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

Charles Benson. Lead singer and saxophone.

Duke Drake. Guitar.

Lee Strange. Trombone.

Savannah Blue. Piano.

There were two other members. Confused, Carlita returned to the fireworks picture. “We’re missing a couple.”

“Maybe not everyone was able to make it.”

“True,” Carlita murmured.

“I only remember four. Besides, the stage wasn’t big enough for all of those band members.”

The information was limited, only listing the instrument they played and that they were all from the Savannah area.

“This isn’t much help,” Carlita groaned. “Why wouldn’t they give more information?”

“Because they don’t want groupies stalking them?” Vinnie joked.

“Good point. Elvira was hot after Cool Bones for a while there.”

“Your best bet is to ask Cool Bones about it first thing in the morning.” Vinnie slowly stood. He lifted both hands over his head and stretched. “I’m beat.”

“That’s what I’ll do.” Carlita clicked out of the screens and wandered to the bathroom. Lee Strange. Missing during the fireworks.

Carlita tossed and turned all night, wondering about Luigi. Perhaps he’d taken off and left the area believing the police were after him, not to mention Vito and Jersey Joe.

Jersey Joe had vanished as quickly as he appeared.

She crept out of bed as the first few rays of daylight filtered through the slit in her bedroom curtains. Carlita made a quick trip to the bathroom and congratulated herself on how quiet she’d been only to find Vinnie seated at the kitchen bar area, a cup of coffee in hand.

“Hey, Ma.”

“Hey, Son.” Carlita gave him a quick hug. “Merry Christmas Eve.”

“Merry Christmas Eve to you too.”

She drifted into the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee. “I didn’t sleep worth a toot.”

“Me, either. This is the baby’s first Christmas. I guess I’m excited about it.”

Carlita sipped her coffee as she leaned her hip on the counter, studying her son’s face. He looked happy. Content. Settled in. Married life agreed with him. “I am too. It’s good to have all of you under the same roof, or at least close to all being under the same roof.”

Vinnie cast his mother a wry smile. “One big happy family. I want to go with you when you talk to Cool Bones this morning.”

“Because you think I’m onto something.”

“Maybe. I’d like to get to the bottom of this too, instead of having it hanging over our heads.”

“And heading home without having it resolved means you’ll have to face Vito,” Carlita guessed.

“Close. Let’s just say it’s something I’m not looking forward to.” Vinnie twirled his cell phone, which was sitting on the counter next to him. “I finally heard from Luigi.”

“You did? Is he okay?” A sense of relief flooded Carlita.

“Yeah. He said he was running some errands. He’s home this morning. I’m gonna chat with him after we talk to Cool Bones.” Vinnie sucked in a breath. “It’s only a matter of time before the cops show up, wanting to take a closer look at Ricco and Luigi.”

“And Luigi’s injury.” Carlita knew that if the cops got to him first, there was a chance they would arrest him for Roxy’s murder and never bother pursuing other avenues – such as Lee Strange.

Carlita grabbed the coffee pot and refilled her son’s cup. “I figured you were up early because you can’t wait to share your Christmas surprise.”

“Tonight.” Vinnie cracked a smile. “When we’re all gathered around the Christmas tree.”

“You wanna give me a hint?”

Vinnie started to shake his head and then changed his mind. “Sure. Why not? It starts with the letter ‘c.’”

“Letter ‘c,’” Carlita said. “Candles.”

“You’re good. How did you guess it so fast?” Vinnie teased.

“A car?”

“For the whole family?” Vinnie chuckled.

“Casino. A trip to the casino,” Carlita guessed. “We’re all going to visit you in New Jersey.”

“I wish. That wouldn’t be any fun for the kids, but you’re getting hotter. You got the trip part right.”

“It’s...”

Vinnie lifted a hand and stopped her. “I’ve already given you enough clues. You’ll have your answer in less than twelve hours.”

While Carlita whipped up pancakes, bacon and eggs for breakfast, she thought about how she should pose the question about Cool Bones’ band to him. She didn’t want to outright accuse one of his guys of committing a crime, and then she remembered the framed picture she planned to give him.

It gave her the perfect lead into her line of questioning. Now all she had to do was wait until a decent hour to head next door.

*****

The Garlucci family’s Christmas Eve breakfast was a scene of pure chaos Carlita thoroughly enjoyed. As quickly as the mess was made, the family all pitched in and helped clean up.

Brittney and Gina headed out to pick up a few final things while Mercedes and Sam offered to take Rambo for a walk with Sadie, Sam’s pup.

Shelby and Violet were on their way to visit Shelby’s aunt and uncle. Tony and Paulie, who anticipated some last-minute shoppers, went down to open the pawn shop for a half-day of business.

Ravello’s was closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Carlita had made that decision, knowing most people would be at home with their families – which is what she wanted to do – spend time with her own.

But first, she had to get rid of the dark cloud that had been hanging over the family’s head since the night of the boat parade.

When everyone was gone, and the coast was clear, Carlita grabbed the framed picture of Cool Bones and the Jazz Boys while Vinnie waited in the hall.

They reached his apartment door, and she could hear echoes of soft jazz music coming from within.

“Here goes nothing.” Carlita blew air through thinned lips and rapped loudly.

The door opened, and Cool Bones appeared.