“You have insider resources,” Carlita said.
“Which I only use in the event of anextremeemergency.”
“Extreme emergency?” Mercedes frowned. “It’s never stopped you before.”
“Until I got busted. I could lose my business license if I’m caught hacking into any government or NPO institution.”
“What is an NPO?”
“Government affiliated non-profit organization. Not specifically defined as a government agency but with some of the same protections,” Elvira explained. “Similar enough so that they’re off the table as far as hacking into their systems.”
“I don’t believe hospitals keep a list of visitors,” Dernice said.
“But they have cameras everywhere.” Carlita stopped pacing. “I noticed them when I was wandering around the hallway the other day looking for the bathroom.”
“Do you know how to hack into the hospital’s surveillance system?” Mercedes asked.
“Maybe,” Elvira answered evasively.
“Which means yes.”
“Like I said, I would love to help you. Truly I would, but I can’t.”
“I’ll pay you.” Carlita threw out a figure she was certain Elvira wouldn’t refuse.
“As much as I’m tempted, it’s too risky.” Elvira escorted them to the door. “Besides, you could find out your food was clean and Yvonne’s incident plus Sonny’s was an unusual coincidence.”
“I guess I’ll have to wait.” Carlita reached for the doorknob. “Speaking of Yvonne, have you heard anything new?”
“I think I mentioned she took the day off, whining and complaining about not feeling well.”
“Do you think she’ll contact an attorney?”
“If she finds out the food was tainted, my guess is yes.”
“Great.” Carlita stepped onto the sidewalk. “One more thing to keep me up at night.”
“Don’t worry, Ma.” Mercedes patted her mother’s arm. “We’ll sort this out.”
The roar of an engine echoed along the narrow street. Bubba’s jacked-up four-wheel-drive truck cruised past. He tapped the horn and gave her a friendly wave.
Directly behind was a moving van and two more souped-up four-wheel-drive trucks.
“Who is that?” Elvira shaded her eyes, watching the parade of vehicles.
“The same guy who has been cruising around the neighborhood the past few days,” Dernice said.
“With his loud muffler.” Elvira’s eyes slid to the side, casting Mercedes a sly look. “I’ve noticed him going in and out of your building. Got a new beau already?”
Mercedes’ jaw dropped. “I’m not dating,” she indignantly replied.
“I can clear up the confusion.” A slow smile spread across Carlita’s face. “The truck belongs to your new neighbor, Bubba Benton.”
Chapter 12
“Did you say Benton? Isn’t Benton Cool Bones’ last name?”
“Cool Bones’ last name is Benson. Similar but not the same,” Carlita said.
