Chapter 18

"Every time I think things can't get any worse," Carlita groaned. "Something else happens."

"I have an alibi," Vinnie said. "I was at your place, except for stepping out on the rooftop terrace for a few quick smokes."

"I'm almost a hundred percent certain Luigi was with Dernice last night," Mercedes said.

"The Parrot House Restaurant has cameras on every corner," Pete said. "Short of shimmying down the drainpipes and sneaking out through the side alley, there's no way you got out of our building undetected."

"It might be a minor inconvenience, but I don't see how the cops can pin this on me or Luigi. Still, I agree it's time to head over to Morton Street to chat with the business owners," Vinnie said.

Carlita motioned to Sam. "Any idea how long the cops are going to be over there?"

"They were wrapping things up," Sam said. "What might also be worth noting is Mr. Enzo recently moved to the area."

"From Sicily," Mercedes said.

A look of surprise flickered in Sam's eyes. "How did you know?"

"Vinnie found out the lender, Danny Lombardo, recently moved here from Italy," Tony said.

"Is there any connection to…your past?" Sam asked.

"Not as far as the Castellini family is concerned," Vinnie said. "This is a new group moving in and putting down roots."

"Not good."

"Not good at all. One of them is dead. If Lombardo didn't kill him, I'm sure he thinks we're behind the shooting, which will put a target on our back," Mercedes said.

"The other man, Costanza, is still alive," Carlita added.

"How do you know?"

"Elvira's cameras caught him snooping around here last night. Do you remember Ozzie Stagusso?"

"The former mob guy who kidnapped Louise Delmario last fall, held her hostage and was looking for…" Sam's voice faded.

"For gems her husband, also the previous owner of this property, allegedly stole. Vinnie thinks Stagusso, who is still in prison, and Lombardo, the new guy in town, are working together."

Sam let out a low whistle. "Wow."

"Yep. It appears I have some serious issues on my hands."

"On our hands," Pete corrected.

Sam motioned to Vinnie. "Is there anything you can do?"

"The loan appears legit. Pops and Ma borrowed money from the original lender. Somehow, Lombardo inherited or secured the loan, probably not knowing what he was getting into," Vinnie said. "Or maybe he knew it was a dump and also knew Ma had three successful businesses he could tap into."

"The bottom line is if we can figure out what happened to Enzo, we can either get Lombardo off the streets and off my back or it won't matter. The wheels have already been set in motion. Something tells me the Lombardo family will be a thorn in my side forever."

"No, they won't Ma. The Castellini family will make sure of it," Vinnie vowed. "They're gonna back off, one way or another."

"It's the ‘another' I'm worried about."

Mercedes rubbed her palms together. "We need to get a move on. As long as Lombardo and Costanza think there's something here, Ma's properties are safe. I say we head over to the dry cleaners."

"I believe the investigators are still wrapping things up," Sam reminded them. "You might want to hold off until they're gone."

"Time is of the essence. We need to send someone over there…someone the authorities won't recognize," Carlita said.

"I'm out." Mercedes shook her head. "Almost every cop in Savannah knows who I am."

"Ditto for me," Tony said. "Although I could go in disguised."

Carlita wrinkled her nose. "To do laundry?"

"Shelby?" Mercedes suggested.

Her mother immediately shot down the idea. "I'm sure Shelby would be happy to help, but she's pregnant. I don't want her involved. I trust her, but I don't trust the Lombardo clan. Vinnie and I are out."

Pete offered to go. "The only issue is the cops stop by the restaurant pretty frequently. Most of them would recognize me."

"This is getting tough." Carlita tapped her foot on the ground. "I could ask Reese."

Claryce "Reese" Magillicuddy, retired city sanitation worker and Savannah trolley driver, who was also a good friend of Carlita's, had helped on many occasions. In fact, Reese thrived on a busy, active lifestyle…and being involved. Hence, her taking a job as a local trolley driver after her initial retirement.

She promptly called Reese's cell phone. The call went directly to voicemail, meaning she was probably working. "I think she's at work. We'll put her on the maybe list. If we have to wait until later, she would be a viable option."

"Autumn is always willing to help," Mercedes said.

"She's also a high-profile local," Carlita said. "We need someone who will fly under the radar."

An EC Security Services' van pulled into the alley. The group stepped off to the side to move out of the way. Dernice was behind the wheel, with Luigi beside her in the passenger seat. They both gave a friendly wave as they drove past.

"I think I know the perfect person to ask," Carlita said.