Page 53 of Takedown in Savannah
“It’s for her safety as well as those around her,” Glenda said. “Speaking of which, you mentioned last time we chatted the archaeological team didn’t find the treasure Elvira was banking on. Have you given her the bad news?”
“Yes. At first, she didn’t believe it. Then she suggested maybe they had found something and stolen it. Now she’s thinking we should expand the excavation to the Parrot House Restaurant’s parking lot.”
“Are you going to do it? I mean, it seems like digging up the parking lot would be a major disruption.”
“Pete has no plans to continue the project. Can you imagine closing the place down for months while they tear the parking lot up? He told them in a very nice way he wasn’t interested, at least not right now.”
“You had better keep an eye on Elvira. I can’t envision her giving up so easily.”
“She hasn’t.” Carlita told Glenda how she caught her with a laser tape measure in the yard. “Pete was fit to be tied.”
The SAS receptionist made her way over to let Glenda know her appointment had arrived.
“I’ll get out of your hair.” Carlita gathered up the papers, thanking her friend for the copies.
“If you plan on exploring the tunnels, I wouldn’t do it alone,” Glenda said. “A few scuffles have broken out.”
“Scuffles?”
“I’ve heard of issues where the homeless are using them for temporary housing, drug deals have gone down as well as other illegal activities taking place. You’ll need to be careful.”
“I will.” Carlita thanked her again. She exited the building and stood outside on the sidewalk.
To the right and off in the distance was the city government office. She wouldn’t even know where to begin finding someone to help her,ifthey were even willing to show her around. Elvira would do it. She would do it and maybe not even expect to be paid.
Carlita weighed her options both for and against asking her. If she could help, then she would go that route. If not, she wouldtry to find a city worker willing to take her around. “Here goes nothing.”
She dialed Elvira’s cell phone number. It took a minute for the woman to answer. She sounded out of breath and on the move. “You’re busy.”
“I’m leaving a job and on my way back to the office. What’s up?”
Carlita stared at the map in her hand. “I need a favor. I’m hoping you can help.”
*****
“You want me to tag along while you check out the tunnels near the river, to see if we can figure out if the San Maris Gang is escaping via boat, and you want to do it now,” Elvira summarized.
“In a nutshell.”
“Based on previous experience, I don’t think it’s wise for two women to be wandering around down there alone.”
“Glenda made a similar comment about there being issues with people sneaking in there to do drugs, among other things,” Carlita said. “I’m sure Luigi would go with us.”
Elvira immediately shot the suggestion down. “He’s on the cop’s radar. I don’t think he should be involved.”
Carlita glanced at her watch. “Using the map Glenda gave me, we can start with the tunnel system closest to the Parrot House. I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
“Bring a gun.”
“I have something even better in mind.” She ended the call and cut through town, taking a direct path to the pawn shop.Luigi and Tony were both working, along with a part-time employee.
She motioned her son off to the side. “How’s it going?”
“Great. Luigi is doing a good job. I don’t think he wants to sell used guns forever, but for now it puts money in his pocket and food on the table. What’s up?”
“I need help.” Carlita outlined her plan. “Glenda is concerned about us exploring the tunnels for obvious reasons. I was thinking that if you could sneak away for an hour or so, you could go with us.”
“Me and my Smith & Wesson,” Tony joked.
