Chapter 5

Ping.

“Is someone texting you?” Pete leaned over his wife’s shoulder.

“Sam. He had some suggestions on how to get Mercedes out of jail. I told him Mark and Glenda pulled a few strings. I also texted Tony to let him know what was going on. Sam is on his way.”

“Here?”

“Yeah. I gave him the judge’s name. He doesn’t know the guy but wants to be here for moral support, a show of solidarity.”

“Sam’s a good guy.”

“Very good. Mercedes likes…loves him. Although I’m not sure if she’s in love with him anymore.”

Ever since Natalie, his ex’s death, Mercedes had struggled with trust issues. Toss in the taste of freedom, of having a place of her own, and Carlita suspected her daughter was enjoying her newfound independence.

As much as Carlita liked Sam, her daughter’s happiness mattered most. And she was careful not to try to influence her. If Sam and Mercedes stuck it out and eventually married, she would be thrilled.

If Mercedes ended their relationship and moved on with her life, Carlita would fully support her decision. Mother and daughter had come a long way…a very long way since Vinnie Senior’s death. Both had become independent, capable, and strong women, something she was extremely proud of.

As far as Carlita’s relationship, Pete complemented her in so many ways. He loved his wife unconditionally, had accepted her and her family, even embracing their mafia ties with open arms.

Of course, Pete had skeletons in his own closet. Questionable ancestors, murky family history, which circled back around to the Parrot House and his pirate ancestry, a heritage which might—or might not—pay off in spades.

“He should be here any minute.” Carlita tugged at her shirt, her armpits growing damp as the minutes ticked by and the judge began hearing special circumstance cases.

A movement near the door caught her attention. It was Sam. He slipped into the courtroom and made his way over. “How’s it going?” he whispered.

“There’s no sign of Mercedes or Elvira yet. Mark and Glenda got them a special hearing, or whatever you call it. They should be here anytime.”

One right after another, prisoners appeared before the judge, some with straightforward cases while others were more complex. She wondered about Cool Bones and made a mental note to track down his band members to try to figure out how she could help.

The group seen by the judge exited through a door to the right. As soon as they were gone, a door on the other side of the room opened and the bailiff escorted a new group of inmates in.

Mercedes and Elvira were among the last. They were led to the seats just vacated. Following the same procedure, the inmates went before the judge, stating their case, admitting or denying their crime. Some were released while others were given specific instructions and sent back to jail pending another hearing.

Finally, it was Mercedes’ turn. The bailiff led her to the podium. When prompted, she stated her full name.

He picked up a sheet of paper and studied it. “It says here you struck Officer Perkins in the back of the head with a beer bottle.” He peered at her over the rim of his glasses. “Did you throw a beer bottle at him last night during an arrest?”

“No, your honor. I was in the vicinity, but I wasn’t the person who threw the bottle,” Mercedes said.

“Officer Perkins claims you were the only one who could have thrown it.”

“There was a guy standing nearby. I didn’t see him do it, but it could have been him.”

“Do you know the man who was arrested last night at the nightclub?”

“Yes, your honor. He’s my neighbor and a tenant in my building.”

“So…you and he have a close relationship?”

“We’re friends,” Mercedes said.

“And you were upset he was being arrested,” the judge pressed.

“I was. I mean, the cops could have waited until later instead of blowing into the bar with guns blazing and causing a scene.”

“So, you think they should have waited outside until the evening ended instead of arresting your friend when they had the chance?”

“You asked for my opinion. I think they could have handled it better,” Mercedes replied.

The judge cleared his throat. “I took the liberty of doing a little research. You’ve been arrested before.”

“I have. I was also cleared of wrongdoing.”

“But here you are again.”

“Unfortunately.”

The judge shuffled through his papers. “You were arrested along with Elvira Cobb, who is here in my courtroom. Where is she?”

The bailiff grasped Elvira’s arm and led her to the front.

