“They had trouble finding the samples. Finally, the lab technician, the person who gave me the results and promised to hang onto them, helped.” Checking the rearview mirror, Carlita backed out of the parking spot and turned onto the street. “Ten bucks says the cops already have the results as well.”
“Which means they also discovered there wasn’t enough rat poison to kill someone,” Mercedes said. “Do you have a copy of the lab’s results?”
“I had it in my purse but forgot to check before I left the house.” Carlita reached for her purse.
Mercedes stopped her. “I’ll look.”
“Thanks.”
“I see something.” She unfolded a single sheet of paper tucked away in the side pocket. “Here it is.”
“Oh good. This is the only proof we have that we weren’t responsible for Sonny’s death. My only fear now is that this might open a can of worms.”
“Can of worms as in the local news outlets catching wind of it,” Mercedes said.
“Catching wind of it and ruining Ravello’s.”
Chapter 26
Carlita could feel her armpits grow damp while she and Mercedes waited in the lobby for the officer in charge of Sonny Skidz’s investigation.
“Remember, less is more,” Mercedes said. “As far as sharing or speculating.”
“You know it. I’ll tell them what happened but don’t plan on elaborating. Frankly, I’m kind of surprised they haven’t contacted me yet.”
“It’s only been a coupla days. I’m sure you’re on the list.” Mercedes glanced over her mother’s shoulder. “Someone is coming.”
A uniformed officer made his way over. “Carlita Taylor?”
“Yes.”
“The clerk said you have information regarding the death of Sonny Skidz.”
“I’m not sure if I would call it information but perhaps a potential lead.” Carlita held up the jar of fettuccine. “Mr. Skidz attended an engagement party at my restaurant. During the event, he became ill and was taken to the hospital, where he later died. He was admitted for food poisoning. I believe this fettuccine, which was served at the party, may have been the cause—not of his death but of his illness.”
A flicker of surprise flitted across the man’s face. “Yes, ma’am. We already took samples of the food and obtained our results.”
“Did it also come back positive for rat poison?”
“I’m not at liberty to discuss the findings of an open investigation. Where did you take the sample for testing?”
“To Priority Labs here in Savannah.”
“What about the other food?” he asked.
“We had all the dishes that were served tested. This is the only one testing positive.” Carlita held out the lab report. “I’m sure you got similar results.”
“I’ll take this. And the other samples?”
“All in the bag and labeled,” Carlita said.
“You were on my list of people to question. If you have time, please come back to my office.”
“We do. This is my daughter, Mercedes, who was also at the party.”
“Both of you can come back.”
Carlita and Mercedes exchanged a pensive glance and silently followed the man through the lobby and down a long hall.
