Davis Rutger. Ringleader. Ring tattoo.
Based on her limited information, Carlita believed at least a couple of the Savannah Six, the locals, had no previous run-ins with the law enforcement until Davis Rutger and Kellen Saylor came to town. Reading between the lines, they met up with Clifton Boggs and Lisa Zant, who were also locals and who had previous arrest records.
Somewhere along the line, Davis Rutger formed the Savannah Six and became the ringleader, the one who called the shots.
Perhaps Phil Duce had set up Rutger’s death so it appeared to be one of the Savannah Six or he caught wind of Luigi and Ricco’s arrival and knew they were in town at Vito’s request. If Phil Duce connected the dots and was aware of his sister’s previous contact with Vito and Vinnie, he saw the perfect opportunity to take Rutger out, causing the Savannah Six to scatter.
Duce figured the police would discover Luigi and Ricco’s presence, pick them up for questioning, take one look at their backgrounds and charge them with Rutger’s murder.
Carlita and Mercedes were ready and waiting when Tony arrived. During the walk to Market Street the trio discussed business and Brittney’s visit and then the conversation turned to Rutger’s death.
Carlita briefly laid out her theory…Phil Duce and his men had set Luigi and Ricco up to take the fall for Davis Rutger’s death. “All Duce’s men had to do was place an anonymous call to the cops about two suspicious men hanging around at the time of Rutger’s death, the cops check the area surveillance cameras and see them on the tapes.”
“It’s possible,” Tony agreed. “Speaking of cops, I think they’re tailing us.”
“Now?” Carlita glanced around.
“Yep. They’re rookies but cops nonetheless.” Tony motioned to his mother’s cell phone. “Anything on your tracking app?”
“Not yet. Maybe Luigi and Ricco took your advice or talked to Vito, and he told them to stay put.” Carlita checked the tracker app again. “Yeah. Nothing. The cops can follow us all night long. They’re wasting their time.”
They reached the Thirsty Crow and found Cool Bones and his band setting up in the back. They chatted with them for a few minutes before finding an empty table near the front.
Carlita and her children ordered burgers and fries, and the food arrived hot and fast. By the time they finished eating, the band had begun playing. They listened to a couple of sets, and then Carlita’s eyes began to droop.
“You look tired, Ma,” Tony said. “I’m ready to head home. I’m sure Shelby and Violet are back by now.”
“I am pretty beat.” Carlita reached for her purse.
Tony stopped her. “I’m buying.”
“Thanks for dinner, Son.”
“You’re welcome. We should do this more often.”
The City Market district was busy for a Saturday night. There were several bars along the main strip, and music wafted from the open doors. They reached Elmwood Square, a quieter area of town.
“What a beautiful night,” Carlita breathed deeply, gazing up at the twinkling stars. “Gotta love Savannah in November.”
“It’s a lot nicer weather than New York,” Mercedes said.
They exited Elmwood Square and turned onto a side street when Carlita’s phone started to beep. She pulled it from her pocket and studied the screen. “Here we go.”
Chapter 21
“Luigi and Ricco are on the move?” Tony guessed.
“No. Steve Winter sent me a text. He said he has some information for us.” Carlita stepped off to the side and dialed Steve’s cell phone number.
“Hey, Carlita. I heard back from my buddy, Mick.”
Steve started to say something else, but Carlita missed it because her phone was beeping again, this time almost non-stop.
“Hang on Steve.” Carlita pulled the phone away from her ear. It was the tracking app. It showed Tori’s place and the red dot moving at a fast clip along US-80, heading toward the mainland. “Ricco and Luigi are on the move.”
She returned to the line. “Sorry, Steve.”
There was no reply. “Steve?”
“He’s gone.” Carlita stared at the phone. “He must’ve hung up.”
“What about Luigi and Ricco?” Tony motioned to his mother’s phone.
“They’re in their car, heading toward the mainland.”
“Let’s take a detour toward the river,” Tony suggested. “Maybe we can head them off.”
“I’m up for it,” Mercedes frowned as she patted her pocket. “I left my gun at home.”
“I got mine.” Tony lowered his voice. “I never leave home without it.”
The trio changed direction and began heading toward the Riverfront District. Carlita trailed behind, keeping one eye on the sidewalk and the other on the tracking app.
The red dot on the screen continued to move at a fast clip. “I think we’re gonna get there about the same time.” Carlita and her children reached the corner of Bay Street and waited for the light to change before crossing to the other side.
“Hold up. Let me try calling Steve back.” She dialed his number.
“Hey, Carlita. Sorry about that. I had to take another call. I was telling you my friend, Mick, recognized the crude carving on Rutger’s chest.” Steve proceeded to describe the person who came in inquiring about a similar tattoo.
“Y-you’re sure?”
“Positive. Cops are already on it. They talked to Mick yesterday about the carving. I’d appreciate it if you leave my name out of it if you mention this to anyone.”
“As in the cops,” Carlita said.
“Yeah.”
“Gotcha. Thank you for letting me know.” She disconnected the call, waving the phone in the air as she filled her children in on what Steve had said.
“That shifts everything into a completely different light,” Tony said. “We gotta get to Luigi and Ricco before they walk right into a freakin’ setup.”
“I’ll try calling.” Carlita tried both of their cell phone numbers, but there was no answer. “They’re not picking
