“We should turn in the leftover appetizers, too.”
“Good idea.” Carlita pointed at Mercedes’ gun. “But first, can you please put that thing away? You make me nervous.”
*****
Neither Officer Clousen nor Detective Polivich was at the precinct. After explaining to the desk clerk that they possessed potential evidence in the Monica Clay murder investigation, the clerk radioed the officer and the detective.
Half an hour later, Detective Polivich arrived and Clousen a short time later. They ushered mother and daughter into a back room where they took turns laying out their theory and handing off the evidence, including the leftover appetizers from the wedding reception.
“This is an interesting turn of events.” Detective Polivich perused Monica Clay’s application before placing it on top of the pile. “You’re saying your restaurant manager, Dominic Guzman, may also be the anonymous crime hotline tipster? He was working for the owner of Russo’s Italian Eatery, to murder one or more of your wedding guests.”
“Yes,” Carlita nodded. “I believe that’s the case. They killed Monica Clay after she panicked and tried to leave town with Duane Sorensen aka Blake Taylor. I’m sure you know by now which is his real name.”
“We believe Sorensen is still alive,” Mercedes said. “We fibbed and told Dominic Guzman that Duane contacted us, and he freaked out.”
“Let me put out a couple of APBs. I’ll see if we can’t step up the search for Sorensen aka Taylor and also try to track down Dominic Guzman before he skips town.” Officer Clousen stepped out of the office.
“What about Mike Russo?” Carlita turned to Polivich. “He’s definitely a suspect.”
“We need more evidence and a chance to talk to Guzman first,” Detective Polivich said. “Russo has connections in town. He sits on the restaurant board. We’ll have to proceed carefully.”
The detective stood - his signal the meeting had ended. “In the meantime, you may want to watch your backs, if what you’re telling us is true.” He escorted them to the lobby. “We’ll be in touch as soon as we follow up on your information.”
During the walk home, Carlita mulled over the turn of events. It all started when Duane Sorensen left the headless cake topper on their back steps. Little did he know Elvira’s camera was recording his every move.
Carlita suspected Sorensen might have also been the one who broke into the restaurant. Next was Megan’s poisoning. Monica realized she’d injured the woman, freaked out and abandoned the plan.
Duane, now identified as Blake, may have had second thoughts, as well, or maybe he was the one who murdered Monica, convinced she was going to talk.
Dominic must have suspected, or maybe he knew he was listed as a reference on the employee applications. Carlita had trusted him implicitly, given the glowing recommendation from Mike Russo. She only briefly glanced at the applications. The fact he denied it and lied was the first clue.
“I was certain Vito’s nemesis, Louie, from the family was responsible for Megan’s death. All the while, it was a trusted employee. I am a terrible judge of character,” Carlita lamented.
“Maybe you should put me in charge of hiring the restaurant employees, too,” Mercedes teased.
“I suck at being a business owner.”
“No, you don’t, Ma. You’re a savvy entrepreneur, not to mention a great role model.”
“Thanks, Mercedes. Sometimes, I do wonder.” Carlita changed the subject. “When we get home, we need to get ready for dinner. I’m starving.”
“Wait ‘til we tell Tony and Paulie what happened,” Mercedes said. “They’re not going to believe it.”
“I’m having a hard time believing it myself.”
Chapter 26
Carlita nervously clasped her hands. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
“You’re as ready as you’re ever going to be.” Pirate Pete patted her shoulder. “This is the fun stuff, the real test of your willpower and grit.”
“Thanks for being here, for pitching in these last few days, not to mention loaning me one of your restaurant managers after Dominic’s arrest.”
Pirate Pete shook his head. “I was shocked when I found out the authorities arrested Mike Russo and charged him, along with Dominic, with the murders of Megan Burelli and Monica Clay. Did you hear back on the appetizers you turned in to the authorities…if they contained traces of poison?”
“They were clean. My guess is Monica tossed the tainted stuff in the dumpster after taking the tray away, which could be around the time you saw Blake and Monica in the alley. Why she picked Megan as her target…we may never know.”
Carlita continued. “Dominic and Russo might’ve gotten away with it if the police hadn’t finally caught up with Blake Taylor over on Tybee Island. He confessed to his part in Megan’s death, how Russo paid all three of them.”
She tapped the tip of her chin thoughtfully. “What do you think will happen to Russo’s restaurant?”
“I heard his brother, Pietro, is going to run it.”
Carlita could see several people milling about out front, waiting to be among the first to dine at Ravello’s Ristorante. “It’s now or never.” She signaled for the server to open the doors.
Pete smiled. “I was thinking with Russo in jail…there’s an opening for the president of the Savannah Area Restaurant Association. You should apply.”
Carlita’s eyes widened in horror. “No way. Can you picture me heading up a committee of all of the restaurant owners in the Savannah area?”
“Yes.” A slow smile spread across Pete’s face. “I can picture you handling that amongst other things.”
He nodded toward the entrance, where a group of hungry diners gathered, waiting to be seated. “Ravello’s Ristorante is finally, officially open for business.”
The end.
The Series Continues…
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