“Could be, but I doubt it. Maybe they ran it at the beginning of the show.”
Mercedes turned her cell phone on. “I pulled up the online News 2. There is a brief mention but nothing else.”
“What does it say?” Carlita handed Pete the remote and peered over her daughter’s shoulder.
“Ravello’s Italian Eatery is under investigation by local authorities after Savannah city employee Sonny Skidz became ill while attending a party there. Skidz was rushed to the hospital where he later died. We’ve learned from an anonymous sourceseveral other guests became ill and food poisoning is being investigated.”
“Several other guests?” Carlita gasped. “I wouldn’t call one additional person several.”
“I’m guessing the anonymous source is Yvonne.” Elvira shook her head in disgust. “The woman is becoming a major PITA, not to mention a potential liability.”
“For me,” Carlita said. “Clearly, she isn’t going to let this go.”
“I’m sorry,” Dernice apologized. “I knew there was some bad blood between Paul Maul and Sonny, but I never thought one of them would end up dead.”
“I…have more bad news.” Mercedes winced. “The last paragraph mentions Ravello’s most recent restaurant inspection and citations.”
“What?” Carlita snatched the phone from her daughter’s hand, horrified when she realized not only had the author mentioned it, but had also included a copy of the report. “This is awful.”
“It’s certainly not helpful,” Pete grimly replied. “What’s in it?”
“Minor citations, nothing major by any means.” Carlita clicked on the link and skimmed the report. “Unfortunately, readers…and diners…will view this as a negative.”
A somber mood settled over the group. Sonny’s death couldn’t have happened at a more inopportune time. Ravello’s—and all the restaurants in the historic district—were entering the busy holiday season. Bad publicity could destroy the momentum. Who wanted to dine at a restaurant rumored to have poisoned guests?
“I should get going.” Elvira patted Carlita on the shoulder. “Look on the bright side…at least we have our holiday plans in order and get to spend it together.”
“I’m not sure Carlita considers spending her holiday with you a bright note,” Pete said. “More like a test in patience and endurance.”
“Poor Vin,” Mercedes laughed. “I wonder if he fully understands what he’s getting himself into.”
“This might be a one and done,” Tony said. “The Garlucci family with Elvira and her entourage could be a recipe for disaster.”
Baby Melody started to fuss.
“We need to head home, too.” Shelby and Tony gathered up the children’s things and followed Elvira out of the apartment. Mercedes, Luigi and Dernice weren’t far behind, leaving Carlita and her husband alone.
Noting the glum look on his wife’s face, Pete pulled her into his arms. “I know you’re concerned about the news story.”
“For good reason.”
“At least it only involves the restaurant and not your other businesses.”
“I guess I need to stop hosting parties. Remember matrimony mayhem, when Tony and Shelby got married, and a woman ended up being poisoned?”
“It was a long time ago,” Pete said.
“Hopefully long enough so that the local news doesn’t dredge it up and remind everyone.” Carlita stifled a yawn. “It’s been a long day. I’m ready to hit the hay.”
“I like where you’re going with this.” Pete placed a light kiss on her lips. “Tomorrow will be better.”
“I hope so.” Carlita had been down this road too many times, where situations backfired and blew up in her face. Would this be one of them? Only time would tell.
Chapter 15
After a restless night of tossing and turning, Carlita, with Rambo by her side, set out for an early morning walk. Patches of fog gave way to bright sunny skies, exactly what she needed to lift her spirits. She reminded herself everything would turn out all right. It always did, one way or another.
Making a sharp right, she and her pup strolled along the river, walking all the way to the riverfront district.
