“I know it’s none of my business, but have you made a decision about moving into Elvira’s upstairs after she turns it into livable space?”
“To be honest, we’re still on the fence. Luigi and I go back and forth. Elvira’s such a…”
“Conniving person?”
“She can be, but this isn’t the word I was looking for.”
“Devious?”
“Also yes, but not what I was gonna say.”
“Opportunist,” Carlita said.
“Bingo. An opportunist. There’s always an angle with her. The bottom line is, we have some concerns.”
“Her cutting corners, throwing stuff up to get it done and then charging you a premium?”
“Exactly. I love the idea of a brand new home, but with Elvira making the decisions?” Dernice winced. “I’m concerned about what we’ll end up with.”
“The good news is you’ll be right there to supervise.”
“Between me and Luigi, we’ll have to make sure she hires quality workers.” Dernice abruptly stopped. “We’re here.”
Carlita stared at the single-story stucco building, a duplex with both sides a mirror image of the other. Green doors, single-pane windows. Paved parking spots with a thick hedge of shrubs separating them.
Near the corners were flowering bushes. Although nondescript in many ways, there was a certain charm in the ornate metalwork, a nod to the area’s Southern roots.
“This looks like a decent city square.” Carlita spun in a slow circle. “Nice neighborhood with quiet tree-lined streets, a mixture of duplexes, townhomes, as well as single-family homes.”
“Elvira and I came by here a few weeks ago when she started chasing after Sonny.”
“Out of curiosity, how did he react?”
“He liked attention and women. I think he was flattered being pursued by Elvira or any other woman. I guess you could call Sonny a player.”
Walking single file along the sidewalk, Carlita let Dernice take the lead. They reached the front door and rang the bell. The door opened. A man, short and on the plump side, appeared.
“Hey, Dernice.”
“Hey, Rocky. How are you doing?”
“It’s been rough.”
Dernice handed him a Hallmark card. “Shocking is more like it.”
Rocky shifted his gaze. “This is your friend?”
“Friend and neighbor, Carlita Taylor. She owns Ravello’s and was the one who hosted the engagement party.”
Carlita shook his hand. “I am so sorry for your loss.”
“You had bad food.”
“It appears someone slipped rat poison into one of the dishes, which made Sonny ill.”
Rocky’s eyes widened. “Rat poison? That’s what caused my brother’s heart failure?”
“I-I’m not sure if rat poison causes heart failure.”
