An internal investigation ensued and the Savannah Police Department placed Officer Ivey on paid leave. After the investigation ended, he was released back to duty. He submitted his resignation less than a month later.
“How awful,” Carlita whispered. She read several more stories, all repeating the same thing and one of them adding that Ivey began offering walking tours in the historic district.
She wandered into the kitchen to turn the oven on and warm the bread. Mercedes emerged from her room and breezed into the kitchen. “What time is Tony coming for dinner?”
“He should be here shortly. I ran into Steve Winter during my walk with Rambo. We got on the subject of our new tenant, Sam Ivey, and the reason he quit the police force. There was some sort of incident and investigation. He couldn’t remember the details, so when I got home, I looked it up.”
Carlita briefly told her daughter what had happened and her theory Ivey gave up his career because he blamed himself for the young woman’s death.
“But he stopped pursuing her. It wasn’t his fault she was driving recklessly, not wearing a seatbelt and crashed.” Mercedes shifted her feet. “That’s what cops do…they chase the bad guys, or in this case the bad girls.”
“It does explain a little more.”
Tony arrived moments later and Carlita began assembling the food while Mercedes set the table. “We’ll eat first and discuss the business proposition later.”
The trio gathered at the table where Carlita piled pasta on her plate and then poured a generous amount of sauce on top. She grabbed the bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese and sprinkled a spoonful on top.
Tony loaded his plate with food and reached for his fork. “This is good stuff, Ma. Something tastes a little different.”
“I added a few minced green olives. What do you think?”
“That I’m gonna gain five pounds.” Tony patted his stomach.
Mercedes nibbled on a noddle and then dipped it in the sauce. “Ma’s pasta is the best. You can eat it with or without sauce, although the sauce is delicious, nice and creamy, just the way I like it.”
“The sun-dried tomatoes give it a nice tang.” Carlita changed the subject. “How is business at the pawnshop?”
“Good. Now that the weather is warming up, we’re getting more foot traffic.” Tony rattled off some figures and told them he needed to run a few ads because the store’s inventory was starting to dwindle.
They discussed Ravello with Carlita telling her children that Bob Lowman said the last of the punch list was almost completed. “My plan is to start out managing the restaurant. Mercedes offered to help hire the staff. We still have to order food. I’ve talked with Pirate Pete at length about the restaurant business. He’s given me lots of great tips and information.”
Carlita tapped the tines of her fork on the edge of her plate. “I wonder if he would be willing to spare his restaurant manager for a day or two to train me on what I need to be doing.”
“That’s a great idea, Ma. I’m sure he’ll help you out,” Tony said. “Speaking of Pirate Pete, what are you thinking about his offer?”
“I’m on the fence,” Carlita confessed. “On the one hand, I’m always open to making more money. On the other hand, Lawson Bates is making waves, not only accusing Pirate Pete of sabotaging the Mystic Dream but also accusing Mark Fox, Glenda’s husband, of the same.”
“I’ve heard the name, Lawson Bates, before,” Tony said. “He owns the Mystic Dream?”
“Yes, and it was damaged by fire the other morning.”
“What does that have to do with Mark Fox?”
“Mark is in charge of a new riverfront development and I suspect Lawson views it as competition. I dunno if I want to be involved in a project that already has troubles.”
“We got enough of our own without any help,” Mercedes joked.
“Ain’t that the truth.”
The trio finished their meal, and it was a joint clean-up effort. As they worked, Tony told his mother and sister that Shelby was starting to work on the wedding plans. The couple decided it would be a small, intimate affair at a chapel not far from Walton Square. All they needed to do was decide on a date.
If they timed it right, Ravello would be up and running. “We can always have a private luncheon at the new restaurant after the ceremony,” Carlita said.
“I like the idea. I wanna make sure Vinnie, Brittney, Paulie and Gina can make it since I want my brothers to stand up with me.” Tony nodded to his sister. “I think Shelby might ask you to stand up with her, too.”
Mercedes’ eyes lit. “I would love to be a part of the wedding.”
“Don’t say nothin’. I think Shelby wants to ask you herself.”
“My lips are sealed.” Mercedes made a zipping motion across her mouth.
“Now that will be something,” Carlita said.
“Mercedes keeping her mouth shut?” Tony joked.
Mercedes whacked her brother’s arm. “No! Ma meant having all of the family together again.”
The trio returned to the dining room table after they finished cleaning up, and the women waited quietly while Tony set the file folder on the table. “It looks like a standard agreement as far as I can tell, but then I’m no attorney.” He tapped the top sheet. “I don’t see a dollar amount. The space is blank.”
“We noticed that, too,” Carlita said. “Pete threw out a figure of twenty-five thousand dollars. I don’t know how much money we have left to invest. We still need start-up costs for Ravello.”
“I ran some numbers for the rentals and the pawnshop. We’re in the green on both fronts. My guess is Ravello will lose a little in the beginning. If we’re lucky, we’ll break even in four to six months. After
