Arnie must’ve been watching for her because as soon as she stepped into the kitchen, he rushed over. “They’re still out front.”
Carlita cast a wary gaze in that direction. “At least they’re not blocking the alley.”
“I saw one of the reporters, a guy who does the evening news, stroll past a few minutes ago. He kept going. Any news on Mr. Skidz’s death?”
“No. I talked to Dernice, who was going to track Elvira down. She promised to call if she had an update. I haven’t heard, so I guess not.” Carlita told him Elvira had contacted the hospital. “They refused to give her any information because she’s not family.”
Arnie tapped the top of his watch. “We don’t have long before we open for lunch.”
“I would like the news crews to be long gone before customers arrive.” Carlita squared her shoulders. “I might as well deal with them sooner rather than later.”
“You want me to go with you?”
“I appreciate the offer. I’ll handle it.” With her head held high, she strolled out of the kitchen, through the dining room and to the front entrance. Sucking in a breath, Carlita unlocked the door and stepped onto the sidewalk.
Almost instantly she was surrounded by reporters, shoving microphones in her face and camera crews moving in for a close-up. “Can I help you?”
“We’re looking for Carlita Taylor, the owner of this restaurant.”
“I’m Carlita Taylor.”
“My colleagues and I found out Savannah city employee, Sonny Skidz, attended a party here yesterday. He became ill and was rushed to the hospital where he later died.”
Carlita’s mind went blank. “M-Mr. Skidz worked for the city?” she stammered.
“In the tax collector’s office.”
“He attended a party, became ill and went to the hospital, but he was recovering from his illness,” she said. “What he consumed here at my restaurant did not cause his death.”
The reporter standing closest to her pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket. “Another attendee, I believe her name was Yvonne Grasslyn, also became violently ill.”
“And has recovered.”
“I have a printout of a recent GCHD, Georgia Coastal Health Department, inspection report. Ravello’s was issued several violations.”
Carlita could feel the tips of her ears burn. “Ravello’s received recommendations for minor issues.”
The reporter slipped his glasses on. “Packaged and unpackaged food separation, specifically margarine stored on an uncovered shelf.”
“Because my kitchen crew was using it,” Carlita said.
“Raw meat uncovered.”
“Also in the process of being prepped for lunch.”
“Regardless, your last restaurant score was in the low 90s, not exactly a stellar inspection report.” The reporter began firing off questions so fast that Carlita struggled to keep up. It quickly became clear that the reporters were on the hunt for a scandalous breaking news story. Regardless of the circumstances, Ravello’s and Carlita would be painted in the worst possible light.
“I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“This is public property.”
“And you are borderline harassing me,” she snapped. “Leave or I’m calling the police.”
The news crews reluctantly packed up their equipment and left. Carlita returned inside and walked straight into the kitchen.
The staff glanced in her direction, talking in hushed voices. Arnie motioned for her to join him in the back office. “I take it from the look on your face it didn’t go well.”
“The guy who died, Sonny Skidz, worked for the city.”
