“That’s terrible,” Gil Cross said. “Hopefully, it was an accident and not the food.”
“Why would it be the food?” Carlita asked. “I don’t see anyone else getting sick…unless you know something I don’t.”
“No,” Gil said. “I’m sure the food was fine.”
Carlita thanked them for the feedback and then made her way into the kitchen where she’d locked her purse in the desk drawer.
She stepped out back and called the number on the card the officer left, but no one answered, so she left a brief message.
“Mrs. Garlucci.” Dominic, her new manager, stuck his head out the door. “Well? How was the food?”
“It was delicious. I’m getting rave reviews, even from other area restaurant owners.” Carlita smiled. “You’ve done a great job.”
Her cell phone beeped, and she recognized the officer’s number.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Carlita stepped to the corner of the building and pressed the answer button. “Carlita Garlucci speaking.”
“Hello, Mrs. Garlucci. This is Officer Nate Clousen with the Savannah Police Department returning your call.”
“Yes, thank you for calling me back Officer Clousen. I was hoping you might have an update on the condition of Megan Burelli, the guest at my son’s wedding.”
“I do have new information. Unfortunately, it’s not good.”
Chapter 8
“She’s in the ICU,” Clousen said.
Carlita reached out to steady herself. “That’s terrible. Do the doctors have any idea what happened?”
“It’s still too soon to say,” the officer admitted. “I’m sorry to have to give you this news at what should be a joyous occasion.”
“There’s no need to apologize. Thank you for the call, and please…keep me posted.” After hanging up, Carlita stared blankly at the phone, her mind whirling.
Dominic, who was still standing in the doorway, spoke. “You got some bad news?”
“One of the guests experienced a medical episode. They took her to the hospital. That was the officer who was on the scene.”
“I hope she’s all right,” Dominic said.
“We’re still waiting on more information.” Anxious to avoid giving too many details, Carlita quickly excused herself and returned to the reception.
She went through the motions of the celebration, all the while Officer Nate’s words ringing in her ears that a young woman, her guest, was gravely ill. Should she tell Tony and Shelby what happened?
After several attempts to catch Shelby and Tony alone, she decided to wait until the reception ended.
The last official event was cutting the cake, and finally, the guests began to leave.
Among the last to leave were Pirate Pete and the group of Savannah restaurant business owners.
“Thank you for joining us.” Carlita attempted a half-hearted smile.
“You’re welcome. Thank you for inviting us.” Pete leaned in for a hug. “Is everything all right?” he whispered in Carlita’s ear.
“Not really. We can talk later.” Carlita pulled away. “How are the Flying Gunner and your Pirates in Peril show faring?”
“Business is brisk. In fact, it’s better than expected. Of course, summertime is one of the busier seasons in Savannah. We’re booked at seventy-five percent for our weekday shows and almost a hundred percent on weekends.”
“I thought that was the case and noticed long lines at the dock.” Carlita and Rambo were regulars at Morell Park, a stone’s throw from Gunner’s Landing, where The Flying Gunner was docked and where guests boarded the boat for the “Pirates in Peril” show.
With the wedding and gearing up for the restaurant opening, Carlita hadn’t found the extra time to take in the show, which included a cruise along the Savannah River. “I’m hoping now that the wedding is behind us, I can sneak over one afternoon. Should I make a reservation?”
“No reservation needed. We’ll fit you in, matie,” Pete winked. “Why don’t you bring the whole family?”
“We could. Paulie, Gina and their children are in town for a few days. Mercedes and I will be watching Violet while Tony and Shelby take a short honeymoon. I bet my grandkids would love the show.”
“Then what’re you waiting for? Bring ‘em all.”
“I think I will.” Carlita thanked him and the other local restaurant owners again for attending.
“You’ll do a bang up business here. You’re in a prime real estate spot, what with the new trolley stop right out front.” Mike Russo patted Carlita’s arm. “I’m sure there are plenty of patrons and enough room for both our Italian restaurants.”
“And enough pizza eaters,” Cross, the owner of Monster Pizza, chimed in.
“Thank you for all of your support,” Carlita said gratefully.
“We’ll see you at Wednesday’s regular restaurant meeting?” Mike asked.
“Of course.” Carlita waited for the trio to exit the building before turning her attention to the almost empty dining room. The busboys were hard at work clearing the remaining dishes left behind by the wedding guests.
Reese and Mercedes stood talking near the back, while Violet skipped circles around them.
Carlita joined them and grabbed Violet’s hand. “Did you have a piece of cake?”
“Yes. I’m still hungry,” she said. “Can I have another piece of cake?”
“I have a better idea. We’ll grab some leftovers to take home including some leftover cake.” Carlita picked up the small child and held her close. “Did you have fun at Mommy and Tony’s wedding?”
Violet nodded. “I wish they could get married every day.”
“Not me,” Carlita groaned.
Vinnie, Brittney, Paulie, Gina and the kids wandered over.
Violet wiggled out of Carlita’s arms, and the children scampered off to play.
“You heard anything else about the woman out in the courtyard?” Vinnie asked. “Ricco said they took her away in an ambulance.”
“She’s in intensive care. There’s no news about the cause of her collapse yet.”
“Oh no.” Brittney’s eyes grew wide. “I heard she was the same one who was flirting with Vinnie. I told her to knock it off, or I was going to have
