Turmoil in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 13) by Hope Callaghan (read book txt) 📕

Tori stood. “I’ve been following the Davis Rutger story with some interest. He came from California, via Atlanta, and was the nephew of a former governor. Not long after his arrival, he assembled a small group of thugs who have been terrorizing the tourist businesses as well as tourists.” She slowly turned. “Why Savannah? Why come here?”

“That’s the million-dollar question. Something happened on Reese’s trolley, perhaps some sort of trigger which resulted in Rutger’s demise.” Carlita scooched out of her chair. “I think I have an idea.”

Chapter 17

“According to Reese, there was some sort of argument between the Savannah Six and Duce before Davis Rutger shoved Phil Duce out the trolley’s emergency exit. What if the killer was also on board the trolley?”

“Is there a way to find out who was on board?” Tori asked. “Perhaps it’s a matter of process of elimination.”

“I’m sure there’s a tracking system for regular pass holders.” Carlita began to pace. “I’ll see if Reese has some way to access it. If we can figure out who was on board the trolley the morning of the incident, we may have the name of the killer or killers. Obviously, the Savannah Six are all suspects, but what if it was someone else?”

“I’m sure the authorities have also gone over the records,” Tori pointed out.

“Probably, but they keep going back to Reese, which tells me none of the passengers hit their radar. I need to get my hands on those records.” Carlita patted Tori’s shoulder. “You’re brilliant. Thank you for the idea.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you’re truly onto something.”

Carlita sobered. “I’m still concerned about having Brittney, Luigi and Ricco under your roof, especially if one of them is responsible for Rutger’s death.”

“They’re a part of the family,” Tori lowered her voice.

“Yeah.”

“And both part of a higher-ups ‘A-team.’”

“Yes.”

“Which means they already have a few hits under their belt,” Tori whispered.

“True.”

“I’m not in any more danger right now than I was an hour ago.”

“I still…”

Tori held up a hand. “I want them to stay. As I said earlier, they might actually liven things up.”

“Thank you, Tori.”

“You’re welcome.” Tori walked her to the door. “Since my compound is gated, Luigi and Ricco will have to go through the gate if they plan to leave the property.”

“Right.”

“Which means I’ll know when they’re leaving.”

It dawned on Carlita where Tori was headed. “Which means you’ll know if and when they leave.”

“Correct, and I have one even better. Follow me.” Tori led the way out of the house, across the courtyard and to the parking garage in the back.

Inside were several of Tori’s luxury vehicles including a pristine classic silver Rolls Royce. Parked near the front and off to the side was Ricco and Luigi’s vehicle. They strolled past the car, making their way to the small office.

Wentworth was inside, staring at a computer monitor. On the screen was an image of the front gate and bridge. “You have ‘round the clock surveillance of the front gate?”

“I do. One can never be too careful. You never know when some crazy person might try to scale the wall and sneak inside,” Tori said.

“You mean like Elvira?” Carlita chuckled.

“Precisely. I possess both money and notoriety…two traits that attract some interesting people. Speaking of interesting people, how is Elvira?”

“Missing.”

“Again?”

“No. Something happened. She fell into a deep depression. Her sister, Dernice, asked me to talk to her but she was out of it. She cleaned out one of the business bank accounts and disappeared yesterday morning,” Carlita said. “I haven’t heard if Dernice has found her, but I don’t think so.”

“I hope she’s okay. I mean, she’s not my favorite person, but I wish her no harm.”

“Me, either.”

Tori turned to Wentworth. “I need a TD.”

Wentworth removed a silver key from his pocket and unlocked the cabinet behind him. He pulled out a small black box and handed it to Tori.

“Thank you, Wentworth. Is this programmed?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” Tori turned to Carlita. “Do you have your cell phone with you?”

“I do.” Carlita unclasped her purse, pulled out her cell phone and handed it to Wentworth.

“Please install the app on Mrs. Garlucci’s cell phone.” She motioned to Carlita. “While Wentworth takes care of installing the app, let’s figure out the best spot to put this.” Tori waved the black box in the air and exited the small office.

“What are we doing?” Carlita trailed behind.

“We’re going to install a tracking device.” Tori slowly circled the mobsters’ vehicle. “Luigi and Ricco will never know it’s here.”

“Is this illegal?” Carlita asked.

Tori laughed. “Are you worried Luigi or Ricco will find it and turn us in to the authorities?”

“No. They would dish out their own punishment.”

“It’s not illegal. At least not in Georgia.”

“I’d ask how you know this and why you have tracking devices, but maybe I don’t want to know.”

“You don’t. Let’s just say they’ve come in handy.” Tori returned to the front of the vehicle and the grill. “They’re smokers.”

“They are. How did you know?”

“I could smell it on them.”

Carlita remembered her brief lecture to the men earlier and repeated their argument. “They have worse habits.”

“Without a doubt.” Tori placed a hand on her hip as she studied the car. “Front grills are iffy. We can’t put it near heat.”

“Hold this.” She handed Carlita the tracking device, placed both hands on the front bumper and carefully lowered onto her knees.

“Would you like me to take over?”

“No. I was hoping for a bumper lip, somewhere to place the device where it won’t dislodge or be seen when Ricco or Luigi are out having a smoke.” Tori’s voice grew muffled as she poked her head under the bumper. “I think I’ve got it.