Swiped in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 12) by Hope Callaghan (ereader android .TXT) 📗

“Interesting.” Carlita consulted her rearview mirror before backing into the alley. “So we have three suspects, Roland Abbott, the artist, Elizabeth Portsmith, the director of the historic district and Gaston Spelling, the museum curator.”

“Yep. One of those three swiped the painting,” Dernice said. “I’m almost positive of it. They set us up.”

“Except for Gaston Spelling,” Elvira shook her head. “Like I said, I don’t think he’s responsible.”

“We’re still leaving him on the list.” Carlita checked for oncoming traffic before pulling onto the street. “Now that Autumn is here, we need to go over exactly what you want us to do.”

“Buy tickets to the exhibit. Autumn distracts the greeter/cashier while you sneak into the storage room. My gut tells me the painting is still inside the museum. Whoever lifted it plans to go back in to get it.”

“What if they shoved it in their bag and carried it out the front door?” Autumn asked.

“Not possible,” Elvira rubbed her forehead. “No one was allowed to bring bags inside. They were required to check them at the front desk.”

“So maybe we should take a closer look at the greeter/cashier at the front entrance,” Carlita said.

“Tabitha?” Elvira snorted. “That airhead couldn’t fight her way out of a paper bag.”

“I have to admit she was a bit of a scatterbrain,” Dernice said. “But remember, she is kinda young.”

“So we now have four suspects,” Autumn said. “The greeter, the curator, the director and the artist.”

“Motive and opportunity,” Elvira sucked in a breath. “I’m putting my money on the hoity-toity director Miss Fancy Pants. Elizabeth.”

“You’re just ticked off because she got onto you,” Dernice chuckled. “Man, you shoulda seen the look on your face when she caught you with the meatball in your mouth.”

“It was ridiculous,” Elvira muttered. “So I ate a tasty morsel or two.”

“Or a half dozen.”

“We’re here.” Carlita circled the block, driving past the museum before Elvira told her to turn onto a back alley.

“You got your earpiece and mic?” Elvira asked.

“Check.” Carlita patted her pocket. “This shouldn’t take long.”

“Hang on.” Autumn unzipped her backpack. She reached inside and pulled out a pair of stiletto heels.

Elvira curled her lip. “You’re gonna break your neck in those things.”

“That’s the point. The shoes are my distraction.”

“Ah. The old damsel in distress play.” Dernice nodded approvingly. “I like it. It’s both classy and crafty.”

“Let’s go before I come to my senses and change my mind.” Carlita slid out of the driver’s seat and waited for the others to exit the vehicle before locking the doors. She motioned to Elvira. “Where are you two going to hang out?”

“Well?” Elvira turned to her sister. “You said you had the perfect spot.”

“Over there.” Dernice pointed to a construction zone adjacent to the museum’s parking area.

“A construction zone?” Elvira frowned.

“Close. There.”

Carlita followed Dernice’s finger and burst out laughing. “Now this I’ve got to see.”

Elvira shoved a hand on her hip. “I am not hiding out in a porta potty.”

“Do you have a better idea?” Dernice asked.

“No, but gross.”

“It’s the perfect spot. It’s close enough to the museum for us to get reception. The work crew is nowhere in sight. Besides, I used it myself the other day, and as far as portable toilets go it didn’t even smell.” Dernice didn’t wait for her sister and began making her way toward the lime green toilet.

Elvira mumbled under her breath and stomped after her sister.

Autumn waited until they were out of earshot. “Those two are a trip.”

“Yes,” Carlita sighed heavily. “You never know what’s going to come out of their mouths next. Are you ready?”

“I am.” Autumn took a tentative step in the stilettos. Her ankle twisted, and she faltered.

Carlita reached out to steady her. “I take it heels aren’t your thing.”

“Not at all. I bought these for a Halloween party last year. They’ve been collecting dust in my closet.”

It was a slow hobble from the parking area, up the museum steps and across the porch to the entrance.

Carlita reached for the door handle. “Here goes nothing.”

Chapter 9

Autumn tottered over the threshold and into the museum’s front lobby. She kept a tight grip on Carlita’s arm as she eased the door shut.

A multi-colored antique Tiffany lamp beamed soft yellow light inside the spacious rotunda, welcoming them inside.

“Good afternoon. Two for the museum?” The man behind the counter smiled.

“Yes.” Carlita pulled out her wallet and handed him her debit card. “You’re not busy this afternoon.”

“Nope. The other day was a different story. This place was a madhouse. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of royalty. Half the town was here.”

“I heard an earl or duke or some sort was on hand for the grand opening.” Carlita watched him swipe her card before handing it back.

“Yes. He was here for maybe half an hour, tops. I caught a glimpse of the guy when he was leaving.” The man pointed to Carlita’s purse. “I’ll need to hang onto your purse. We don’t allow personal belongings inside the museum.”

Carlita started to hand her purse to him and then snatched it back. “I can hang onto my wallet and phone, though.”

He opened his mouth to tell her “no,” but took one look at the expression on Carlita’s face and quickly changed his mind. “Yes, ma’am. You can take your wallet and phone, but I’ll need to keep your purse behind the counter.”

She removed the items and held out her purse. “I think you’re maybe going a tad overboard with the security. I’m sure there are cameras everywhere inside this place.”

“When they work.”

“We heard about the missing artwork, how the museum’s surveillance cameras weren’t able to capture the thief on camera,” Autumn said.

“I…I don’t