“That’s him,” Reese said. “Rutger. He’s the leader. He’s the one who pushed the passenger out the emergency exit.”
“He’s watching us.” Carlita and the others picked up the pace, not slowing until they rounded the corner and were out of sight. “Do you still have your taser with you?”
“I do. Not that it helped. I tried using it, but Rutger knocked it out of my hand.”
“He sounds like a real jerk.” Mercedes waited for her mother and Reese to climb the stairs to their apartment. “How’s it going?” She motioned toward the bedrooms in the back.
“You don’t wanna go back there,” Carlita warned.
“She’s rearranging my stuff,” Mercedes guessed.
“It’s a…strong possibility.”
“Great.” Rambo trotted over and nudged Mercedes’ hand. “Rambo already misses me.” She scratched his ears. “Don’t let her kick you out, too.”
“No one kicked you out. You’re more than welcome to say here with us.”
“And sleep on the sofa.” Mercedes followed her mother into the kitchen.
Carlita lowered her voice. “Brittney is pregnant and carrying your nephew. You need to cut her some slack.”
“I’m trying. It’s just that we have our hands full without Vinnie dumping his problems in our lap. Meanwhile, he’s living it up, free and single at the casino.”
“I wouldn’t call dodging Louie Esposito, or anyone else, fun and games.”
“That sounds like a gangster name.”
Carlita had momentarily forgotten about Reese, who stood quietly listening to the exchange. “You don’t know the half of it, my friend.” She quickly changed the subject. “Can I get you a glass of sweet tea or bottled water?”
“Tea sounds good.”
“Mercedes can pour the tea while I show you to the bathroom so you can get cleaned up.” Carlita led her friend to the bathroom and showed her where to find clean washcloths and bandages before returning to the kitchen.
Reese joined them a short time later. “I feel better already.”
“I figured we could sit on the balcony and get some fresh air.” Carlita set Reese’s tea on the patio table and motioned to an empty chair.
“Thanks.” Reese’s hand shook as she reached for the glass. “As soon as the cops and the Savannah Six clear out, I’m gonna head back to the trolley. I already called my boss, Buzz. He had to send over a backup trolley to pick up my passengers.”
Mercedes slipped onto the balcony and joined them. “I ran next door to Autumn’s apartment. The cops and the troublemakers are still at the trolley stop, but it looks like they’re getting ready to leave.”
“I hope they throw them in jail,” Carlita said.
“Fat chance. They shoulda done something when the six stole the other trolley and trashed the cemetery.” Reese motioned to the building on the other side of the alley. “I haven’t seen much of Elvira these days.”
“She’s ill.” Carlita told them about her conversation with Dernice and how Elvira was under the weather.
“She told you Elvira might have the plague? More like she is the plague,” Reese joked.
“I’m not sure if that’s the case. I got the feeling from the way Dernice was acting there’s more to the story.”
The trio discussed the upcoming holidays and Carlita’s plans to host a party at the restaurant for family and friends. “Since adding Spooky Eats and Inns, business has picked up.”
“I know the tourists love the new attraction,” Reese said. “Every time I pass out the coupons, I get a bunch who say they’re going to give it a try. Fall is the perfect time for touring haunted inns and restaurants.”
“I think calling ours haunted is a stretch, but who knows?” Carlita shrugged. “I’ve never taken the time to delve into the history of the restaurant.”
“But our apartment building was once a casket company,” Mercedes reminded her. “Steve and Autumn told us they heard it was haunted.”
“Close enough for me,” Carlita quipped. “Thanks for trying to throw some business our way.”
“You’re welcome. Anytime.” Reese downed the rest of her tea and consulted her watch. “I better head back to the trolley. I’m sure the police and the Savannah Six are gone by now.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Carlita offered.
Mercedes returned to Autumn’s apartment while Carlita and Reese headed downstairs. Reese was right. The group was long gone, and the trolley sat empty.
She followed her friend up the steps. “Did they damage the interior?”
“I hope not,” Reese said.
The women slowly walked down the center aisle, inspecting the seats and the interior. While they walked, Carlita gathered small pieces of trash the passengers had left behind.
They reached the back, and Carlita watched as Reese checked to make sure the rear emergency exit was closed and locked. “I wonder how the passenger who was injured is doing.”
“Detective Polivich promised he would call me as soon as he had an update on his condition.”
Carlita followed Reese to the front, watching as she inserted the key in the ignition and fired up the trolley. The merry tune of Jingle Bells echoed from the overhead speaker.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Carlita grinned. “At least we’re getting closer to the season, and the music is appropriate.”
“It’s appropriate all year,” Reese joked. “Who doesn’t like Christmas?”
“Scrooge.” Carlita descended the steps and turned back when she reached the sidewalk, her expression growing solemn. “Are you going to be all right?”
“I’m fine. Thanks for everything…for calling the cops…for coming to my rescue. Thank Tony for me too.”
“I will,” Carlita promised. “I’m not sure today was the end of the Savannah Six’s crime wave.”
“Unfortunately, I have to agree. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of them.” Reese gave Carlita a wave and closed the door before pulling away from the curb and driving off.
On her way home, Carlita stopped to check on Luigi and Ricco, who were camped out in their car. As
