Chapter 30

“There’s the man of the hour.” Carlita led the round of enthusiastic applause. Cool Bones, with pep in his step, strolled into the courtyard. He pressed his hands over his heart and blew kisses to those who were there to celebrate his exoneration…free from the heavy cloud of conviction hanging over his head.

Pete, Mercedes, Sam, Elvira, Dernice, Luigi, Tony, a very pregnant Shelby, Violet, Steve Winters and his girlfriend Paisley…those who had worked hard to help free the innocent man.

“Speech…speech…” Mercedes chanted.

The crowd grew quiet.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not giving up and proving my innocence. If not for all of you, working together to help figure out what happened to Rudy McCoy, I would not be standing here today.”

Pete tapped his wife’s shoulder. “All spearheaded by my stubborn wife, who refused to give up.”

“Carlita was instrumental.” Cool Bones motioned to his band, who were off to the side, setting up and getting ready to play. “I have some exciting news. The Thirsty Crow has put the Jazz Boys and me back on the schedule. All the gigs we had on the books are back in play, meaning me and my guys are once again in business.”

Another round of enthusiastic applause ensued.

Cool Bones continued. “I spoke with Detective Polivich and have an update.”

“I can’t wait to hear the details about what exactly happened that day when Mrs. Culpepper witnessed your altercation with Rudy,” Carlita said.

“That’s where it gets interesting. According to her official statement, she saw me grab the bat from Rudy and knock him down. Culpepper thought she overheard me say, ‘I’m gonna finish you and you can bet on that.’ What I really said was, ‘I’m finished with you and this bettin’ business.’”

Cool Bones told them the investigators drove over to Doug “Cray” McCoy’s last place of residence, the small bungalow Luigi and Carlita had visited. “Rudy and his brother Doug were both in the bookie business and began feuding over territory. Doug showed up at Rudy’s place. They argued and Rudy killed his brother. In a panic, he staged the scene, making it look like he was the one who had died.”

“And maybe even been the one who called police to stop by for a wellness check,” Mercedes pointed out.

“Ah.” Carlita arched her eyebrow. “You’re right. I never thought about that.”

“I’m guessing we’ve been waiting for additional DNA testing to prove Rudy wasn’t the one buried in the grave,” Elvira said.

“Yep. Extensive DNA testing confirmed the person buried in Rudy’s grave was, in fact, his brother Doug McCoy.” Cool Bones shifted his feet. “They never were able to find a murder weapon, only stating Doug McCoy died from blunt force trauma.”

“I bet when he found out you had been picked up and charged with his murder, he couldn’t believe his good fortune,” Pete said.

Cool Bones folded his arms. “He thought he was in the clear, and he was until Carlita and Luigi showed up on his doorstep. He’s going to be behind bars for a very long time for murdering his own flesh and blood.”

“Which is right where he belongs.” Carlita clapped her hands. “Dig in everyone. There’s plenty of food.”

Cool Bones and his band took their place on the makeshift stage after finishing their celebratory meal.

Music and laughter, food and friends. It was a night to remember, to celebrate the good guy winning.

Finally, the festivities began winding down, and guests started heading home. Carlita noticed Shelby seated off to the side, an anxious expression on her face. Tony hovered nearby. “Is everything okay?”

“Shelby is having contractions. It’s time to head to the hospital.”

“The baby is on the way.” Carlita knelt next to Violet. “Do you want to stay with Nana until the baby gets here?”

“I want to be with Mommy and Daddy.” Violet leaned against Tony, grasping his hand.

“It’s all right.” Shelby winced. “My aunt is already on her way to the hospital to meet us. Violet can hang out with her.”

Carlita trailed behind the couple, who began making their way toward Tony’s car. “Please call me as soon as you have news. I’ll have my phone by my side.”

“We will, Ma.” While Tony helped Shelby into the car, Carlita ran upstairs to their apartment to grab the hospital bag.

She flew back down the steps, opened the rear car door and placed it on the seat next to Violet. “I’ll be waiting for the call.”

“You’re first on the list,” Tony promised.

Carlita whispered a small prayer as her son’s car, with his family inside, sped off. Something told her it was going to be a long night.

*****

Carlita, with Pete by her side, clutched the bouquet of pink and blue balloons, covered in smiling teddy bears and grinning giraffes, making her way along the hospital’s gleaming corridor. “I’m so excited.”

“You sure you don’t know if we have a new grandson or granddaughter?” Pete asked.

“No. Tony refused to give me even the tiniest hint. He wants us to be surprised.”

“Hey!”

The couple turned to find Mercedes hurrying to catch up, carrying a similarly sized bouquet of balloons and a gift bag. “I thought that was you. It took me a few minutes to find a parking spot.”

With a quick stop by the nurse’s station to get the room number, the trio zigged and zagged until finally finding the door with the nameplate, “Garlucci.”

Carlita gave it a light rap and stuck her head around the corner.

Proud Papa Tony sat next to Shelby’s hospital bed. Violet stood on the other side, leaning against her mother’s arm, a look of adoration etched on her face as she stared at the tiny newborn.

Carlita tiptoed closer, her heart melting. Perfect. Button nose. Chubby cheeks. Wisps of dark hair swirling on top of the baby’s head.

She handed the balloons to her son. “The baby is beautiful,” she whispered. “Welcome to the family.”

Pete patted Tony’s arm. “Congratulations. We have another Garlucci to call Savannah home.”

“Absolutely.” Tony gazed lovingly at his wife. “Shelby was a real trooper. I have to say, she made it look easy.”

Shelby placed a gentle kiss on the baby’s forehead. “Time to meet Nana, Poppa and Auntie Mercedes.”

“Before I hold the baby.” Carlita called Violet over and handed her a gift bag with red hearts and the words “Big Sister.” “This is for you.”

“A present for me?” Violet asked.

Carlita solemnly nodded. “Being a big sister is a special job. I know you’re going to be the best one ever.”

“I am. I will be very careful. If Mom or Dad need anything, I can go get it.” Violet, with a look of devotion on her face, wrapped her small arm around Tony’s waist and gazed up at him. “Daddy got me a special gift.”

Tony affectionately ruffled his daughter’s hair. “You want to show them?”

Violet tugged a delicate chain from her blouse. Hooked to the chain were four intertwined circles. “It has a circle for me, for Mommy, Daddy and the baby,” she said proudly.

Carlita blinked back sudden tears and gave her a gentle hug. “I love you so much, Violet. You’re such a good girl. Open your gift.”

She reached into the bag and pulled out a floppy-eared bunny wearing a dandelion yellow “Big Sister” shirt. There was a “Big Sister Helper” book, along with several of Violet’s favorite candies.

“Thank you, Nana. You’re the best.” Violet flung her arms around Carlita’s neck and hugged her tightly.

Carlita swallowed hard, certain she had the most wonderful grandchildren on earth. “And you’re the best granddaughter ever.”

Tony took the baby from Shelby and passed the newborn to his mother. “The best granddaughters ever,” he corrected. “Welcome Melody Carlita Garlucci.”

The end.