“It is.” Carlita consulted the rearview mirror before backing out of the parking lot. “I thought it was Gremlin.”
“Me too.”
At the precinct, Carlita and Luigi waited for nearly an hour before Detective Wilson joined them in the front lobby. “Mrs. Garlucci.”
“Hello, Detective Wilson. We’re here to see if Dernice Cobb will be released soon.”
“As a matter of fact, she’ll be ready to go shortly.”
Dernice emerged. She spotted Carlita and Luigi and hurried over. “The detective told me you were out here waiting. That was a fun time.”
“Thank you for your cooperation in our investigation, Ms. Cobb.” The detective smiled. “You’re free to leave.”
“What happened?” Dernice followed Carlita and Luigi out of the building. “I was in for my fifth round of interrogations when someone came in and said I was free to go.”
“Because they have Kim Turbell’s killer in custody.”
“Seriously?” Dernice abruptly stopped. “Do you know who it is?”
“Zulilly. Your niece hated the woman. She lured her to Elvira’s property and killed her.”
“That’s heavy. What about Gremlin?”
“They brought him in too. He was much more involved with Kim Turbell than any of us knew. If what Zulilly says is true and she murdered Kim Turbell, I’m sure he’ll eventually be cleared.” Carlita continued. “Your sister is home and taking it hard. She needs you right now.”
“Poor Elvira. I’m sure she’s devastated.”
Carlita had barely finished parking the car when Dernice bolted from the vehicle. She was already inside the apartment by the time Carlita and Luigi walked past.
Mercedes heard her mother return home and wandered out of her room, still wearing her pajamas. “What happened to you?”
“What hasn’t happened? Dernice was picked up for questioning. Elvira is back. Her daughter is responsible for Kim Turbell’s death.”
“Zulilly?”
“Yep.”
“And I missed all of that?”
“Yes, you missed all of that.”
*****
Two days passed before Elvira stopped by to tell Carlita that Zulilly had been admitted to the prison’s mental health ward. “Zulilly still believes she did her father a favor by killing the woman.”
“What about you and Gremlin? Are you speaking to each other?”
“We are. He’s devastated. I’m devastated. It’s a mess.”
“I’ve been wondering about something,” Carlita said. “Dernice was convinced someone was messing around your place right before Turbell was killed.”
“It was Gremlin. He was sneaking around, trying to find out where I went. My surveillance cameras are hunks of junk. I’m replacing every single one. He found out Zu was coming to Savannah and convinced her to keep an eye on Dernice and me. Zu tracked Kim down, they got into a huge argument about Gremlin and that’s when Zu lured her to my property.” Elvira placed her hands on her hips. “Gremlin thought Luigi was my boyfriend. Can you believe it?”
“Yeah. I can see you two as a couple,” Carlita joked.
“That’s not funny,” Elvira said. “Thanksgiving is right around the corner. You gonna have a big shindig again this year?”
“I am. I’m hosting a Thanksgiving Day dinner at the restaurant at six o’clock for family and friends.”
“Dernice and I will be there.”
Carlita sighed. She hadn’t invited Elvira. In fact, she’d made a point not to, deciding to save herself some unneeded aggravation and potential drama. “You just invited yourself.”
“But I was invited last year. You weren’t planning on inviting me?” Elvira’s expression was incredulous.
“I figured I didn’t need the extra aggravation.”
“Are you trying to tell me I’m aggravating?” Elvira’s eyebrows furrowed. “We’re like family…not the family, but you know. We’ve been through a lot together.”
“I can’t argue the point.”
“Gremlin is in rough shape. Do you mind if I invite him too?”
“Are you divorced?” Carlita answered the question with one of her own.
“Finally.” Elvira swiped her palms together. “I spent a small fortune in lawyers’ fees, but our divorce is final. Maybe we can repair our relationship now that we’re officially exes and can commiserate over our woes. So, we’ll see you at six?”
Carlita closed her eyes. “Fine. Yes. I’ll see you at six Thursday.”
“Great. I’ll bring a big pot of natto.”
“I can hardly wait.”
Chapter 27
The next few days flew by as Carlita geared up for her Thanksgiving Day feast. Not only was she serving two large turkeys and her version of her mother-in-law’s eggplant parmesan, but she also planned to make a family favorite – homemade Italian stuffing. There would also be candied yams, smashed potatoes, corn on the cob, sweet butter rolls, pumpkin pie and an array of decadent desserts.
When the big day arrived, Carlita spent part of it working in the restaurant. It was the first big holiday for Ravello’s, and she wasn’t sure what to expect. The crowds were steady, but not overwhelming.
After the last guest left and they closed for the day, she helped the kitchen staff clean up.
Her children arrived a short time later – Tony, Shelby and Mercedes, along with her granddaughter, Violet. Since Carlita had prepped most of the food early that morning and the turkeys were already roasting, it didn’t take long for them to finish preparing the feast.
Sam and Cool Bones were the first to arrive. The men sprang into action and began sliding the tables together. Autumn, her brother Steve, and his girlfriend, Paisley, were next. Luigi was right behind them. Tori Montgomery, Byron, Annie Dowton and Reese followed him in.
Elvira, along with her sister, wandered into the kitchen, each of them carrying a large bowl.
“Do you want us to put our dishes on the table?” Elvira asked.
Carlita wrinkled her nose. “Did you bring your natto?”
“Yes.” Elvira cradled the dish. “And don’t turn your nose up. This is not only delicious and nutritious, but it’s also good for your digestive system.”
