“I wonder what the neighbors think about Coastal Adventures,” Carlita said.
“They probably hate it.” Dernice slid a small window up. She snaked her hand inside and leaned forward. “I…almost have it.” She let out a small gasp as the door popped open.
Carlita followed Dernice into the building. A small storage closet she hadn’t noticed during their previous visit was to her right. She curled her lip and let out a gagging sound at the putrid smell of something decaying. “Gross.”
“Something crawled in here and died.” Dernice pulled her cell phone from her pocket and switched the light on. Pinching her nose with one hand and shining the light with the other, she stepped to the center of the cavernous space. “There’s a peek a boo of the ocean I didn’t notice before. This is primo real estate. Elvira could potentially be sitting on a gold mine.”
They finished touring the interior of the building. Dernice checked to make sure the remaining windows were locked before they returned to the small rear courtyard. “I want to take a closer look at the cameras before we leave.”
Carlita wrinkled her brow. “Can you operate cameras without electricity and wiring?”
“No. We have a couple of sets that look legit but are fakeroos. I spotted one the other day when we were here. They’re almost as effective as the real deal.” Dernice eased to the side, and something crunched under her feet. She dropped down for a closer inspection. “Uh-oh. Wait until Elvira finds out about this.”
Chapter 11
“Someone busted the camera.” Dernice lifted what was left of the camera’s lens. The lens cover and a mounting bracket were scattered nearby. “Elvira’s not gonna be happy about this.”
“Should we report this to the authorities?” Carlita asked.
“To file a claim for damages?” Dernice tossed the broken piece into the nearby bushes. “There’s nothing in here worth claiming. Besides, the camera is only worth about fifty bucks on a good day. Her deductible would be more than the cost of replacing it.”
Carlita swept the pieces away from the door with the side of her shoe. “I don’t see the point in damaging a camera.”
“Unless whoever it was thought they might be recorded.”
The women retraced their steps, making their way along the narrow walkway to their starting point. Dernice rounded the corner and nearly collided with the woman from the sales center. She took a quick step back and then did a double-take. “You again.”
“We figured since we were here, we might as well have a look around,” Carlita said. “We noticed some of these buildings are still for sale.”
“Not for long. All of this.” The woman made a sweeping motion. “Everything here is in the process of being purchased.”
“Everything? What if one of the owners doesn’t want to sell?” Dernice asked.
The woman smiled smugly. “They will. All of them will. It’s only a matter of time.” Her cell phone chimed, and she excused herself before strolling off.
Carlita watched her walk away. “She seems pretty confident the owners are all selling. Maybe she knows something we don’t.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
Thankfully, the trip home was uneventful, and there were no incidents of vehicles attempting to run them off the road.
“I think it’s safe to assume the people who are still open for business are the holdouts and in no hurry to sell.” Carlita slid out of the front seat and waited for Dernice to join her in the alley. “If Elvira’s ex is as close to his daughter as you say, I’m sure he knows Elvira isn’t around. Why bother having the attorneys send certified mail to her personal residence or business address if she isn’t here?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I can’t worry about it any longer. I have businesses to run. I’m willing to help my sister, but I’m beginning to think she doesn’t want my help. I’m sorry I wasted your time.”
“I don’t mind,” Carlita said. “I know you’re stressed out. Hopefully, Elvira will come back soon.”
“And on that note, it’s time for me to get back to work.” Dernice climbed into one of the company vans, gave Carlita a quick wave and drove off.
Mercedes was already up when Carlita returned home. She was sprawled out on the sofa, the television remote in hand. “How was Tybee? Did you learn anything new?”
“Elvira is married. Her husband sent legal papers inquiring about her assets, and I signed up to get more information on the new Tybee Island project.”
“Married?” Mercedes’ mouth fell open. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. The attorneys sent a certified letter. I think Elvira is in St. Augustine, trying to deal with it. According to Dernice, she thought Elvira and her husband divorced years ago.”
“Wow. I can’t believe Elvira was ever married.”
“Or that Elvira is a mother. Take your pick.”
Mercedes hopped off the sofa. “So, what’s this about signing up for information? Are you thinking about investing in a beachfront getaway? Because if you are, it sounds awesome. I would even volunteer to handle the management.”
“The management company would be in charge of rentals, but I think the family would get good use out of a vacation destination.” Carlita warmed to the idea. “It could be our mini-vacation spot, close to home. Speaking of home, I need to stock up on some groceries. I’m heading over to Colby’s.”
“Grab some of their pastrami.” Mercedes patted her stomach. “I’ve been craving it.”
Colby’s Corner Store was a short trek from the apartment. Carlita stepped inside and gave a quick wave to Faith Colby, the daughter of the owner. She filled her basket, checking off the items on her list before heading to the checkout.
“Hello, Mrs. Garlucci. I haven’t