“Elvira Cobb…Elvira Cobb,” the judge repeated. “Why does your name sound familiar?”

“I’ve been arrested a time or two. You look familiar. I believe you heard my case when I was wrongly accused of stealing artwork from the Darbylane Museum,” Elvira said.

“Ah. I remember you now. You were acting foolishly, throwing out outlandish accusations. I almost held you in contempt of court,” the judge said.

“Keep your mouth shut, Elvira,” Carlita whispered under her breath.

“I may have spoken my mind,” she admitted. “However, might I point out I was cleared of wrongdoing as well.”

The judge removed his glasses, and began chewing on the end, thoughtfully studying Mercedes and Elvira. “Two women. Multiple arrests clogging up the court system with your antics.”

“I wouldn’t call them antics,” Mercedes argued. “Again, your honor, I respectfully insist I did not throw a beer bottle at the officer.”

Her voice rose an octave, clearly becoming aggravated with the accusation.

“Are you arguing with me, Ms. Garlucci?” he demanded.

“I’m stating my case. Isn’t that why I’m here? To explain my side?”

“Oh no.” Carlita rolled her eyes. This hearing was heading south…and fast. It was about as bad as it could get, but then…

Elvira stepped forward. “If I may, your honorary distinguishedness. Mercedes and I are victims of circumstances. Innocent bystanders, if you will, inadvertently caught in the crosshairs of criminal justice. We apologize for being here today. In fact, I would give anything to be somewhere else right now.”

“I suppose you would.” He slid his glasses on, drumming his fingers on the desk. “I think you two need to learn a lesson. One that will stick this time.”

“A lesson?” Mercedes asked. “You mean like community service?”

The judge called the bailiff over. Talking in low voices, he motioned to the women. The bailiff chuckled and nodded.

He took his place off to the side, and the judge turned his attention back to the women. “I’m fining each of you five hundred dollars for disturbing the peace, impeding an arrest, and resisting arrest.”

He continued. “I’ll drop assaulting an officer. Officer Perkins didn’t see you throw the bottle, and no eyewitness has come forward.”

“Thank you.” Mercedes clasped her hands. “Thank you, your honor.”

“I’m not done. I’m mandating community service. Today is Sunday. On Tuesday of this week, I want both of you to report to the Savannah-Burnham Police Department for a full day of picking up trash.”

Elvira made a choking sound. “Picking up trash on the streets?”

“On the streets, the sidewalks, in the squares. A full workday of trash pickup.”

“This bites,” Elvira muttered under her breath.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“Because I’m tempted to send you right back to jail, Elvira Cobb.”

“I would be pleased to pick up trash,” Elvira said. “Thank you, your honor for such a fair and balanced punishment.”

“Let me say I’m truly sorry Officer Perkins was struck. I hope the person who threw the bottle is caught,” Mercedes said. “I would like to express my appreciation to you for fitting us in and hearing our side of the story this morning.”

“You’re dismissed.”

The bailiff escorted Mercedes and Elvira out of the room.

Carlita gathered up her belongings. “Where to?”

“The bailiff will take them to the cashier’s counter. We can meet them downstairs to pay the fine and get them out of here.” Sam led the way out of the courtroom and held the door. “It could have been worse.”

“I agree,” Carlita said. “Paying a fine and performing community service seems like a fair compromise.”

Pete pinched his thumb and index finger together. “Elvira was this close to being thrown back in jail.”

“I think she realized it,” Carlita said. “Thank goodness the judge dropped Mercedes’ assault charge.”

“Which is considered a serious offense,” Pete said.

“She’s lucky,” Sam agreed. “However, something tells me when Mercedes and Elvira find out what their community service and picking up trash entails, they might not be as excited about their punishment.”

“What does it entail?” Carlita asked.

“I would rather not spoil the surprise,” Sam said. “As luck would have it, I have a morning tour on Tuesday, which means I’ll be around when they hit the streets.”