Christmas Family Style in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Bo by Hope Callaghan (summer reading list txt) 📕

pile of blankets and baby burp cloths. She let out a small shriek as she triumphantly waved a gold bracelet in the air. “My bracelet.”

“Ma found your bracelet,” Vinnie said.

“It must’ve fallen off when I was getting stuff for the baby.” She impulsively hugged Carlita and then promptly placed the bracelet on her wrist. “Thank you for finding my bracelet.”

“You’re welcome.” Carlita ran a light hand along the wand. “I think I might go ahead and buy me one of these. This thing has already more than paid for itself.”

There was a thumping of heavy footsteps on the stairs. Pete and Joe emerged from below deck and joined them.

“Well?” Carlita asked.

“I’m not sure if Joe found anything of interest,” Pete said.

“Not really, but the visit wasn’t a total waste of time. I have a better idea of how things played out last night.” He extended a hand. “I admire you, Pirate Pete, and I’m not one to pay compliments lightly. You’re a straight shooter, and I appreciate your assistance.”

Joe was the first to leave after telling Vinnie he would catch up with him later, and that he had some more digging around to do. Carlita wondered if it involved interrogating more of her tenants or friends.

After he was gone, Pete motioned to the detector. “Any luck finding the bracelet?”

Brittney beamed as she waved her wrist. “Carlita found it. It was in the bottom basket of the baby’s stroller.”

“I’m glad something is working out for someone,” Pete said.

The baby woke at the sound of Pete’s booming voice and started to fuss.

“We’re gonna head home and get out of your hair,” Vinnie said. “Thanks for letting us have a look around.”

“You’re welcome.” Pete and Carlita accompanied them down the gangway and to the docking area.

“I’ll meet you back at the apartment.” Carlita watched them leave and then turned to find Pete gazing at the side of his ship, a wide grin on his face.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” Pete shook his head.

“I recognize the look on your face. You’re trying not to laugh.”

“I was thinking about when I showed up with the police this morning, and you and the others were sneaking down the other side of the ship.”

“You saw that?” Carlita rolled her eyes. “I thought I was a goner.”

“You were a real trooper. I like my gal a little gutsy, and you definitely showed some guts.”

“Yeah. Well, I’m tougher than you think, even in my advancing years.”

“You have many years of spunk left, Carlita Garlucci.”

“And so do you, Pete Taylor.” Carlita sobered. “Do you think Joe or the authorities found anything of interest during their searches?”

“I don’t know. If they did, they’re playing it pretty close to the vest. They spent most of their time on the upper deck, where we found the blood and where Roxy was detained.”

Carlita told him what Vinnie had said, how Roxy mentioned someone on board the ship looking vaguely familiar. “Do you remember seeing her talking to any of the guests?”

“She made her rounds but stuck mostly near Brittney when she wasn’t harassing someone.”

“I have something to show you.” Carlita showed Pete the pictures she’d taken the previous evening and stopped when she reached the one of Santa heading up the staircase. “Check out the time stamp. This would have been around the time Roxy went missing.”

“You’re right. Mark used the rear restroom to change into his Santa suit after he arrived.” Pete squinted his eyes as he studied the picture. “Is it possible Roxy recognized Mark Fox?”

“I…don’t know. By the time we arrived, Mark was already in costume.” Carlita told him what Glenda had said, how Mark had gone that way to use the bathroom during the fireworks, and then remembered Roxy was up there.

Carlita rubbed her eyes. “It’s getting late. I need to get home and start thinking about dinner.”

“You look tired.”

“I am tired.” Although she loved having all of her children together, the busyness of her houseguests was exhausting, and the day had been especially rough. Carlita changed the subject. “How is the sale of your ranch going?”

“As a matter of fact, it has been so hectic, I haven’t had time to tell you I got an offer yesterday. Annie sent it over first thing this morning. It looks like my place might have new owners before long.”

“That’s great news.” Carlita knew Pete was anxious not only to have one less thing to worry about but to start the next phase of his life – with her, she hoped.

Which reminded her she had promised to help him spruce up his restaurant’s private courtyard. “Are we still on for cleaning up your courtyard tomorrow morning?”

“Bright and early, unless you’re busy.”

“I’m never too busy for you.”

Pete’s expression softened as he pulled Carlita into his arms and held her close. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

Carlita chuckled. “I bet you ask yourself that question a lot, especially these past couple days.”

“You’re adding a little excitement to an old pirate’s life.” Pete tilted his head and gently kissed Carlita. The kiss deepened, and she placed a light hand on his silk shirt, feeling his heartbeat and the warmth of his skin beneath the soft material.

He was toned and trim, and the ripple of muscles stretched against the taut material. Her pulse kicked up a notch. For a moment, Roxy’s death and the chaos back home were forgotten. It was just the two of them.

She reluctantly pulled away, her cheeks flushed. “You know how to make me forget all about my problems.”

“There’s more where that came from.”

The sound of voices echoed as a group of employees strode down the dock, heading their way.

Pete had a brief word with them about cleaning the galley and mopping the upper deck while Carlita