“You’re welcome,” Ken said. “It’s good to be home.”
After he left, Carlita grabbed her purse and joined Pete, who led the way out of the restaurant. They were halfway through the main dining room when she caught the eye of a woman who looked all too familiar.
She did a double-take when she realized who was seated at a table not far from the front door.
Chapter 22
Carlita marched across the dining room to the table for one. “Elvira Cobb.”
“What are you doing here?” A look of surprise crossed Elvira’s face.
“What am I doing here? What are you doing here?”
Elvira shrank down in her chair. “Can you lower your voice?”
Carlita temporarily forgot all about Pete and their date. She plopped down in the chair next to Elvira and leaned in. “Have you wrapped up your ex crisis?”
“I’m close.”
“Are you meeting with Gibbons to discuss the property sale?”
“It’s none of your business. Besides, you’re not my keeper.”
“Thank the Good Lord. I would go insane trying to keep track of you.”
Elvira ignored the jab. “I would ask you the same thing. What are you doing here?”
“Having dinner with Pete.” Carlita realized he was standing directly behind her. “We were having a very nice evening until now.”
“You’re the one who came over. It’s not like I was trying to spy on you. I’m here to see my friend, Ken.”
“And I’m not spying on you,” Carlita hissed. “Listen. Detective Wilson is breathing down my neck. He was on my doorstep earlier today, asking me about Turbell, and then he wanted to know where I had been.”
“I told him you visited me in St. Augustine,” Elvira said.
“At least we corroborated our stories on that.”
“Honesty is the best policy. For the most part.” Elvira folded her hands and leaned back in the chair. “I told him the reason you visited me in St. Augustine was because we’re partners in a business venture.”
“You told him what?” Carlita roared. “You just put an even bigger target on my back.” Resisting the urge to shake some sense into the woman, she abruptly stood. “I will not allow you to ruin my wonderful evening. You are your own worst enemy and from here on out, you’re on your own.”
Pete placed a light hand on her shoulder and gently pulled her away. “It’s not worth the aggravation, lass.”
Elvira sprang from her chair. “Like it or not, we’re in this together. I thought you wanted to help me,” she whined. “Besides, you’re in just as deep as me, us being partners and all.”
“We are not partners,” Carlita snapped. “I was happy minding my own business. In fact, we even had a few drama-free weeks while you were gone.”
“You miss me. Admit it. Savannah is dull and boring without Elvira Cobb.” Elvira lowered her voice. “I think I’m getting close to figuring out who’s responsible for the woman’s death. That’s why I’m here.”
Carlita’s eyes narrowed. “Does your friend, Ken, know something?”
“Maybe. I don’t know yet. I just got here and was waiting for him to meet with me when you decided to make a scene.”
“Pete is right. This isn’t a conversation worth having. Good luck with your investigation.”
“You aren’t giving up,” Elvira called out after her. “You’re in too deep.”
Carlita didn’t bother answering, didn’t bother turning around. Pete helped her back into the truck and then slid behind the wheel. “She’s quite adept at getting under your skin.”
“No kidding,” Carlita muttered as she reached for her seatbelt. “I think she does it on purpose.”
“You may be right.” Pete steered the conversation to a more pleasant topic, and despite her run-in with Elvira he was able to distract her. The evening ended the way it began – as one of the most pleasant nights she’d had in a very long time.
Pete left the truck running as he made his way to the passenger side and escorted her to the door. He silently gazed at her, his expression unreadable.
Carlita thought he was going to turn to go when he bent down and tenderly kissed her lips. Her breath caught in her throat as the kiss deepened.
Finally, Pete reluctantly lifted his head. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Carlita asked breathlessly.
“For taking the liberty of kissing you without asking.”
“I’m not sorry,” Carlita whispered. “It was the perfect ending to a perfect date. Thank you for inviting me and for not giving up on me.”
“Giving up on you? Not by a long shot. I guess it would be safe to say if I ask you for a second date, you would be inclined to accept?”
“Definitely inclined,” Carlita said. “This is the best evening I have had in a very long time.”
“I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I’ll start planning our next date as soon as I return home.” Pete gave her a quick peck on the lips and then returned to his truck. He waved good-bye and then waited for Carlita to make her way into the building.
She stood inside, watching his taillights disappear before floating up the stairs.
The apartment was dark except for the glow of the table lamp near the door.
“Mercedes?” Carlita placed her purse on the barstool. There was no answer. She pulled her cell phone from her purse and set it on the counter when she realized there was a text and a missed call.
The text was from Mercedes, telling her mother that she and Autumn would be home before eleven.
The second was a message from Dernice. “Hey, Carlita. It’s Dernice. I’m sorry to bother you during your hot date with the hunky pirate, but I wanted to let you know I heard from Elvira. She said she had some new information. She wouldn’t tell me what it was, but I have a feeling she’s on her
