The color drained from Carlita’s face. “Y-you would be my permanent neighbor.”
“Cool huh? Can you hold the box while I get the key?”
Carlita took the box and waited while Elvira fumbled inside her pocket and pulled out a single key. “I’ll have to change the locks. It’s on my to-do list, right after I fix the teensy amount of damage to your apartment.”
“It’s not teensy. There’s extensive smoke damage not to mention holes in the wall.”
“An easy fix.” Elvira twisted the key and pushed the door. It groaned loudly in protest. “I still have to get the power turned on. I left a flashlight over here.”
Carlita caught a whiff of a musty smell and followed Elvira into the large, open space.
“It’s like a blank canvas.” Elvira switched the flashlight on, illuminating the cavernous interior of the main floor. “I figure I can add a wall over there and put EC Investigative Services on that side. I won’t need much space, only enough room for a desk, a couple of chairs and a waiting area.”
She made a sweeping motion with her hand. “The art showroom will take up more space. I plan to bring in other artists to rent out sections and if I play my cards right, I’ll be living here rent-free.” She stepped over to a dilapidated counter, which sported a chipped, cast iron sink. “It’s got the basics, although it could use a little deep cleaning.”
“Or a gut job,” Carlita muttered.
Elvira ignored the comment. “The bathroom is over here.” She tugged on a small door. “It’s a little cramped. Since it’s only me, it’ll work for now.”
“I can appreciate your optimism, Elvira, but this place needs a lot of work.” Carlita stepped into the small bathroom and bounced on her tiptoes as she peered out the grimy window in front of the sink. It was eye level with Carlita’s rear entrance.
She shifted her gaze to the second story. There was an unobstructed view of Carlita’s balcony.
“Great view of your place, huh? I’ll show you the rest.”
Carlita exited the small bathroom and followed Elvira across the open space to the front. She opened the door and they stepped out onto the sidewalk. “This place has excellent street exposure. I figure one of those custom flashing signs should get potential customers attention.”
“What about parking?” After Elvira moved out, Carlita would need the empty parking spot for a new tenant.
“It’s down here.” The women made their way to the end of the block and turned left. Elvira stopped abruptly in front of two large gray gates. “I don’t have a key yet, but you can see a double parking spot back here.” She tilted her head and eyed Carlita. “I could rent out one of the spaces to you for extra tenant parking.”
“That’s a thought.”
“I heard about Mercedes’ mess and the author’s death down by the river.” Elvira shook her head. “I wish I could help dig into it a little, to see if I can find anything out, but I have my hands full.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Carlita said. “I’m hoping the investigators will be able to track down Jon Luis’ killer instead of trying to pin it on my daughter.”
The women retraced their steps and Carlita stopped when she spotted a rusty wrought iron gate. “You have a courtyard?”
“Yeah. I forgot to mention it,” Elvira kicked the bottom of the gate and it creaked as it swung open. “It needs some cleaning first, but I think it will be the perfect spot to work on my art.”
Thick vines covered the brick walls. Carlita inched forward, keeping to the center of the overgrown walkway when she stumbled on a cobblestone that jutted out. Her arms flailed wildly as she fought to regain her balance.
“I forgot to mention you need to watch out.”
The interior of the courtyard was in the same sad state of disrepair as the inside of Elvira’s new home.
Carlita said the first thing that popped into her head. “You have your work cut out for you.” They stepped into the center of the courtyard where Carlita spun in a slow circle. “There’s plenty of space. I think it might even be a little larger than my courtyard once you get rid of the overgrown brush and weeds.”
“Yep. But first things first.” Elvira led the way as they wandered out of the courtyard. She pulled the gate shut. “I have to get my apartment in tip top shape. I’m gonna need my deposit money back, so I can start working on this place.”
“It shouldn’t take you long,” Carlita said. “If, as you say, they’re only minor repairs.”
The women re-entered the building, strode across the open space and stepped through the back door, into the alley. While Elvira locked up, Carlita strolled to the center of the alley and studied the exterior of the building and the second story windows that faced her apartment.
Elvira joined her.
“What about the second story?” Carlita pointed up.
“I haven’t been up there. The stairs are in the back, up the left side but there’s a shiny new deadbolt on it.” Elvira shrugged. “I tried to pick the lock but it’s one of those heavy-duty ones. I’m tempted to shimmy up the side of the building one of these days to have a look around.”
The women stepped back into the lower hall of their apartment building and Carlita closed the door behind them. “If you need help moving the big stuff over to the new place, holler and I’ll have Paulie and Tony take it over there for you.”
“Thanks Carlita. I might take you up on the offer.” Elvira grabbed the handrail. “Dernice should be here any day. She can help me move whatever smaller stuff I have left. I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve
