Exes and Woes: A Garlucci Family Saga Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 14) by Hope Callaghan (good summer reads .TXT) 📗

“So dump it.”

“Like I said, then I’ll have zero leverage against Gremlin if the courts don’t finalize our divorce. He gets what he wants when it’s over.”

“I think finalizing the divorce in exchange for the sale of the property he needs is a reasonable negotiation,” Carlita said.

“Which should be the case if Gremlin was reasonable, but he’s not. My guess is he’s the one who’s been snooping around. He wants part of my businesses, the property and to control my daughter.”

“I thought she was at your place as a favor to you.”

“And possibly to her father.”

“This is an interesting turn of events.” For a split second, Carlita felt sorry for Elvira, thinking she was divorced years ago only to find out she was still married.

“As far as the cops go, I have an alibi.” Elvira waved her hand. “I can prove I was here in St. Augustine.”

The door opened, and the museum employee emerged. “Is everything all right?”

“Yeah. We’re fine.” Elvira shooed him away. “You can leave now.”

The man shot her a look of irritation and slammed the door shut.

“I want any information you have on the Tybee property owners,” Carlita said.

“No.”

“Yes.” Carlita took a menacing step forward. “Because of you, I’m now a potential suspect. Kim Turbell died under suspicious circumstances. I’m not leaving until I get it.”

Elvira mumbled under her breath as she fumbled with her cell phone. “I emailed it to you. Don’t blame me if you find yourself dead. You can tell your mafia pal he’s fired when you get home.”

“You can’t fire him.”

“Yes, I can. It’s my company, and I’ll run it any way I see fit.”

“Then stop hiding and come back to Savannah.”

“I’m close to getting the divorce finalized once and for all. I need a little more time. I sent the information. Good luck with the cops.” Elvira didn’t wait for a reply and headed inside.

Mercedes let out a disgusted breath. “What a trip.”

“Yes. She is,” Carlita nodded. “Before we head home, I want to make one more stop.”

“You want to check out Coastal Adventure’s site here in St. Augustine.”

“There’s a connection between these properties and the incidents. Perhaps if we do a little poking around, we’ll have a better idea about how Coastal Adventures operates.”

“Do you think this is an inside job?” Mercedes followed her mother out of the courtyard. “That maybe someone who works at Coastal is responsible for the woman’s death?”

“It’s possible. I’m not ruling anyone out.” Carlita’s cell phone beeped. She glanced at the screen. The number looked vaguely familiar. “I’m pretty sure this is Detective Wilson. I’ll let it go to voice mail.”

Seconds later, the phone beeped again, notifying her of a message. She entered her four-digit password and put the call on speaker.

“Mrs. Garlucci. It’s Detective Wilson from the Savannah Police Department. I would like to speak to you concerning the death of a woman on Tybee Island. I left a message for you last night and haven’t heard back.” He repeated his cell phone number twice before ending the call.

“I better call him back before he issues a warrant for my arrest.” Carlita dialed the number. The detective picked up on the first ring.

“Mrs. Garlucci.”

“Hello, Detective Wilson. I’m sorry I didn’t return your call. My daughter and I are out-of-town. I left my phone in my room, and by the time we got back to our hotel, it was late.”

“When are you returning?”

“This afternoon.”

“I would like to stop by to discuss the death of a woman whose body was found in an empty building on Tybee Island. She’s a real estate agent who was working with Coastal Adventures. The building is owned by your neighbor, Elvira Cobb.”

Carlita wasn’t sure how much she should admit to and decided being vague was best. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious.” The detective paused. “Do you mind telling me where you are right now?”

Carlita cast her daughter a quick glance, and Mercedes shook her head.

“I…what does that matter?”

“It doesn’t, except for the fact that I’m attempting to locate your neighbor, Ms. Cobb, and believe she may be out of town as well. Have you had contact with Ms. Cobb?”

Carlita began tapping the top of her phone. “I’m sorry, Detective Wilson. We have a terrible connection. I didn’t catch the last part. What did you say?” She jabbed the mute button and then disconnected the call. “I bought a little time with that stunt. It might look bad if Wilson finds out I met with Elvira.”

“No kidding. I didn’t even think about that.”

The women returned to their car, and Carlita tossed the keys to her daughter. “The Coastal Adventures property is on A1A, across from Anastasia Park.”

“Beachside,” Mercedes said.

It was a quick trip across the Bridge of Lions. The road curved to the south, meandering past several businesses before ending at the park entrance. A large Coastal Adventures sign, similar to the one on Tybee Island, was beyond the park.

Mercedes slowed as Carlita peered beyond the sign. “Well, will you look at that?”

Chapter 15

“This place is opening next month.” Mercedes parked in front of the Coastal Adventure’s sign.

Beneath “Opening Soon,” was December 2020.

“No wonder Atlantic/Coastal is itching to finish purchasing the Tybee Island properties,” Carlita said. “They must have a small fortune tied up in this place.”

A cluster of shops, each decorated in a beach theme, dotted the grounds. A Ferris wheel and the top of what appeared to be a roller coaster were off in the distance. “I wonder if there are townhomes and condos for sale here.”

“The answer is a definite yes.” Mercedes pointed at a cluster of pastel-colored townhomes. A “Selling Now”