“Oh that. No, but I found some other interesting stuff.” Elvira darted to a stack of boxes and dropped to her knees. She flipped the flaps, reached inside and pulled out an old wooden steamer case.
“Check this out.” Elvira lifted the lid, removed a large piece of velvet material and handed it to Carlita.
Nestled inside was a gem-encrusted knife. Along with the knife were several old coins.
“These have to be worth some serious cash. Look how old they are.”
The first thing Carlita thought of was Pirate Pete and Tori. She ran her thumb over a ruby. “This does look old. I wonder if there are more.”
“I was trying to figure that out right before someone vaulted through the open window and then we lost the ladder.” Elvira reached for the knife.
“Wait.” Carlita tightened her grip on the handle. “Do you mind if I take a picture of it? I want to see if I can figure out its history.”
“Sure, but if it’s worth anything, it belongs to me,” Elvira said. “Finders, keepers…”
“It belongs to the owner of this building, not you.”
Elvira held it up to the light while Carlita took several pictures.
“Are there any other treasures inside the box?”
“Nope. That was the only thing. Like I said, I haven’t had a chance to go through the rest. I have a hunch this place is a gold mine.” Elvira began digging around inside the box while Carlita stood near the window, waiting for Tony to arrive.
Elvira rummaged through several of the boxes. The only things she found were stacks of dated newspapers, some vintage clothing, rusty gardening tools and a stack of tattered paperback books.
Tony appeared in the window. “I would ask you why you’re in here, but since this involves Elvira, I don’t think I wanna know.”
“Thanks, Tony, and you’re right,” Carlita sighed. “You don’t want to know.”
Elvira ignored the comments. “I think I’m going to hang around here for a while to see if I can figure out a way to get into the other storage rooms.”
“You’re on your own,” Carlita warned. “I’m leaving with Tony and returning the ladder.”
“I won’t have a way out,” Elvira whined.
“Your choice,” Carlita said.
“Fine. I guess I’ll go, too.”
Carlita watched as Elvira tucked the velvet bag containing the knife and coins under her arm. “That doesn’t belong to you.”
“I’m borrowing it,” Elvira said.
“Whatever.” Carlita gingerly stepped onto the fire escape while Tony made his way down the ladder. When he reached the ground, he held the ladder steady. “Is anyone watching the shop?”
“Yeah. Josh just got here. Otherwise, I would’ve had to close shop to come rescue you.”
“I appreciate it, son and I’m sorry to bother you.” Carlita hopped onto the ground and they both watched Elvira close the upper window and scamper down the ladder.
“That was fun.”
“It depends on who you ask.”
“Where’d you get the ladder?” Tony asked.
“I borrowed it from one of the construction guys working at Ravello.”
“I’ll take it back.” Tony carried the ladder to the building across the alley and Carlita turned to Elvira. “What are you going to do with the knife?”
Elvira shifted her feet. “Technically, you’re right and it doesn’t belong to me. I guess I need to put it back where I found it, but first I want to do a little research.”
“I have a friend who might be able to help,” Carlita said.
“That’d be great.” Elvira turned to go and then turned back. “Thanks, Carlita, for saving my butt.”
“You’re welcome, Elvira.”
Tony joined his mother and they waited for Elvira to return to her apartment.
Carlita slipped her arm through her son’s arm and they began walking across the alley. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about a family meeting. Tori and Pirate Pete have offered me…offered us a business proposition and I want to go over it before making a decision.”
“I’m free tonight. Shelby and Violet are visiting a friend after Shelby gets out of work.”
“I’m having a late lunch with Glenda Fox; which reminds me I need to get a move on. What time do you think you can make it?”
“Is seven too late?” Tony asked.
“Sounds good to me. Mercedes should be home by then.”
When they reached the hall, Carlita thanked her son again for rescuing them and hurried up the steps. She grabbed her purse off the counter, which was sitting next to the Savannah Trolley BOP Mercedes had purchased for her.
She picked it up and slipped it into the side pocket of her purse. “I guess I should try the trolley.” Carlita walked to the corner and gazed up and down the street before consulting her watch. She remembered Claryce telling her that the trolley would be by every hour.
Sure enough, and right on time, the trolley made its way toward her. The door opened and Carlita climbed the steps.
“Hello, Carlita.” Claryce gave her a mock salute.
“You remembered my name?” Carlita grinned as she scanned her card.
“Yep. I’ve got a mind like a steel trap.” Claryce tapped the side of her forehead. “Where ya headed?”
“The City Market District.”
“Perfect. Have a seat and we’ll be on our way.”
Unlike the previous ride, the trolley was filled with passengers. Carlita made her way to an empty seat by the window. As she rode, she thought about Pirate Pete and Tori’s offer. On the one hand, she wanted to help her friends.
On the other, she would have her hands full once Ravello opened, not to mention Tony and Shelby’s upcoming wedding.
She also needed to find tenants for Tony’s efficiency and Shelby’s two-bedroom apartment.
Perhaps she should let Mercedes become more involved in the rentals. Although Mercedes helped Tony in the pawnshop, they had enough staff to cover most shifts and the
