The Garlucci family was a lifetime away from a life of crime. Which brought up her concern over the arrival of Luigi and Ricco. Mafia through and through, there was no way she could keep tabs on them. She hoped if they moved into the efficiency, they would be less apt to find trouble…something Carlita didn’t need.
There was also Sam and Mercedes’ blossoming romance. Although her daughter insisted that she and Sam were only friends, her eyes lit every time the tall, dark-haired tenant was in the vicinity. It was only a matter of time before her daughter admitted there was something special between them.
At dinner, Autumn had confessed she’d heard the rumors about the Garlucci family. If Autumn had heard it, then others had, too. Perhaps even Pirate Pete, her real estate friend and neighbor, Annie Dowton, and even Tori Montgomery.
Not that Tori and Pirate Pete didn’t have skeletons in their own closets. In fact, they were fully aware of Carlita’s past connections up north.
Carlita’s pulse quickened as she thought about the ruggedly handsome pirate, who had called her out of the blue a couple of days ago and invited her to join him on his pirate ship for a Spooky Eats and Inns event.
Disappointed she couldn’t take him up on the invitation since she was scheduled to work an evening shift at the restaurant, he took the rejection in stride, promising to ask again soon. And now with Brittney’s unexpected visit, her plans and schedule had gone right out the window.
She finished collecting the rest of the leaves, placed them in the yard waste bin near the gate and returned home. Rambo was back, which meant Mercedes and Sam had returned from their walk.
Her cell phone was sitting on the kitchen counter. Carlita checked for missed calls before deciding to check on Reese. “How did your meeting with your boss, Buzz, go?”
“He was cool about it. He assured me he doesn’t hold me responsible for the incident with the Savannah Six. I also talked to Detective Polivich. The trolley passenger suffered a concussion along with some minor cuts. They’re keeping him at the hospital overnight for observation, but it looks like he’s going to make a complete recovery.”
“That’s great news, Reese.” Carlita thanked her friend for the update and ended the call. On her way to the bedroom, she checked to make sure she’d locked up.
Mercedes’ bedroom door was ajar. Through the crack in the door, Carlita could see Brittney sprawled out on the bed, remote in hand. She gave the door a light rap and stuck her head inside. “I’m heading to bed. Do you need anything?”
“No. Thank you for asking.” Brittney struggled to an upright position. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” Carlita smiled.
“No. I mean, I know you didn’t plan to have me here, and I basically drove Mercedes out of her own home.”
Carlita made her way into the room and perched on the end of the bed. “You’re family now, Brittney. Our home is your home.”
Brittney’s lower lip started to tremble, and Carlita patted her leg. “Are you all right?”
“I…Savannah is so far from home and my parents. I guess my hormones are working overtime, and I’m a little homesick.”
“And you couldn’t go stay with your mother because of the potential threats,” Carlita said softly.
Brittney nodded, tears filling her eyes. “Daddy didn’t want me there. He’s worried someone will go after both of us.”
“And he’s not worried that will happen here?”
“He says you got a pretty good family fortress. That’s what Daddy called it. He figures this place is as safe as any. So does Vinnie. Plus, Mercedes told me about the former cop living here. Two armed men under one roof…or living next door to each other.”
“Not to mention Mercedes.”
“She has a gun?”
“Mercedes has a carry permit, too. And I’m sure Luigi and Ricco are armed, as well.”
“Yep.” Brittney dabbed at her eyes and then stifled a yawn. “Excuse me.”
“It’s been a long day.” Carlita stood. “I’m right next door if you need anything.”
Rambo, who had been waiting by the door, plodded after Carlita as they made their way down the stairs and into the alley for the pooch’s last bathroom break before bedtime. She glanced in the direction of Elvira’s place, wondering how she was feeling.
The pup led the way to his strip of green grass on the other side of the parking lot. He patrolled the perimeter before abruptly stopping.
Rambo’s ears flattened. He let out a low warning growl right before a loud popping sound rang out, and a bullet whizzed over the top of Carlita’s head.
Chapter 5
Carlita did the first thing that came to mind and hit the ground, landing face down. She squeezed her eyes shut, her heart thumping loudly in her chest at the sound of heavy steps in the alley behind her.
“Don’t move,” a deep male voice growled.
“I…I’m not,” Carlita gasped.
“Mrs. Garlucci?”
Carlita opened her eyes to find Luigi standing over her. “What are you doing out here?”
“I live here.” Furious, she sprang to her feet. “You better not have hit Rambo.”
She raced to the other side of the car and found Rambo crouched under the front bumper. “Come here,” Carlita gently coaxed. “It’s okay.”
The pup’s legs trembled as he reluctantly crept from his hiding spot.
Carlita wrapped her arms around him. “You’ll be okay.”
She waited for him to stop trembling and led him to the alley where Luigi and Ricco stood watching. “I’m taking Rambo home. Don’t move. Either one of you. I’ll be right back.”
Carlita and Rambo reached the apartment, nearly colliding with Mercedes who was halfway out the door. “Are you all right? I
