Matrimony & Mayhem: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 11) by Hope Callaghan (most romantic novels .txt) 📕

Reese pulled her door shut and started the jeep. “I can’t imagine it’s much different than driving any other vehicle, except bigger.”

“We didn’t know how to drive,” Carlita said.

Dumbfounded, Reese’s jaw dropped. She stared at Carlita. “You didn’t know how to drive…a car?”

“Nope. Vinnie always drove me around, or I took the bus. Mercedes had a driver’s license, but rarely drove.”

“We didn’t have much use for it in New York,” Mercedes explained.

“We lived a different life back then.”

“I guess you don’t need to drive much here in Savannah either,” Reese said.

“Because we have a friend who drives the trolley and I can get wherever I need to go.”

“But you do know how to drive now.” Reese stopped at the stop sign before pulling onto the street.

“Yes. We both know how to drive, and open bank accounts and balance a checkbook,” Carlita said. “Which comes in handy when you own several businesses.”

“You mentioned before you lived a sheltered life in New York. I had no idea.” Reese tapped the steering wheel. “Well, you got it all going on now and a mysterious poisoning to boot.”

It didn’t take long for them to get to the other side of town. Reese steered her jeep into the alley behind the apartment. “Am I gonna see you tomorrow?”

“I don’t know.” Carlita reached for the door handle. “Paulie and Gina will still be in town. I think Vinnie and Brittney are heading out in the morning, along with Vinnie’s co-workers. Tony and Shelby will be back from their short honeymoon.”

“We need to get with Pirate Pete,” Mercedes reminded her mother.

“Yes, we do. If I don’t see you tomorrow, I’m sure I’ll see you on Tuesday.” Carlita slid out of the jeep. “Thanks again for trying to help. You’re a good friend Claryce…Reese, Magillicuddy.”

“And so are you, Carlita Garlucci.” Reese held up a hand. “I do have one more thing up my sleeve.”

“Concerning our investigation?”

“Yep. I have a friend who happens to be a ticket agent for the bus station our two mysterious riders were asking about.”

“You do? Can you ask your friend if she remembers seeing them?”

“I already have. I’m just waiting for a call back from Dixie, my friend.”

Mercedes squeezed out of the back seat. “Do you need identification to buy a bus ticket?”

“It depends. Not if it’s a local ticket used for riding around Savannah. If the person or persons were going out of state or out of the area, they would need a photo ID to buy a ticket.”

“We may have a match and even a name.” Carlita clasped her hands. “That would be awesome.”

Mercedes smiled. “You sure do have connections.”

“Friends with planes, trains and automobiles,” Reese joked.

“And busses.”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back. I already gave her all of the information, including a description of the young couple. I mentioned the purple camo backpack the guy was carrying. Dixie has a pretty good memory. She said she needed some time to dig through her records.”

“Please let me know as soon as you hear anything,” Carlita said.

“Will do.” Reese gave her a thumbs up. “As soon as I hear back, I’ll give you a buzz.”

“Thanks for the lift.” Carlita gave Reese a quick wave before following Mercedes inside. “She’s a character.”

“Yes, she is, and she definitely has connections. It’s a shame we weren’t able to glean any solid clues from the handbag,” Mercedes said. “I wonder if or when we’ll hear from the authorities again.”

“Officer Clousen said it may take several days.”

The door to Tony’s former studio apartment opened. Vinnie stuck his head out. “I thought I heard voices.”

“How was your shoe shopping adventure?” Mercedes teased.

“Let’s just say I’m glad it’s over. Brittney isn’t feeling well. I think she ate something that didn’t agree with her or the baby. She went to bed early, so it’ll only be me for dinner.”

Vinnie changed the subject. “There was a surprise visitor waiting on your back doorstep when we got here.”

Chapter 18

“What kind of surprise visitor?”

“It was a cop. He said his name was Clousen something.”

“Did he tell you what he wanted?”

“Nope. In fact, he didn’t tell me he was a cop. He was dressed in street clothes, but I can pick them off a mile away.”

“Great. I wonder if he tried calling.” Carlita reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “I don’t have any messages.”

“My guess is he wanted to catch you off guard,” Vinnie said. “Cops are sneaky like that.”

“I’m sure he’ll be back. He probably wants to search the restaurant.”

“Wouldn’t he have asked to search it yesterday?” Mercedes asked.

“Who knows? All I know is I have nothing to hide and no crime has been committed.” Carlita rubbed her brow. “I guess it’s just the three of us for dinner since Paulie, Gina and the kids are going to hang out at the hotel tonight. Are you still planning on leaving in the morning?”

“Yeah. I gotta get back to work. Vito’s guys are gettin’ antsy to head out.”

“Where are Vito’s guys?” Carlita hadn’t thought to ask where the two bodyguards might be staying.

“They’re sleepin’ in their car.”

“You’re kidding? How awful.”

“Nah. They’re used to it.”

“I suppose.” Carlita shifted her purse to her other hand. “Do you mind leftovers from the wedding?”

“Leftovers are fine. I’ll follow you up.” Vinnie quietly closed the door, checking to make sure it was locked and then followed his mother up the stairs. Mercedes went on ahead and was already inside the apartment.

Vinnie chatted with his sister while Carlita warmed the food, careful not to touch the appetizers still boxed and in the back of the fridge.

After the food warmed, they filled their plates and carried