As they pulled out of the drive, Carlita cast her daughter a worried glance.
Mercedes patted her mom’s arm. “Don’t worry. Tori is a smart lady. She’ll guard the information until she’s positive Chad is or isn’t involved.”
When they got back to the apartment, Carlita busied herself with unpacking her suitcase. She spent some time in the pawnshop helping Tony, but kept her cell phone close by, waiting for Tori to call with an update.
By early evening, she couldn’t stand it any longer. Carlita turned her cell phone on to give her friend a call and realized that she’d missed her call. She quickly dialed Tori’s number. “Hi Tori. It’s Carlita. I see I missed your call.”
“I’m glad you called me back. You’re never going to believe what Detective Wilson discovered.”
Chapter 22
“Chad was the thief?” Carlita guessed.
“Yes, he was. Detective Wilson contacted Mr. Goldstein, the owner of Beachy Bargains Pawn Shop. He personally identified Chad from the photograph I sent. Mr. Goldstein met with him twice, and Chad sold him two of William’s weapons, although he used a fake ID to try to hide his identity.”
“So we can at least link him to the robbery,” Carlita said.
“There’s more. Detective Wilson put a rush on the lab results for the plastic drink cups Elvira found in the trash. After the results came back, he picked Chad up for questioning about the robbery and took his fingerprints. They matched a set of prints on one of the drink cups.”
“So you think Chad tried to frame Patrick by planting evidence in his room?”
“Right again. I still believe he used the master key he shouldn’t have had in the first place to access Patrick’s private quarters. Because Chad was in charge of all of the vehicles on site, he knew who was on the grounds and who was gone. He waited until Patrick was gone to sneak into his room.”
Tori continued. “The police are still holding Patrick, but I’m certain that he’s innocent. Patrick is innocent and Chad is the real killer. It was my dream. William helped me by showing me the keys.”
Carlita had a sudden thought. “What are you going to do about the weapons Chad sold?”
“I asked Mr. Goldstein if I could buy them back. I would like them for sentimental reasons, of course, but if he doesn’t agree, I’m not sure there’s much I can do about it.”
Tori promised to update Carlita as soon as she found out anything else before hanging up.
Carlita ran downstairs to fill Mercedes and Tony in on what had happened and then returned to the apartment. She was anxious to get their empty apartment rented, began working on a new ad to lower the monthly rent, and hoped to drum up more interest.
She suspected the only reason it was still vacant was the holidays. Who wanted to move when they were busy buying gifts and wrapping presents?
The days flew by and it was the end of the week before Carlita heard from Tori again. “Let me guess. There’s another break in the case.”
“Yes! Chad confessed to killing Ava. Ava stumbled upon one of William’s antique weapons in his closet, recognized it and hinted that she might report him. Chad lured her to the pool house where he stabbed her with the dagger. Just as we thought, he planted Ava’s pink panties in Patrick’s room, along with a stolen weapon. The best part is that the police finally released Patrick from jail and all charges have been dropped.”
“I’m surprised Chad confessed,” Carlita said.
“Detective Wilson was finally able to track down Ava’s cousin, who had been out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday. She told the detective that Ava confided in her that she was dating a co-worker, Chad, but had a crush on another co-worker.”
“Patrick,” Carlita said.
“Yes. Patrick.”
“I’m sure Mrs. O’Brien is thrilled.”
“Patrick is too,” Tori said. “They released Patrick last night and he returned to Montgomery Hall. Mrs. O’Brien and Patrick both insist they understand why he was arrested because of the evidence Chad planted and are as relieved as I am that Ava’s killer was apprehended. I knew I stopped having the fall balls for a reason, and it’s all coming back to me now.”
“You mean people have died at your parties before?” Carlita gasped.
“Let’s just say each one has involved some sort of drama.”
“So it’s safe to say we’ll be invited to another party next year?”
Tori chuckled. “You can bet on it.”
Chapter 23
Carlita juggled the warm casserole dish and tin of freshly baked bread, and rapped on Elvira’s back door. She caught a small movement out of the corner of her eye and then the door swung open.
“Hello Carlita.” Elvira eyed the dish. “Is this my ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ dish?”
“No. It’s a thank you for your information, which helped us solve Ava Torrez’s murder.” She held the dish out. “It’s a family favorite - angel hair pasta, tossed in fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. I also have a loaf of Italian bread, fresh from the oven.”
“Thanks. I can’t wait to try it.” Elvira lifted the lid on the corner of the dish, closed her eyes and took a big whiff. “I’ve been dying to hear what happened ever since you left the message that an arrest had been made in Ava Torrez’s murder.”
“I talked to Tori Montgomery earlier today. Chad Olsen confessed to Ava’s murder, thanks in part to the fingerprints on the drink cups.”
“What about the thefts at Montgomery Hall?”
“The owner of Beachy Bargains Pawn Shop in Hilton Head positively identified Chad Olsen as the person who brought in two of the antique weapons that were stolen
