“And you know what they say about politicians,” Carlita added. “I guess this means we need to do some more digging around. I did think of something. The other day Mercedes and I visited a shop on Tybee. The owner was adamant that she had no plans to sell.”
“Was it Tippy Zilman?”
“I don’t know her name,” Carlita said. “It was a small gift shop.”
“I’m sure you’re talking about Tippy’s place. She’s been there for years. She won’t sell, but then Coastal doesn’t need her property to move forward, at least not yet.” Tori finished her tea and glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantle. “I almost forgot. I have a conference call in ten minutes.” She stood, her sign that the meeting was over. “Ken Gibbons is the fourth owner. He owns Sunrise Bar and Grill.”
“A restaurant owner?”
“Yes. The restaurant is here on Tybee.”
Carlita thanked Tori for meeting them on such short notice, for the tea and treats, and for the information while Dernice lingered behind to admire the Zao artwork. “Do you mind if I take a picture of this?”
“Of course not.” Tori smiled indulgently. “Perhaps when I have more time, you can come back for another visit, and I’ll show you some of my other pieces. It’s refreshing to talk art with someone knowledgeable.”
Dernice’s eyes lit. “I would love to do that. Let me know when.”
Tori promised she would be in touch before escorting them to the courtyard and returning inside.
“Victoria Montgomery is one cool cat.” Dernice walked at a fast clip. Carlita hurried to keep up as they crossed the courtyard. “I wonder why she and Elvira didn’t hit it off.”
“Because Elvira trespassed, and Tori had her arrested. That’s one of the reasons. Besides, your sister lacks polished social skills.”
The women were silent as they made the return trip to the main road. Finally, Carlita, who was mulling over everything Tori had told them, spoke. “We basically have one suspect, Elvira’s ex…er, husband.”
“I dunno,” Dernice shrugged. “I haven’t seen Gremlin in years, but he never struck me as the killer-type. I think we still need to take a closer look at Ken Gibbons, the restaurant owner, and Mayor Puckett. What about Mrs. Montgomery?”
“Tori isn’t responsible. Besides, we don’t even know the woman’s cause of death yet.”
“I have a connection. Maybe I can find out.” Dernice retrieved her cell phone from the center console. She tapped the screen and held the phone to her ear. “Hey. It’s Dernice. I need a little intel. I’m trying to figure out the cause of death of a real estate agent yesterday on Tybee Island.”
There was a moment of silence. “Kim Turbell. Yeah. That’s her. What’s the four-one-one?”
“Strangulation. What a terrible way to go. Okay. Thanks.” Dernice started to end the call. “What? No kidding. That’s weird.” She thanked the person on the other end again and dropped the phone back in the console. “Kim Turbell was strangled. Whoever did her in left her purse untouched with cash and credit cards inside, along with some jewelry she was wearing. Nothing was taken.”
“Robbery wasn’t the motive.”
“Nope.”
Carlita consulted the clock on the dashboard. It was getting late. “I had hoped we could swing back by the properties, but I don’t have time today. My evening is booked.”
“Hot date?” Dernice teased.
Carlita shot her an annoyed look. “It’s a business meeting with one of my partners.”
“Pete Taylor.”
“How do you know?”
“Elvira told me he had the hots for you. She noticed it at your son’s wedding. In fact, she and I have a bet on how long it will take before you two get hitched.”
“You have not,” Carlita gasped.
Dernice tugged on her seatbelt. “I say by next year. Elvira thinks you’ll get engaged and then break the engagement when you get cold feet.”
“Neither one of you will win.”
“We’ll see,” Dernice grinned. “In the meantime, I’m pretty confident my hundred bucks is going to double. You’re a solid person and not one to toy with a person’s emotions.”
Thankfully, they reached the parking lot, and the conversation about Carlita’s love life ended.
Dernice waited for her in the alley. “What time do you want to head to Tybee Island to start digging around for more clues?”
“How does late morning sound? That way, we can avoid the morning rush hour traffic.”
“Sounds good. Enjoy your date.” Dernice winked and then sauntered off, whistling as she walked away.
Carlita briefly closed her eyes as she watched her slip inside her building. “I can’t believe those two.”
*****
Carlita had enough time for a quick shower, to change into a pair of slacks and a light sweater, fluff her hair and spritz some perfume on. While she scrambled around getting ready, Pete called to remind her to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a jacket.
He arrived promptly at five-thirty and rang the outer bell. She paused long enough to give herself a final once over before dashing down the stairs to let him in.
She peeked through the peephole before flipping the deadbolt and swinging the door open. “You’re right on time.”
“Aye. Can’t keep my favorite lass waiting, now can I?” Pete shifted his arm from behind his back and produced a bouquet of pink roses. “These are for you.”
“For me?” Carlita gave the bouquet, dotted with sprigs of baby’s breath, a twirl as she admired the flowers. A pink satin bow was tied around the bottom. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome. I picked the prettiest ones I could find to give them to the prettiest gal I know.”
Carlita’s cheeks turned a tinge of pink at the compliment. “Let’s run upstairs so I can put them in water.”
Mercedes heard them in the kitchen and wandered out of her room. “Those are beautiful flowers, Pete.”
“Aren’t they?” Carlita made quick work of retrieving a
