Page 52 of Takedown in Savannah
Glenda let out a low whistle. “Committing crimes and taking to the river to escape. I have to admit, it’s clever.”
“Not to mention stealing uniforms and using them as a cover,” Carlita said. “Reese knows the uniform store owner. They claim the cops have stopped by to question them, which leads me to believe the police are onto their scheme.”
“Have you called Detective Wilson to share your thoughts about the speedboat and how you think it’s linked to the gang?”
“Not yet. I need evidence, concrete proof. I’m hoping you can help.”
“I’ll try.”
“Elvira mentioned SAS keeps copies of the downtown tunnel system.”
“We do. It’s an elaborate system, more like a maze. Based on what you’ve told me, you’re probably wondering about the tunnels closest to the river.”
“Correct.”
“I have exactly what you need.” Glenda turned her attention to her computer. With a few quick clicks of the mouse, she printed off several sheets of paper.
Reaching behind her, Glenda snatched the sheets and spread them out on the desk. “Unfortunately, the tunnel system is too big to fit on a single sheet of paper…at least not a copy you can read. The print and paths would be way too small.”
Carlita fumbled inside her purse. She slipped her reading glasses on and scooched forward. “I’ll need help in deciphering this. It looks like a bunch of mumbo jumbo.”
Glenda grabbed a highlighter. Starting in the top left corner, she explained what each of the markings meant. Most of whatshe told Carlita went right over her head. “Where is Pete’s place?”
“Here. In this corner.” Using the highlighter, Glenda traced a path from the Parrot House Restaurant to the river. “Without seeing it firsthand, I’m guessing this is the tunnel the archaeologists used to access the area beneath the restaurant during their excavation and exploration.”
“It is.” Carlita ran a light finger along the path. “This must be the Parrot House’s parking lot, and then the river is right here.”
“The simplest way to read the map is to follow the river.” Glenda circled theSavannah Riveron the map. “All roads lead to the river, at least as far as historic Savannah is concerned.”
“How many more access points are there?”
Glenda’s eyes squinted. “There’s another one over here. The last is at the very end, close to the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.”
“Gunner’s Landing is smack-dab between Pete’s restaurant and the second access point.”
“Correct.”
Carlita bit her lower lip. “How do I get to these access points to take a look around?”
“That’s an excellent question I can’t answer.” Glenda leaned back in her chair. “You need someone who is familiar with the tunnels. Possibly city workers or the contractors who maintain them.”
“What do you think my chances are of getting someone to show me around?”
“I honestly don’t know.” Her friend’s brows furrowed. “Maybe if you gave them some cash for their time, they might be willing to bend the rules and give you a tour.”
“Are these two privately owned or owned by the city?” Carlita asked.
Glenda tilted her head and stared at the markings. “I could be wrong, but my guess is one is private property while the second belongs to the city.” She showed her again how to read the markings. “My advice is to find an expert, someone who can help you navigate through them.”
“I know from firsthand experience, and having a tunnel connecting to Savannah Swag’s basement, not all tunnels are the same. Some are well-maintained while others…not so much.”
“Including Elvira’s basement and tunnel system,” Glenda said. “I heard the city sent her a cease and desist letter. If she continues chipping away at her walls, they threatened to seize her property.”
Carlita’s eyes grew round as saucers. “Seriously? I knew they warned her to knock it off.”
“Because she’s compromised the integrity of the tunnel system, at least in her area.”
“Which affects mine as well. As far as I know, she’s taking it seriously. I haven’t heard any recent explosions or noticed excavating equipment.”
