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

“By whom?”

Carlita wanted to say, “By your daughter,” but knew that despite her strained relationship with Zulilly, there was no way Elvira would suspect her daughter of being responsible. Instead, she decided to switch tactics. “When was the last time you talked to Zulilly?”

“Two minutes ago. She was getting ready to leave.”

“But not before that?”

“No. Why?”

Carlita explained how she’d caught Zulilly on the phone, talking to someone. “It was right after Dernice’s arrest, at least half an hour ago.”

“I’m on my way. I’m waiting on my Uber,” Elvira said. “I’ll talk to her when I get home. What about other employees? Is anyone around?”

“No. Zulilly is the only one there.”

“I’ll handle it from here.”

“But…” There was no chance to discuss it. Elvira had hung up on her.

Luigi draped his arm across the steering wheel. “She doesn’t think her kid is involved.”

“Not a chance.” Carlita slid the phone in the pocket of her purse. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. What if Zulilly was right, and Dernice had double-crossed her sister? After all, she had a criminal record and spent time in federal prison.

Was there jealousy between the sisters, perhaps even an underlying family feud? Did Dernice see an opportunity to take over while Elvira was out of the picture and dealing with her divorce?

There was still the issue of Ken Gibbons. He was in a tight spot with the IRS and needed money.

Mayor Clarence Puckett wasn’t in the clear either. He was obviously deeply involved in Coastal Adventure’s project and had a vested interest in ensuring the property owners sold, and the deal went through. The fact he had purchased the property through a trust was suspect. Why not list himself as the owner?

There was also Gremlin, Elvira’s ex. He had both motive and opportunity, not to mention he had to have known Kim Turbell, at least in some capacity.

What if he had killed Kim Turbell and planted her body in Elvira’s building knowing she would be a suspect? With Elvira in jail, Gremlin could ramp up the pressure for her to sell the property, not to mention potentially be in line to seize her assets and businesses if they were still legally married.

And now Carlita suspected Zulilly was more deeply involved than she previously thought. She had shown up on Elvira’s doorstep for a reason.

“She’s on the move.” Luigi shifted the car into drive.

Carlita’s head snapped up just in time to catch a glimpse of an EC Security Services’ van as it turned the corner.

Zulilly didn’t even glance in their direction as she stopped at the stop sign and continued through the intersection.

Luigi eased his vehicle onto the street keeping a safe distance between them.

Zulilly made several turns before backtracking at one point.

Carlita slid down in the seat as Zulilly did an illegal U-turn in the middle of the street. She passed by them, going in the opposite direction. “What is she doing?”

“We might be too close, and she suspects someone is tailin’ her.” Luigi followed suit and did a U-turn. “She’s going faster.”

They ran a light to keep up.

Zulilly slowed. Luigi slowed. “She’s not onto us. I think she’s lost.”

They crossed over a set of railroad tracks, entering an area of town Carlita had only been in once.

The security services van pulled into a parking lot. Luigi steered his car onto the side of the street, a safe distance from the building.

They watched as Zulilly exited the van. She cast an anxious glance around and then hurried toward the building.

Carlita watched as she tried the door. “She’s trying to get in,” she whispered.

Zulilly pulled her cell phone from her back pocket.

“She’s meeting someone.” Carlita craned her neck. “What is this place?” She had no more finished asking the question when she spied a sign above the entrance. “I think we’re close to cracking the case.”

Chapter 25

Chirp. Carlita jumped at the sound of her cell phone. “It’s Elvira. Hello?”

“Where are you?” Elvira asked. “I’m home. No one is around.”

“Luigi and I followed Zulilly.” Carlita rattled off the address.

“It’s a business?”

“Yes, it is. Coastal Adventures.”

“I…I. Are you sure? I had no idea they had an office in Savannah.”

“Well, they do, and Zulilly is standing outside. It looks like she’s waiting for someone.”

There was heavy breathing on the other end of the line, and Carlita guessed Elvira was on the move. “I’m on my way. Don’t go in. Wait for me. I’ll be there in ten minutes, tops.”

Carlita promised they would wait and then ended the call. “Should we call the cops?”

“And tell them what? We suspect Elvira’s ex and possibly even her daughter killed someone?” Luigi asked. “We have no proof.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Carlita smiled. “You sound like a cop. You sure you’re not a former cop?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I went through the whole police academy thing and then changed my mind?”

“Yes…actually, no. No, I’m not surprised. Why…” her voice trailed off.

“Dirty cops. One of my best friends was gunned down by a dirty cop. It left a bad taste in my mouth.”

“I’m sure it did. Not all cops are bad.”

A four-door car passed by them and turned into the parking lot. The car parked next to Zulilly’s security services’ van. A thin man with curly gray hair exited the vehicle and met her at the door. They disappeared inside.

“Where is Elvira?” Carlita’s armpits grew damp as she glanced behind her. “She better hurry up if she wants to be the one to confront her ex.”

“Here she comes.” A van sped past them.

Carlita could see Elvira behind the wheel, a grim expression on