The Family Affair: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 9) by Hope Callaghan (great books of all time .txt) 📕

Mercedes’ eyes followed the couple as Brittney gazed inside one of the display cases.  “She seems a little too innocent and naïve for big bro.”

“Maybe it’s all an act to throw us off.  She’s probably been sent here to spy on us. Think about it. We know for a fact the family has been down here, checking on us.  Now they won’t even have to hide it. One of them is family now - literally.”

A wave of nausea washed over Carlita.  It was the worst-case scenario. “What was Vinnie thinking?”

“I don’t know. What I do know is someone needs to have a serious conversation with him,” Mercedes said.  “I think that’s why he kept it a secret. He knew you wouldn’t approve.”

“We need to warn Tony.” Tony’s customer exited the store and she motioned him over while Josh made his way to the jewelry counter and opened the case for Brittney and Vinnie.

Tony gave his brother a quick glance and made his way to his mother’s side.  “I guess the hot blonde is Vinnie’s surprise.”

“Wife,” Carlita said.

“Wife?” Tony raised an eyebrow.  “Vinnie got married?”

“Yep,” Mercedes nodded.

Tony let out a low whistle.  “No wonder he didn’t tell you what he was up to.”

“If I’d known, I would’ve knocked him out, tied him up and locked him in the apartment until he came to his senses.”

Tony turned to study the couple.  “She’s a looker, kinda young though.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Mercedes said.

Brittney sashayed across the store.  “Vinnie bought me this Tiffany watch. Isn’t it fabulous?” She waved a hot pink, diamond encrusted watch in their faces.  “And such a bargain, too.”

Mercedes said the first thing that came to mind.  “It matches your shoes.”

Carlita pointed to Tony.  “Brittney, this is Tony, my middle son and Vinnie’s brother.” She turned to Tony.  “Tony, this is your new sister-in-law, Brittney.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Tony shook her hand and motioned to the watch.  “You have a good eye for jewelry. That’s a fine piece.”

Tony snaked an arm around his older brother’s shoulders and gave him a man-hug. “Ma is gonna kill you,” he whispered in his ear.

“Yes, it is.” Brittney didn’t appear to hear Tony as she smiled brightly and admired her new watch.

“Are Shelby and Violet going to join us for dinner?” Carlita asked.  “I’m making Tuscan chicken macaroni and cheese.”

“I hope so,” Tony said.  “Shelby had to work all day.  I left her a message and figured she’d call me back on her lunch break. I haven’t heard back.  I should try again. I’m getting kinda worried.”

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Carlita patted her son’s arm.  “We better head upstairs.  Vinnie has a lot of luggage to unload.”

“You wanna borrow my apartment?” Tony asked.

“No, they need more space,” Mercedes quipped.  “Their luggage won’t fit inside your apartment.”

Carlita pinched Mercedes’ arm.

“Ouch.”

“Vinnie and Brittney are going to stay in the vacant apartment since our new tenant, Mr. Ivey, won’t be moving in until February.”

Tony promised he would join them after the store closed and the others retraced their steps through the back of the store before climbing the stairs and making their way into their apartment.

Carlita pulled out a tray of munchies from the fridge and then started a pot of coffee while Vinnie lugged the luggage up the stairs to the empty apartment.

While the coffee brewed, Mercedes offered to track down a few pieces of furniture from the local rental place, including a bed, a sofa and a television.

Vinnie was vague on the length of time they would be staying, which left Carlita wondering how long she would have to worry about the mob showing up on her doorstep.

After Vinnie stowed the luggage, the foursome congregated at the dining room table. The conversation centered on Brittney, the new penthouse apartment and Vinnie’s new job.

Brittney rattled on, giving Carlita a chance to study her.  She seemed innocent, perhaps a little too innocent or maybe she had led a sheltered life, which wasn’t unusual for a female “family” member.

Carlita gazed at Mercedes, remembering how Vinnie and she had attempted to shelter their daughter from the “family.”

Looking back, she would’ve done things differently and prepared Mercedes for the real world. After Vinnie’s death, Carlita and her daughter had struggled to figure out not only how to open bank accounts, but how to balance those accounts and handle business transactions.

As Brittney talked, Carlita could see the young woman was head-over-heels in love with Vinnie. She gazed thoughtfully at her son. Was Vinnie in love with her or was he using her to expand his position within the “family?”

She hoped, or at least suspected, it was some of both. Vinnie was a good son, but she was shocked by the announcement, especially after Vinnie’s first failed marriage to Michele.  He’d sworn off ever marrying again.

Carlita turned to her daughter. “Any luck with the furniture rental?”

“Yes. The rental place promised to drop the stuff off sometime before five o’clock. There was an extra fee, but at least Vinnie and Brittney won’t be sleeping on the floor.”

True to their word, a big box truck arrived an hour later, and Mercedes and Carlita helped Vinnie and his new bride settle in. It was early evening when they finished, giving Carlita just enough time to warm the Tuscan chicken dinner. She was in the process of setting the table when Tony showed up.

She took one look at her son’s face and knew something was wrong. Carlita dropped the oven mitt on the counter.  “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Shelby. She’s at the Savannah-Burnham Police Department being questioned.”

Chapter 3

“The police department?” Carlita’s hand flew to her mouth.

Mercedes overheard the conversation and hustled into the living room.  “The cops are here?”

“No.” Tony ran a ragged hand through his hair.