“I doubt it, but I can still take a look at them later before I start my shift.”
The women climbed the stairs and found the apartment door ajar. Carlita could hear the tinkle of laughter coming from within. “Mercedes?”
A flushed Mercedes hurried out of the kitchen, closely followed by a sheepish Sam Ivey.
“Hey, Ma.”
“What’s that smell?” Carlita sniffed the air. “Are you cooking?”
Mercedes’ face turned a shade of red. “Sam and I ran into each other walking the dogs. He told me he had this morning off, so I invited him to breakfast/brunch.”
“I see.” Carlita smiled slyly. “How thoughtful.”
“It smells good,” Reese sniffed appreciatively.
“I made Valdosta paninos. It’s a breakfast panini with freshly sliced prosciutto cotto, fontina cheese, and Ma’s homemade mayonnaise layered on a semi-sweet bun. I made some extra if you want to join us.”
“The weather is nice, and there’s plenty of room for us on the balcony,” Sam chimed in. “We could dine al fresco.”
Mercedes and Carlita burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Sam asked.
“Al fresco in Italian means spending time in the cooler or jail,” Carlita explained.
“I meant dine outside.”
“We know what you meant. Reese and I don’t want to interrupt.”
“You’re not interrupting,” Mercedes insisted.
Reese patted her stomach. “I’m never one to pass up delicious food.”
“It’s settled then. I’ll pour the espresso macchiatos.” Sam reached for the small ceramic cups. “If someone wants to lend a hand and grab the bowl of fruit and juice, we’ll head outside before the food gets cold.”
Carlita dropped her purse on the counter and followed Mercedes, who was carrying the plate of sandwiches, to the balcony table. “I’m sorry, Mercedes. We didn’t mean to ruin your romantic brunch.”
“It’s not a romantic brunch.” Mercedes rolled her eyes. “I was walking Rambo, ran into Sam and Sadie and invited him over. It’s no big deal.”
“A big deal? You deciding to cook is a big deal,” her mother joked.
“If Brittney can cook, so can I. Speaking of Brittney, how did it go dropping the three of them off at Tori’s place?”
“Fine. I think I’m more concerned about them staying at Montgomery Hall than Tori is.”
“If anyone can handle those three, it’s Tori. She has the background and staff to keep them safe and out of trouble.”
“I still think Ricco and Luigi know more about Rutger’s death than they’re letting on.”
Reese and Sam started heading their way, and Carlita changed the subject. “Now that Brittney is gone for a couple of days, are you coming back home?”
“Yeah. I figured I would give Autumn a break from having me around. Besides, her futon is harder than a rock, and it’s killing my back.”
“I’ve got the caffeine,” Reese sing-songed. “What a treat…a gourmet breakfast. I don’t believe I’ve ever had Valdosta panino.”
They all settled in at the table. Mercedes passed around the plate of sandwiches while Carlita reached for the bowl of fresh fruit.
“Are you two dating?” Reese eyed Sam and Mercedes curiously. “I’ve noticed you walking the dogs when I’m on my route.”
“We’re friends,” Mercedes picked at a piece of melted cheese. “We like to hang out.”
“Friends?” Sam chuckled. “That’s news to me.”
“I mean. Yeah. We’re more than friends.” Mercedes shot Sam an exasperated look. “I already told you, if I mention the word ‘dating,’ Ma will have us engaged before Christmas.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” Sam teased.
Mercedes scowled.
“Fine. We’re friends…very good friends,” Sam played along.
“Dating friends,” Carlita clapped her hands. “A Christmas engagement sounds romantic.”
Mercedes kicked her mother under the table.
“Ouch.”
“Your daughter is starting to become violent. I think it’s time to change the subject,” Sam sobered. “The authorities still haven’t made an arrest in Davis Rutger’s death. They have a few persons of interest. Two of them are the men who were hanging around our neighborhood the other night.”
Carlita and Mercedes exchanged a quick glance. “Did they say what the men looked like?”
“One was medium build, wearing dark clothing. The other was heavyset and wearing a fedora. They asked me if I’d seen anyone matching those descriptions. I told them your daughter-in-law was here but that I hadn’t seen anyone else.”
“You’re a former cop.” Carlita popped a grape in her mouth. “You’ve heard the story. Who do you think killed Davis Rutger?”
“Someone who knew him. It wasn’t a random murder,” Sam said. “My guess is it had something to do with the trolley incident since his body was dumped in the vicinity. Maybe another member of his group or one of Phil Duce’s dregs.”
“I didn’t even know the Black Stallion Club was back open until the other day.”
Sam rubbed his thumb and index finger together. “The Duce family greased a few palms. Phil Duce is Pat Duce’s brother. But back to my theory…it was either one of Duce’s guys who took Davis Rutger out as payback or it was one of Rutger’s own posse. They’re a rough bunch.”
Carlita reached for her macchiato, savoring the robust aroma before taking a tentative sip. “I’ve done a little research on the other five in the group. There are four men and a woman…Lisa something.”
“Lisa Zant,” Sam said. “Most of them have rap sheets.”
“Did you hear that from the guys at the station?”
“Yeah, but it’s public information. All you gotta do is search the county’s public arrest records.”
Carlita’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
“Of course. With all of your sleuthing background, you’ve never done that?” Sam teased.
“No, but you can bet your bottom dollar I’m gonna start today.”
“Darn tootin’,” Reese nodded. “The cops are after me, but I’m not going down without a fight. Detective Polivich is snooping around in my personnel file. I think someone followed me home from work last night. It’s only a
