“Speaking of Elvira, she’s been blowin’ up my phone. Something about wanting me to stop by her place.”
“I’m sure it involves her basement explorations and excavations.”
Elvira had stumbled upon a crude drawing in an underground tunnel, mere steps from her basement. She was convinced it was a depiction of a sunken pirate ship.
During her explorations, she had also discovered a secret, sealed room. She chiseled out a baseball-size hole, giving her a glimpse of what was inside.
Tucked away in the corner was a wooden box, similar to one Carlita had found in her pawn shop’s basement. Carlita’s box had been full of gems.
Certain she was onto something; Elvira had tracked Pete down to question him about the area’s sunken pirate ships.
When Elvira heard about a rumored ship somewhere off Savannah’s coastline, she’d become obsessed with getting her hands on whatever was behind the wall. “I wonder if she finally chiseled through the tunnel wall,” Carlita said.
“Knowing Elvira, I would say there’s a good chance. Would you care to run over there with me?”
“Sure. I can’t wait to find out what she’s plotting next.”
“Perhaps dredging the shoreline?” Pete joked. “In all honesty, I’m certain there are multiple shipwrecks along the coast.”
Carlita gave Tony a heads up they were leaving, and then she and Pete headed across the alley.
Dernice answered their knock. “Elvira’s in the basement. She’s waiting for you.” She grabbed a clipboard off the counter and motioned for them to follow her downstairs.
The basement was dark and dank, with only a dull light emanating from the connecting tunnel. A shiny pair of solid steel support beams was near the tunnel’s entrance.
“The beams are new,” Carlita said.
“Elvira took your advice and hired a structural engineer. He told her if she didn’t add support beams, the building was in danger of collapsing.”
“You mean she actually listened to me?”
Dernice shot a furtive glance at the tunnel’s entrance and lowered her voice. “She’ll never admit it, but she values your input. Elvira has a tough time making friends. Once she finds one, she latches on and doesn’t let go.”
Carlita chuckled. “I’m not sure if I should be flattered or frightened.”
“Probably a little of both,” Pete said. “I can’t wait to see what she’s found.”
The trio made their way along the tunnel. It narrowed slightly, then “T’d” off. They turned right.
Up ahead was a wheelbarrow, blocking the tunnel’s path.
Tink. Tink. Carlita heard a tapping sound. The tinking grew louder as they drew closer. They reached the spot she’d visited before.
Instead of a baseball-size hole, there was an opening, roughly three feet wide and four feet high. A faint light emanated from the interior.
Dernice ducked down and made her way inside. Pete followed with Carlita bringing up the rear. She clamped a hand over her mouth as she stepped into the cramped space. Thick dust filled the air, making it nearly impossible to see.
Elvira pivoted. A red bandanna covered her nose and mouth. She was wearing safety goggles and holding a sledgehammer. “Hey, Pete. Glad you could finally make it. I was getting ready to give you another call.”
“I got your message. I thought I replied.”
“You did, but I figured maybe you forgot about me.”
Pete nodded toward the wall. “What’s going on?”
“Remember when you told me about the sunken pirate ship?” Elvira asked.
“The one that went down back in the late 1700s, laden with plunder, and headed to Spain’s king? As I mentioned before, there were only a couple survivors who made it to shore to tell their tale.”
“Check this out.” Elvira led him out of the room and to the drawing on the tunnel wall. “Doesn’t this resemble a ship on the water?”
Pete tilted his head. “Could be. I’m sure this would be of interest to local historians. Have you contacted them to get their opinion?”
“No, but that’s a great idea.” Elvira stepped back inside the room. “Over here.”
Carlita joined the others as they gathered around a large wooden chest. Thick strips of metal covered the lid. Similar strips of metal ran along all four sides. An iron padlock secured the chest. “You haven’t opened it yet?”
“Nope. I’ve been chiseling away at the wall in my free time, almost every day. It wasn’t until late last night I finally gained access to this place.” Elvira rubbed her hands together. “Whatever is in here is going to be a game changer.”
“What if it’s empty?” Carlita asked.
“Bite your tongue.”
“You think this is full of treasure.” Pete’s eyes twinkled mischievously.
“Think it’s full? I know it’s full.” Elvira’s expression grew dreamy as she ran a light hand over the top.
“Why are you showing it to us?” Carlita asked. “I would think the fewer people who know about it the better.”
“Why would it matter who I show it to?”
“This isn’t your property. If the city finds out, they could claim it as historical property.”
A look of uncertainty crossed Elvira’s face. “The city can’t take this from me. Finders, keepers and all that.”
“I tried to tell you,” Dernice shook her head. “In fact, you might already be in trouble if someone finds out you busted a hole in the wall.”
“As soon as I move this chest out of here and make sure there’s nothing else buried in the ground, I’m gonna put this wall back together, like it never happened.”
Carlita cast a skeptical glance at the pile of rubble nearby. “Good luck.”
“I have a plan.” Elvira waved dismissively. “Besides, it’s not your problem.”
“You’re right and please remember that in case you change your mind.”
Elvira rolled her eyes before turning to Pete. “Well? What’s your expert opinion?”
Pete kneeled next to the chest. “There are some markings on it.” He pointed to several deep carvings along the
