum a free ride on the trolleys.”

“Imagine that,” Carlita murmured. “I’m not surprised.”

“We had a few words last time she was on my route. She began interrogating a couple of the riders. I warned her to knock it off and she had the nerve to file a complaint against me.”

“She’s a trip,” Carlita said.

The conversation ended when the trolley pulled to the curb and a man wearing a gray business suit stepped on. Claryce showed him how to swipe his card and after choosing a seat behind Carlita and Mercedes, they continued their route.

By the time Claryce and the trolley completed a circle, several more passengers had boarded, getting on and off at various stops. It took a full hour for the trolley to complete the route. By then, Mercedes and Carlita knew Claryce loved living in Savannah, and she loved to gossip.

They waited until the trolley stopped at the corner in front of the pawnshop, before making their way off.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Carlita and Mercedes. I hope to see you again soon.”

“Same here,” Carlita said. “Have a nice day, Claryce.”

“You betcha. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Claryce winked at them before closing the door and driving off.

Carlita watched the trolley until it turned the corner and disappeared from sight. “What an unusual woman.”

“She’s a character,” Mercedes said. “So what do you think?”

“I like her already. She has Elvira pegged.”

“No, not that. The BOP? Do you think you’ll use it?”

Mother and daughter began making their way back to the apartment. “At first, I wasn’t sure, but the more I think about it, I’m sure I’ll use it, especially on rainy days when I need to go somewhere.” Carlita abruptly stopped. “Thank you, Mercedes. That was so thoughtful.”

“You’re welcome,” Mercedes stifled a yawn. “I’m ready to get home and crawl back in bed.”

When they reached the apartment, Mercedes headed to her room while Carlita started a pot of coffee. After pouring a cup of the hot brew, she carried it to the balcony and eased onto a lounge chair.

Rambo followed her out. He placed his chin on the side of the cushion and stared at her.

“Let me guess…you’re ready to go for a walk.”

Rambo’s tail thumped the deck.

“Tell you what - let me finish my coffee and we’ll go.” Carlita downed the rest of her coffee and set the cup in the sink before meeting her pooch at the door.

The busyness of the day hadn’t started and Carlita thoroughly enjoyed their early morning walks. The streets were still quiet and there was a crisp coolness to the air.

When they reached the Waving Girl statue, they paused to greet her before wandering along the walkway to the other end of the touristy riverfront district.

Carlita gave Rambo’s leash a gentle tug. “Do you smell that Rambo?” She covered her nose, as the acrid smell of smoke grew stronger with every step. “Something is burning.”

Up ahead, she spotted a fire truck and several police cars parked in front of the Mystic Dream riverboat.

Chapter 3

Carlita jogged the rest of the way, joining the outer fringe of a large crowd gathered at the side of the pier. The overpowering smell of smoke hung heavy in the air and she noticed wisps of smoke curling from the rear of the boat.

“C’mon, Rambo.” Carlita shifted her pooch’s leash to her other hand and made a beeline to the other side for a closer look.

Her eyes shifted up, past a charred rear railing