“I figured this would be how it played out,” Pete said.
“I give up.” Elvira handed it to him. “Make sure you give it back.”
He scanned the paper before returning it to her.
“Well? Don’t just stand there. Is it anything? Is it significant?”
“It means something. It’s significant.”
“Is it a map?”
“It is.”
“A pirate’s map?”
“I believe so. I recognize the coded legend in the corner.”
“Sweet,” Elvira whooped. “Man, I knew I picked the right person to join this venture. So? Where is this? What do the secret symbols mean?”
“I’ll have to confirm it, using a translation document I keep at home.”
“I want to see it,” Elvira said.
“And then what? You cut me out of our deal and head off to find it yourself?” Pete shook his head. “I’m neither naïve nor dumb. We work together.”
“Fine. For the record, this doesn’t sound like much of a partnership to me.”
“It’s a partnership all right, but on a more equal basis.”
Elvira rubbed her hands together. “When can we start?”
“I’ll have to look at my schedule and get back with you.”
“The sooner, the better.” She tucked the scroll under her arm and began feeling along the bottom of the chest. “There’s nothing else in here.”
Carlita wrinkled her nose. “That’s an awfully large chest for a piece of paper.”
“Which could turn into something bigger,” Dernice pointed out.
Pete turned to go, and Elvira stopped him. “Can you get back with me as soon as you get home?”
“I’ve been out of town and have some catching up to do. It might not be until tomorrow.”
While Elvira badgered Pete, Dernice began inspecting the chest and then tipped it on its side.
Plink.
“Hey, Elvira. I think we missed something.”
Elvira darted to her sister’s side. “What is it?”
“I don’t know. It’s stuck behind the lining.”
“Let me see.” Elvira shoved her sister out of the way and began feeling around. “You’re right. It feels like a coin.”
Abandoning her plan to salvage the delicate fabric, Elvira ripped it off. There, in the corner of the chest, was a silver coin. Her hand trembled as she held it up to the dim light. “It’s a coin. It has some markings on it.”
Pete took it from her, his eyes narrowing. “Aye. I recognize it. It’s a doubloon. A Spanish coin.”
Elvira lunged forward.
Pete, anticipating her move, took a quick step back. “Hold your horses.”
“It’s mine. How much do you think it’s worth?”
“Could be a few bucks. Could be a small fortune. I’ve got a few of my own, stored in a safe place in case I ever need them.” Pete handed it back. “It’s only worth as much as a collector is willing to pay.”
“There’s a site I use to gauge this stuff. I’ll figure it out.” Elvira pocketed the coin. “Thanks for your help. Don’t forget to call me with a timeframe for starting our treasure hunting expedition.”
Carlita ducked down and stepped into the tunnel.
“Hey, Carlita.” Elvira stopped her. “Did you get my video?”
“I did. Thank you. Tony is going to have a friend run the partial plate through a driver’s database.”
“I can do the same, but it’ll cost you. I mean, the fee I have to pay for using it, plus a small amount to cover my time.”
“If it doesn’t pan out, I’ll let you know,” Carlita said.
“Mercedes called me earlier. She said something about needing some help.”
“She seems to think she and I should swing by Sandy Sue’s to have a look around.”
“I’ll be here for another hour, if you and Mercedes want to come back,” Elvira said.
“We’ll do that.”
Back home, Carlita fixed a quick lunch, and Mercedes joined them. While they ate, Pete and Carlita took turns filling Mercedes in on Elvira’s exciting discovery.
“She’s already commandeering my ship and crew,” Pete joked.
“Elvira is going to drive you crazy until you take her out.” Carlita took a big bite of her sandwich. “Do you really think there’s a chance she found a treasure map?”
“It could be authentic,” Pete said. “But then again, I won’t know until I’m able to compare what I saw to my legend.”
“I’m sure Elvira would love to get her hands on that,” Mercedes said.
“I wouldn’t put it past her to break into your house to find it.” Carlita said it in a joking manner, but there was a nugget of truth in her joke. Elvira was obsessed with treasure hunting. Finding the chest, a map and a coin only fanned the flames.
After finishing their lunch, Carlita accompanied Pete and Gunner downstairs and into the alley where Pete’s pickup was parked. He placed Gunner on the passenger seat while Carlita watched. “Goodbye, Gunner.”
“Gunner is going to the poop deck,” he informed her.
“The poop deck,” Carlita chuckled.
“Aye. It’s the aft of the top deck. Gunner thinks he’s funny.”
“Gunner is funny.”
Pete leaned in and sneaked a kiss. “Thanks, lass, for takin’ care of Gunner.”
“You’re welcome.”
Pete climbed in and rolled down the window. “I’ve taken the rest of the day off to catch up on some paperwork. I was thinkin’ if you’re not busy, I might be able to persuade you to join me for a romantic dinner for two on my terrace this evening.”
Pete had recently renovated the upper level of the Parrot House Restaurant after selling his home. The apartment was modern and sleek, offering all the amenities of a high-end penthouse.
Carlita was secretly thrilled he was now only a few short blocks away. Her favorite part of his new home was the rooftop terrace that he’d added. She’d seen it during the beginning stages of its transformation and was certain it would be a favorite of his, as well. “I would love to.”
