Tori’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh dear.”
“It’s a mess.” Carlita filled her friend in on what had transpired, ending with the plan to figure out who the mysterious hospital visitor with the tattoo might be.
“The authorities have been investigating, I’m sure.”
“And are probably following the same trail I am. They’ve questioned me, Sonny’s brother, along with others from the Thursday Riding Club.”
“How do you propose to determine if this person, the tattoo person, is responsible for Mr. Skidz’s death?”
“I have no idea, at least not yet.” Carlita changed the subject. “How was your river cruise?”
“Fabulous. I have pictures.”
“Pictures I would love to see.” Carlita scooched closer, listening while her friend showed her photos from the recent European riverboat cruise. She was thrilled to see Tori looking tanned, rested, and relaxed. “The cruise did you a world of good.”
“We had such a lovely time that I’ve put a deposit down on another cruise, this one closer to home.”
The food arrived fresh and seasoned perfectly. While they ate, she and Tori caught up. Having a busy life and only a few close friends, Carlita cherished every single one of them. Tori Montgomery was at the very tippy-top.
All too soon, lunch ended, and the friends made their way to the valet station. Tori’s driver arrived first and helped her into the back seat.
With a cheery wave, Tori was off, on her way home to Montgomery Hall. An inkling of sadness pinched Carlita’s heart. Despite the good news that Tori’s health issues were under control and she looked healthier than she had the last few times they’d gotten together, the woman’s ailments mirrored her own.
Catching up with her friend was a reminder. The fact of the matter was, Carlita and Pete, also in their golden years, weren’t getting any younger. If they planned to slow down and enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle, they would have to start soon.
If not, she would blink again, and the window of opportunity to spend those sunset moments taking advantage of all they had worked so hard for would be gone.
But first, she needed to clear Ravello’s name and get her restaurant back on track.
Chapter 29
Vroom…vroom, vroom.
Carlita and Mercedes stood on the stoop watching as Dernice’s motorcycle cruised around the corner, the engine’s rumble shaking the pawn shop’s windows.
Luigi, on his custom chrome speed machine, traveled close behind.
Coasting to a stop, Dernice put her kickstand down and removed her helmet. “You’re right on time.”
“Where’s Elvira? I thought she was coming with us.”
“She left early this morning towing her flatbed trailer to go pick up her ride,” Dernice said.
“Who was crazy enough to let her borrow theirs?”
“I don’t think she borrowed one. I think sherentedone at the bike shop close to the highway.”
“Over a fifty-dollar bet?” Mercedes chuckled.
“It’s all about winning.” Dernice tapped the side of her forehead. “Elvira hates to lose.”
“I can’t wait to see what she shows up with.”
“Ditto. The fact that she decided to trailer it makes me wonder.” Dernice swung her leg over the side of her bike and reached into her saddlebag. She pulled her cell phone out and swiped the screen. “She had better get a move on. We've gotta be at the fairgrounds at nine or risk getting left behind.”
Carlita caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. An EC van, towing a trailer, turned onto the alley. As it drew closer, she spotted Elvira behind the wheel. “There she is now.”
The van came to a stop. Elvira rolled the window down and stuck her head out. “You’re blocking the alley.”
