Exes and Woes: A Garlucci Family Saga Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 14)

by Hope Callaghan

  “I haven’t had time to process the woman’s death. What was her name?”

  “Kim Turbell.”

  “Yeah. I know her. She’s a nag, calling me almost every day about selling.”

  “The other sellers might be a non-issue,” Carlita said. “They can just go ahead and sell.”

  “They can’t. Coastal needs my property. If they can’t get mine, there’s no point in purchasing the others. They view it as a package deal.”

  “Which leads us back to the other property owners. I need names.”

  “Two of the properties were purchased in trusts. I only have the first names and emails since that’s how we communicated. I was gonna do a little more digging around until I got caught up in this un-divorced fiasco.”

  “The authorities are going to want to talk to you not only about the woman’s death but your Tybee property purchase, as well.”

  “Yeah. That might present a problem.”

  “Why?” Mercedes asked.

  Elvira’s eyes slid to the side.

  “There’s something other than the woman’s death. You did something you don’t think the authorities would approve of,” Carlita guessed.

  “Maybe,” Elvira hedged.

  “What did you do?”

  “I was collecting a fee for helping one of the other sellers negotiate the property sale.”

  “You were acting as a real estate agent?” Carlita briefly closed her eyes and shook her head. “That’s illegal.”

  “It’s a gray area. I considered it more of a referral fee, but I’m not sure the authorities would view it the same way.”

  “For good reason. It’s called practicing real estate without a license.”

  Elvira’s shoulders slumped. “I wish I could dump that property. It’s cursed.”

  “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” sign was front and center. A tall hedge of meticulously manicured shrubs edged the sides and back. “Let’s
have a look around.”

  They circled the hedge and stepped onto a section of sidewalk, which ran along the busy road.

  A sprawling single-story building was beyond the townhomes, and a “Sales Center” sidewalk sign was near the front door.

  “It looks like they’re open.” Carlita held the door and followed Mercedes into the building.

  The man behind a desk met them at the counter. “Welcome to Coastal Adventures. Can I help you?”

  “We noticed you have townhomes for sale and wondered if we could get some information,” Carlita said.

  “Of course. Please…have a seat.”

  “We’re kind of in a hurry.” Carlita tightened her grip on her purse. “I’ll take whatever information you have with me.”

  The man reached behind the counter and handed Carlita a brochure, similar to the one Kim Turbell had given her. “Our prices start in the low two hundreds for a two bed, two bath townhome. The units increase in size and price, the closer you get to the water.”

  Carlita flipped the brochure open and scanned its contents. “We also noticed an entertainment complex down the street that’s opening soon.”

  “Next month. Do you live around here?”

  “No,” Mercedes answered. “We live in Savannah and noticed your signs on Tybee Island, as well. Are townhomes available there too?”

  “We.” The sales representative cleared his throat. “Those probably won’t start selling until sometime next year. This project is wrapping up first, followed by St. Simons Island, Georgia. Tybee Island will be last.”

  “Is there a contact person for that location?” Carlita thought about Turbell.

  “There is. Let me find out who that would be.” The man returned to his desk and leaned in to study his computer screen. “Kim Turbell runs the Tybee Island sales center. She’ll be able to help you with more information.”

  It was apparent the man had no idea Turbell had died, which Carlita found interesting. “I’ll be sure to check with her.” She thanked him for the information and waited until Mercedes and she were out of the building before speaking. “He has no idea the woman is dead.”

  “Unless he just wasn’t saying anything.” Mercedes pursed her lips. “I’m not sure how helpful this trip to St. Augustine was. We couldn’t convince Elvira to return home. We have no idea who owns the other properties on Tybee.”

  “It’s not a complete loss. She did give us some limited contact information. I’m beginning to suspect one of the Tybee Island property owners may be responsible.”

  “I think her ex or soon-to-be-ex is behind the attacks,” Mercedes said. “Look at this place. Atlantic Deep has a lot of money tied up in the Coastal Adventures’ projects. I’m sure it’s the same case on St. Simons Island. Elvira even told us they need the four properties to move forward on Tybee Island. Either one of the other owners is trying to pressure Elvira, maybe even going as far as trying to scare her into selling, or it’s her ex.”

  “What if it is her ex? He would have motive and opportunity. If Elvira is out of the picture, there’s a chance he could take control of her businesses and get his hands on the property. The only problem with this theory is the property could be tied up in court for who knows how long.” Carlita tossed her purse on the floor. “It’s time to head home and face Detective Wilson.”

  The return trip took longer than expected. They ran into traffic again when they reached the Jacksonville area. “Why would anyone want to live in this mess?” Carlita frowned as she stared through the windshield at the sea of taillights.

  It was late afternoon when they finally pulled into their parking lot. Carlita, who had developed a headache, grabbed her bag from the trunk and rubbed her temple as she fell into step with Mercedes.

  “You okay, Ma?”

  “I have a headache.”

  A small noise caught their attention.

  Dernice was standing in her doorway, watching them. “I’ve been waiting for you. How did it go?”

  “We found Elvira. She’s in St. Augustine, working with an attorney to finalize her divorce.”

