Page 48 of Takedown in Savannah
Pete pinned her with a dark stare. “You didn’t try prying the door open?”
“Nope.”
“I guess I owe you an apology. I automatically assumed it was you.”
“Again, I wouldn’t damage the door. There are better ways to access certain areas.”
“I’ve warned you.”
Elvira’s hand shot up. “Loudly and clearly. I’m telling you it wasn’t me.”
The trio backtracked, returning to Elvira’s office.
“Have you considered the idea that someone heard rumors about possible treasure and tried breaking in? Maybe Arvid hired a rogue worker.”
“It’s possible.” Carlita ambled to the window, deep in thought. “Both of you know these tunnels like the back of your hand. Other than Pete’s tunnel, is there another access point to the river?”
“I believe so,” Elvira said. “Actually, I’m pretty sure there is, although I’ve never been in that part of the tunnel.”
“Color me shocked,” Pete joked.
Carlita pivoted. “Do you have any idea how I can get my hands on a map of the tunnel system?”
“I think your buddy Glenda Fox from the Savannah Architectural Society has one. They keep copies of all the old maps and legends so they can monitor the renovations they allow per their ridiculous set of rules.”
“Thanks for the tip. I’ll give Glenda a call.” Carlita, with Pete by her side, made their way to the door.
Elvira hurried after them. “Are you tracking down a copy of the map now?”
The couple exchanged a quick glance. “Actually, I believe my wife wants to swing by The Flying Gunner.”
“Is Dernice going with you?”
“No. I haven’t seen her or talked to her today.”
“Because she’s supposed to cover a shift. I sent her a text, and she told me she was working on something important. If she doesn’t show up, I’m docking her pay.”
“Why don’t you call her?” Carlita asked.
“I’m still giving her time to cool off.”
“It seems to me you’re stepping on a lot of toes lately,” Pete said.
“Not intentionally. Anyway, tell her I was asking about her if you see her.”
“I will.” Carlita waited until she and Pete were in the truck and on the road. “That woman is a trip.”
“Most definitely,” Pete sighed. “Dernice deserves some sort of award for putting up with her day in and day out. Not only putting up with Elvira but living under the same roof.”
“No doubt.” Carlita grew silent, mulling over the tunnel and who might have been downstairs trying to break in. Maybe it was the San Maris Gang, starting to feel the pressure of the police closing in.
If her hunch was correct, the cops weren’t the only ones.
Chapter 21
“My lovely and equally resourceful wife has coerced me here to take a look at the surveillance footage from the cameras you and she placed inside the cannons yesterday,” Pete said.
Brad cast his boss a sheepish grin. “I have to admit it was a pretty clever idea. I hope it wasn’t a problem.”
