“Who?”
“Kyle Flinch.”
“We’ve already interviewed him. He was a former employee of Lawson’s.”
“I suspect Kyle may have known about the human trafficking and was taking hush money from Lawson to keep quiet,” Mercedes said. “Our theory is they argued the other night and Kyle struck him.”
She told the detective Kyle admitted to sneaking on board the ship and overhearing a conversation between Lawson and another man. “He claims they were speaking in Spanish and he didn’t understand. We found out later Flinch speaks fluent Spanish.”
Polivich jotted some notes in his notepad before flipping it shut and shoving it into his pocket. “If what you’re saying is true, that he argued with Kyle over the human trafficking, Lawson is desperate to keep it quiet and won’t name Kyle as his attacker.”
“Which is what we told you before.” Mercedes turned to her mother. “Now all we have to do is get the business development office to remove the hold on Pirate Pete’s venture.”
“I may be able to help,” Detective Polivich said. “Let me make a couple of quick phone calls to see what I can do.”
*****
The upbeat tempo of the jazz band drifted out of the courtyard and onto the sidewalk, where Carlita stood greeting guests. She recognized a few of the faces, but most of them, Cool Bones’ friends, were people she’d never met before.
While she waited for more arrivals, she wandered over to admire the new sign Bob Lowman had hung above the door of her soon-to-be restaurant that morning. Carlita’s chest swelled with pride.
“Tis a beautiful night,” Pirate Pete’s voice echoed in her ear.
Carlita was so absorbed in admiring her new sign; she hadn’t heard Pirate Pete and Tori sneak up behind her. “It is,” she beamed. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s fabulous,” Tori said. “I can’t wait to enjoy some of your authentic Italian cuisine.”
“This business is a dream come true.” Carlita turned her attention to Pete. “Well? I heard the license went through and that Lawson is in jail awaiting a hearing for human trafficking. Perhaps you’ll be in the market to buy a riverboat.”
“I think not. I’m still trying to work out all of the kinks and get The Flying Gunner in open water.”
“The Flying Gunner?” Carlita smiled. “Is that the name you picked for the ship?”
“Aye and Gunner is excited, squawking and carryin’ on like he’s something special,” Pete said.
“Because Gunner is special. Now all you have to do is pick a name for your pirate show.”
“Already got that figured out, too,” Pete said. “It’s going to be called Pirates in Peril. I’ve got a few of my workers already hired, thanks to a much-needed contribution by one of my favorite business partners.”
“Hey,” Tori tapped Pete’s shoulder. “What am I?”
“My Queen Tori, of course,” Pete winked at Tori. “With your generous contribution and a little number crunching, I’ll have enough to get The Flying Gunner sailing the high seas in no time.”
“It’s a shame about Kyle Flinch,” Carlita sobered. “And I feel terrible for his sister, Tierney.”
“First, the authorities have to find him,” Pete said. “Last I heard, they think he headed back to Mexico. I’m sure he’s beginning to realize it wasn’t worth taking money in exchange for compromising poor peoples’ lives.”
“Thanks to you and Mercedes, those people are free and maybe even more now that the authorities have tracked down some of Lawson’s other connections,” Tori said.
“I hope so. What a terrible situation.”
The music grew louder and Mercedes flitted out of the courtyard. “There you are. Cool Bones is looking for you. He wants you to make a small speech.”
“I hate public speaking,” Carlita groaned.
“But you can mention Ravello,” Mercedes argued.
“And the new pirate ship,” Pete added.
“You guys are twisting my arm.”
“In a good way,” Mercedes said. “You got this, Ma. Remember, you’re a savvy Savannah businesswoman.”
Carlita chuckled. “You know what, Mercedes? I am a successful, savvy Savannah businesswoman.” She clapped her hands. “Shall we go in and get this party started?”
Mercedes grinned. “Lead the way, Ma. Lead the way.”
The end.
The Made in Savannah Mystery Series Continues!
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