  “She’s living above a pirate museum. Which, by the way, is pretty cool,” Mercedes said. “She wasn’t keen on talking when we tracked her down, but she finally gave us some information. She seems to think Gremlin is behind at least some of what is going on.”

  “Because he wants her properties,” Dernice said. “It makes sense. He forces her to sell to Coastal, divorces her and then takes half of her assets. But why kill the salesperson?”

  “Money.” Carlita shrugged. “Maybe money was the motive.”

  “Did she give you names or addresses?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t had a chance to check my email.” Carlita and her daughter made their way inside with Dernice trailing close behind. “Why didn’t she give me the information?”

  “We’re talking about Elvira here. Who knows? She also didn’t strike me as feeling any pressure to hurry home. Back to the Tybee property, she was acting as a real estate agent, collecting a fee from one of the other property owners for helping negotiate the sale.”

  “Hold that thought. While I’m here, I need to chat with Luigi for a second.” Dernice slipped past Carlita and strode to the end of the hall.

  Mercedes headed upstairs, but Carlita hung back, curious to find out what Dernice was up to.

  Luigi’s door opened, and he joined them in the hall. “Hey, boss lady.”

  “How was the job today?”

  “Boring.”

  “Good. Which means no bad news,” Carlita quipped.

  “The gig was smooth sailing. I’m ready for another assignment.”

  “That’s the spirit.” Dernice fist pumped the air. “I have another job lined up over at the civic center. It starts at eight Monday morning and runs all day. It’s a cooking contest. Last year, they held it at the Savannah Convention Center across the river.”

  Carlita wrinkled her nose. “Who needs security at a cooking contest?”

  “Last year, two of the women, the contest winner and runner-up, got into it. The runner-up claimed the winner should have been disqualified based on a technicality. The winner got a little hot under the collar and pushed her. She pushed back.” Dernice smacked her hands together. “Next thing you know, it’s an all-out brawl. Both women ended up having to go to the hospital, one to get stitches and the other with a concussion. There was a rumor about a lawsuit being filed so the civic center hired us to keep everyone safe.”

  “Sounds like something right up my alley,” Luigi rubbed his hands together. “Can I bring my piece?”

  “You mean a gun?”

  “Yeah. I kinda forgot to clear it with you, but me and my gun are partners. We go everywhere together.”

  “Sure. I mean, they didn’t tell me we couldn’t bring weapons.”

  “Cool.”

  “Don’t forget to bring the taser I gave you too.”

  “That thing couldn’t zap a fly,” Luigi scoffed.

  Carlita laughed as she remembered the time she tazed Elvira, knocking her flat on her back. “Don’t be so sure about that.”

  “Sure. I’ll take it. You’re the boss.”

  Dernice grinned as she patted Luigi on the back. “Have I mentioned lately I love your go-get-‘em attitude?”

  “Does that mean I’m in line for a raise already?” Luigi teased.

  “Now I didn’t say anything about forking out more cash. You’re still on probation.”

  “I was joking.”

  Dernice thanked Luigi before following Carlita down the hall and up the stairs. “Do you think he would shoot someone? I’m not sure our liability insurance would cover an accidental shooting.”

  “He would shoot someone. In fact, I’m sure he has shot someone – perhaps multiple people,” Carlita said. “What I do know is he’s trying to…make a career change, so I don’t think gunning someone down would be his first choice of action in any given situation.” She thought about it for a
moment. “Although I can’t be certain.”

  “Personally, I’m attracted to a man who knows how to use force.”

  Carlita studied Dernice, and it dawned on her that she knew very little about the woman’s private life, other than what she’d observed from a distance and what Elvira had told her. “You can tell me to buzz off if you want, but have you ever been married?”

  “Nope.” Dernice shook her head. “Too much baggage. I’m more of a free spirit. Besides, look at the mess Elvira is in with Gremlin and Zu. I’m not up for that kind of hassle.”

  “Some of Elvira’s issues are self-inflicted. Let me revise that…most of Elvira’s issues are self-inflicted.”

  “You got that right. I came close once…to getting married. His name was Kevin. I met him right after I got out of prison. He was a pharmacist on trial for illegal prescription sales.” Dernice tapped the side of her forehead. “Kev was smarter than a whip but not smart enough to fool the feds. If convicted, he was gonna be in for a long time. I didn’t want to put my life on hold for years, waiting for him to get out.”

  “That was probably a wise move.” Inside the apartment, Carlita dragged a dining room chair away from the table and placed it next to her desk. “It’ll only take a minute for me to check my email to see if Elvira’s information came through. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “I’ll take tea or a Coke if you have it.”

  “Sweet tea, it is.” Carlita filled two glasses and set them on the side of the desk before turning her attention to the computer. She waited for her emails to load before sifting through them.

  Dernice draped her arm over the back of the chair. “You got a lot of emails. About as many as me, although most of mine are junk.”

  “Mine are too.” Carlita slipped her reading glasses on and scrolled through the screen. She found Elvira’s message and opened it.

  There was a single sentence at the top. “Don’t screw up my potential sale with your snooping.”

  “Sounds like something Elvira would say.” Carlita clicked on the attachment.

  Dernice leaned in. “What is this chicken scratch?”

  “It is a little hard to read.” Carlita slid the bar at the bottom of the screen to increase the font size.