“No. I was hoping there might be something more. Unfortunately, your cameras don’t reach beyond the trolley stop. I would still like to see what you might have on the restaurant cameras.”
“We can do that from the restaurant.” Carlita turned the computer off. She followed the detective into the hall, switching off the lights and locking the doors on her way out. “I’m sorry to hear about the young man’s death. He seemed to have somewhat of a troubled history.”
Jackson followed her to the alley. “It’s been a rough few weeks dealing with the Savannah Six.”
“Perhaps now that the ringleader is…gone…things will settle down.” Carlita stopped when she reached the restaurant’s entrance. Like the pawnshop, there were two sets of deadbolts securing the back door.
It took a few tries before she managed to locate the correct keys. “I’m sorry it’s taking me so long. I’m not usually around to lock up after closing.” She eased the door open and flipped the light switch, pausing long enough to give her eyes time to adjust to the interior lights. “The surveillance videos are on this laptop.”
She made her way to the corner desk, repeated the steps of switching the computer on, logging in and pulling up the surveillance camera records. Carlita slid out of the seat and motioned for the detective to take her place. “It makes more sense for you to sit here.”
“Thank you.” The detective traded spots with her and began making his way through the recordings. The angle of the restaurant cameras gave a broader view of the vacant lot across the street, but without streetlights and because of the angle of the cameras, they couldn’t see more than ten feet beyond the sidewalk.
“I was hoping your cameras would give us a break in the case.” The detective studied the last frame and then rapped his knuckles on the desk.
“Me too,” Carlita said. “I hope you’re able to track down Mr. Rutger’s killer. The fact his body was found nearby is disturbing.”
“We’re doing our best.” Detective Jackson slowly stood. “We also reviewed another local business owner’s surveillance camera recordings. Detective Polivich noted two persons of interest, men, coming out of your alley last night. According to Polivich, they looked suspicious. We were hoping your cameras were able to catch them on video, as well.”
“Suspicious?”
“Like they were casing the joint.”
“Oh, dear. Do you think they may have been involved in Mr. Rutger’s death?”
“As I said, they are persons of interest, and we would like to talk to them.” The detective pulled a card from his front pocket and handed it to Carlita. “Here’s my card. Please call me if you see anything suspicious or happen to remember anything you think might be helpful to the case.”
“Most definitely.” Carlita tucked the card in her pants pocket before turning the computer off. “I caught a glimpse of the poor man’s body this morning before the authorities arrived. Someone murdered him.”
“I’m not at liberty to discuss an open investigation,” the detective said.
“Yes, but you could see someone had bound his feet together, and there were red marks around his hands and neck like he was strangled.” Carlita briefly closed her eyes. “I can’t get the image out of my head.”
“I’m sorry if my visit upset you,” the detective apologized.
Her eyes flew open. “I know you’re only doing your job. My friend, Reese, one of the trolley drivers, had a run-in with the victim yesterday morning. I’m sure you already know that.”
“We do. Ms. Magillicuddy has been questioned.” Detective Jackson began making his way toward the door. Carlita hurried after him. “There’s no way she could’ve overpowered Mr. Rutger, bound him and then choked him.”
“Like I said, Mrs. Garlucci, I can’t discuss an open investigation. I’ll walk you back to your apartment.” He waited for her to shut off the lights and lock up.
They stepped into the dark alley, and Carlita caught a whiff of cigarette smoke. Her scalp tingled, and she knew they were being watched.
“You smell that?” The detective sniffed the air and began looking around. “I smell cigarette smoke.”
“I do, too.”
The detective made a move toward Carlita’s parking lot and the general vicinity of the smell.
She lunged forward to stop him. “I’m sure it’s nothing. My son, Tony, and his wife live above the restaurant. He isn’t allowed to smoke in the house, so he has to come out here to have a cigarette.”
“I see.” The detective eyed Carlita before shifting his gaze in the direction of the dark parking lot.
“I…I really should get back home.”
The detective relaxed his stance. “As I said, I’m sorry to bother you.”
“It’s no bother. I only wish I could’ve helped.” Carlita and the detective began walking. “I do wish Tony would quit smoking.”
“It’s a bad habit,” the detective agreed.
Carlita slowed when they reached the back door. “Thank you for walking me home.”
“And thank you for your time and for letting me take a look at your surveillance videos.”
“You’re welcome.” She patted her pocket. “If I see anything at all suspicious, or if I happen to remember anything, I’ll give you a call.”
“I appreciate that.” The detective turned on his heel and returned to his unmarked police car. He opened the driver’s side door and then stopped, his gaze shifting to the parking lot and the vicinity of where they’d smelled the smoke.
“Keep going,” Carlita muttered under her breath. “Move along.” She waited until he climbed into his car and drove off before releasing the breath she’d been holding.
Her gut told her Luigi and Ricco had been hiding out in the parking lot or somewhere nearby, watching Carlita and the detective. Detective Jackson sensed it, too, and she suspected he didn’t completely buy her explanation that it was Tony
