Family Feud in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 16)

fair competition, but adding a pavilion for parties and live entertainment late into the night is not what I want in my neighborhood.”
“I’ll get a closer look at the place tonight. Mark and I are attending their grand opening.”
“Better you than me.” Carlita devoured the rest of her wrap. “Are you ready for dessert?”
“Eagerly awaiting it.” Glenda rubbed her hands together. “Anything you make is a real treat.”
Carlita removed the cupcakes from the container and handed one to her friend. “There’s a surprise in the center.”
Glenda took a big bite. She closed her eyes and let out a moan of pure delight. “This is delicious. The cupcake is melting in my mouth.” She took another bite. “There’s something else.”
“A hint of tartness. I added a pinch of lemon zest to the batter.”
“You have a winner. Are you planning on selling these in the restaurant?”
“Maybe. I’m thinking of adding an Italian baked goods counter.” Carlita told her one of the line cooks had surprised her by bringing in an array of tasty treats and pitching the idea of selling baked goods.
“If you do, be sure to add these. I’ll make a special trip over, just to buy a batch.”
Rambo, who had finished his lunch, let out a low whine. Carlita fed him the scrap of bacon she’d saved from her wrap. “Rambo’s ready to go. I say we walk off our lunch.”
They wandered out of Monterey Square and into Madison Square, where a crowd had gathered in front of the Sorrel-Weed house.
An afternoon tour was beginning. The women stood off to the side as a man sporting a coat and tails stood at the top of the steps. “And now to embark on our harrowing, haunting adventure.” The guide tucked his cane under his arm before opening the front door and leading the group inside.
“Mercedes is dying to take this tour,” Carlita said.
“The house is fascinating. If, for no other reason than to see it as a part of Savannah’s history and to learn about the magnificent architectural details, I would do it.”
Carlita and Glenda continued walking, making their way through the Colonial Park Cemetery, and then paused when they reached Oglethorpe Avenue.
“I guess this is where we part ways.” Carlita hugged her friend. “We need to do this more often.”
“Agreed. Thank you for sharing your cupcakes.”
“And thank you for bringing lunch.”
Glenda headed in the opposite direction while Rambo and Carlita finished their walk by taking one more detour along the riverfront.
She lingered near the railing, gazing out at the fast-flowing river, the ripples sparkling like diamonds in the afternoon sun. Carlita breathed deeply and closed her eyes. She could feel her tension slip away.
Rambo nuzzled her hand, and she reached down to pat his head. “Shall we stay for a few minutes?”
Woof.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She settled onto a nearby bench while Rambo greeted passersby. Two young boys, accompanied by their parents, stopped to say hello. The pup rewarded them by licking their hands.
After they left, he trotted over to the bench. “I suppose we need to head back to check on Gunner.”
Gunner was waiting for them and greeted Carlita with the same phrase he’d used on Officer Thryce. “Cops. Hide the body.”
“Yeah. Thanks,” Carlita muttered. “You’re lucky the cop didn’t come back with a search warrant.”
“Don’t let the pirates steal your booty.”
Carlita fed Gunner a handful of frozen grapes and then, as promised, she carried Grayvie out onto the balcony.
Mercedes joined her. “I got your note. How was lunch?”
“Wonderful. Glenda and I picnicked in Monterey Square and caught a few minutes of the Sorrel-Weed House tour.”
“No fair,” Mercedes said. “Sam never has time to take me on their ghost tour.”
“We should go.”
“Seriously?” Mercedes’ eyes lit up. “Soon?”
“Whenever you want.”
“It can’t be tonight. I stopped by the pawn shop. Tony told me we’re having dinner with him, Shelby and Violet.”
“We are.” Carlita started to share Tony’s concerns but changed her mind. Mercedes could form her own opinion on whether Shelby was acting strange. “It will be nice to see Shelby. It’s been a while.”
What was left of the afternoon passed quickly. When the dinner hour arrived, Mercedes was the one to remind her mother it was time to go.
It was a quick walk to the family’s apartment. Tony greeted them at the door. “Shelby’s in the bathroom, getting ready.”
The fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. “It smells delicious in here,” Carlita sniffed appreciatively.
“We’re having spaghetti and meatballs. Violet and I made them.”
“Nana.” Violet skipped across the room and flung herself at Carlita.
“There’s my girl.” Carlita scooped her up and held her close. She smelled of sugary spice and toothpaste. “Have you been busy helping Daddy with dinner?”
“I made the meatballs.” Violet held up three fingers. “I made this many.”
“I can’t wait to try them.” Carlita gave her a hug. Violet began squirming, and she set her down.
“One of these days you’re going to have to spend the night with Nana and me,” Mercedes said.
Violet let out a squeal. “Tonight?”
“It’s up to your mom and dad.”
“Daddy.” Violet began tugging on his pant leg. “Can I stay with Nana and Mercedes?”
“We’ll have to check with Mommy first.”
“I thought I heard voices.” Shelby emerged from the bathroom. Carlita wasn’t sure if she was looking for signs of trouble, but her daughter-in-law’s face was pale. Her eyes were red, as if she’d been crying.
Carlita greeted her with a gentle hug. “Thank you for inviting us to dinner.”
“You’re welcome. We’re glad you could make it.” Shelby glanced at her husband. “Right, Tony?”
“Of course. Family is always welcome. Dinner is ready.”
Carlita pitched in to help the couple set the table while Violet led Mercedes to her room