Despite the chaos of the day, sleep was elusive. Carlita tossed and turned for hours. Was Shelby on drugs? Perhaps it was the medication she was taking to control her Addison’s disease.
She woke early the next morning. Perhaps with the new day, clearer heads would prevail, and Shelby would be receptive to joint counseling.
Tony was already up, the blankets and sheets neatly folded in a pile, and the sleeper sofa returned to its original position. Her son was on the balcony, along with Grayvie and Rambo, a cup of coffee in hand.
Carlita’s first task was to feed Gunner, who was watching her every move. After finishing, she fed Rambo and Grayvie, poured herself a cup of coffee and joined him. “Morning, Son.”
“Hey, Ma. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“I didn’t hear a thing.” Carlita eased into the padded lounge chair. “I hope you got some rest.”
“I did. Violet came out once, asking for a drink of water. I was able to go back to sleep until Gunner decided it was time to get up. Apparently, he’s an early riser.”
“Crud. I’m sorry. I forgot to cover his cage.”
“It’s all right. He was singing a little ditty, something about a pirate’s life.”
Carlita had left the balcony door open, keeping an ear out for Violet in case she woke. Gunner hearing his name, started singing,
“Yo. Ho. Yo. Ho. A pirate’s life for me. I strut on my perch, watchin’ the pretty girls…the pirate’s life for me.”
“At least he’s not telling you to hide the body,” Carlita joked.
“Cops. Hide the body,” Gunner said.
Tony chuckled. His expression sobered. “I’m gonna talk to Shelby about joint counseling and counseling for her.”
“I was thinkin’ the same thing, Son. Shelby might need someone she isn’t related to – to help her sort through whatever is eating at her.”
“Thanks for letting us spend the night.”
Carlita suggested leaving Violet for the day. “I’ll handle the pawn shop. That way, you two can spend some time together sorting through what’s going on.”
“I’m gonna take you up on the offer. Shelby’s an early riser. I’m sure she’s up by now.”
Carlita wished him luck and made him promise not to worry about Violet or the pawn shop. After he left, she roused Mercedes to fill her in and ask her to keep an eye on the child.
“Sure.” Mercedes blinked rapidly. “What time is it?”
“Seven.”
“Agh.” Mercedes pulled the covers over her head. “This is not even an acceptable time of day.”
Carlita ignored the comment. “Maybe Violet will sleep in.”
Rambo stood in the hallway watching her close the door. “I know. You’re ready to go out. It’s gonna be a busy morning. Let’s get your walk in.”
She grabbed his leash and her keys on the way out. Their first stop was to check the dumpster. Carlita was relieved to find that the city’s sanitation department had finally emptied it.
The morning temperature was mild, in the seventies, with low humidity. According to the local weatherman, a picture-perfect day was in store.
Carlita and Rambo made their rounds, passing by Elvira’s place first. They reached the stop sign. Deciding to change up the route, they headed in the opposite direction. One block up and catty corner was a 24-hour diner and coffee shop. Both were busy.
They continued on, passing by the Savannah Theatre and circling back around past the Historic District’s police station.
Back in Walton Square, they strolled past the pawn shop, the courtyard, and Ravello’s. Her eyes were drawn to the barbecue joint, where a familiar van was parked off to the side.
She watched as Dernice made her way around the front. Carlita whistled loudly and then waved to the woman as she hurried toward her.
“Hey, Carlita. Rambo.” Dernice patted the pup’s head.
“Good morning. What’s going on?”
“Mrs. Jarvis was robbed at gunpoint the other night.” Dernice explained as soon as Elvira heard the news, she promptly approached the owners about installing upgraded surveillance equipment. “Not only did they bite on the surveillance equipment, but they also hired us to monitor the place until they’re able to get the equipment installed.”
Carlita shifted Rambo’s leash to her other hand. “Have you heard exactly what happened?”
“After closing, Mr. Jarvis left to give a couple employees a ride home while Mrs. Jarvis stayed behind to finish cleaning up. While he was gone, a masked robber stormed in, waving a gun and demanding cash.”
“Do you have any idea how much was taken?”
Dernice didn’t have a number, but Elvira had told her it was a substantial sum. “The lady is a trip. I’m surprised she didn’t scare the robber off.”
“She doesn’t like me, not after I got onto her about dumping her construction waste in my dumpster, not to mention calling the cops when she diverted traffic into her parking lot.”
“I heard. She’s not a fan of yours.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Carlita told her how the cops had shown up on her doorstep after Sandy Sue named her as a suspect. “So, how did the patrol go last night?”
“I dunno. Luigi was in charge of the night patrol. I took over a few minutes ago.”
“Speaking of Luigi, how are you two getting along?” Carlita batted her eyes.
Dernice’s face turned a shade of red. “He’s a great guy. I’m still not sure what he sees in me.”
“You’re a good person, Dernice. You and Luigi have had your share of hard knocks. I think you’re well suited for one another.” Carlita turned to go. “I’m not one to butt into someone else’s business, but if I were you, I would be cautious. I’m not sure I entirely trust Sandy Sue and her husband.
