Page 6 of Shakedown in Savannah

Pete and Wempley emerged.

“Although some of us are gung-ho to start digging, we need to figure out what was behind this wall before we excavate,” Pete said.

“You’re right.”

His jaw dropped. He stared at Elvira. “You’re agreeing with me? Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine. I know an archaeologist. I’ll get on the horn as soon as I leave here to see if I can convince her to come down and check it out.” Elvira repeated the woman’s name.

“I’ve heard of Randi Colbane,” Wempley said. “She’s well-respected in the archaeological field.”

“We definitely need an expert opinion,” Pete said.

“You can bet I’ll get right on it. Have you ever heard of the Shifting Sands Medallion? Colbane helped authenticate it.”

“Actually, I believe I may have heard something about it recently in the news,” Carlita said.

“Which means she might be hard to reach. If not, I have a few other people in mind.” Elvira zipped her bag shut. “In the meantime, you might want to secure the tunnel door.”

“To prevent someone like you, who might be tempted to swing back by, from sneaking down here?” Pete teased.

“I’m gonna do my best to rein myself in. Who knows? This could be the find of the century.” Elvira elbowed Autumn. “You need to keep this under wraps until we figure out what we have.”

Autumn made a zipping motion across her lips. “My lips are sealed.”

“Good. I’m heading out now. I’ll send a group text as soon as I have confirmation.” Elvira scurried off.

Carlita motioned to Dernice. “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

“Yeah. Elvira will be fine. At first, I thought she was going to have a major meltdown, but I think she realizes this could be even bigger than her finding a little treasure.”

“Perhaps much bigger,” Wempley said. “A piece of Savannah's history could be behind the tunnel wall. We need to be good stewards and go about this with the utmost care.”

Luigi swiped at the dust on the front of his shirt. “I’m not saying she would do this, but you might want to triple lock the door just in case.”

Mercedes finished Luigi’s sentence. “Elvira changes her mind. The temptation is too great, and she sneaks down here.”

“I completely agree. You never know with her.”

Pete and Carlita accompanied the others through the tunnel, up the stairs, and out into the parking lot. “I’m sorry to drag all of you over here for nothing,” he apologized.

“I don’t think it’s nothing,” Pete’s daughter, Kris said. “I think there’s a good chance something significant took place beneath the Parrot House Restaurant, which only adds to the charm and character.”

“True.” He scratched the stubble on his chin. “This might work to my advantage, helping attract new customers who are curious about the potential find.”

“The Parrot House is already a legend. I have to admit, I’m intrigued.” Carlita changed the subject. “How’s the apartment, Kris? Have you and Monty the python settled back in?”

“Yes. Thanks again for letting us stay with you during my apartment repairs. Although I think Monty misses you.”

“How can you tell?”

“Every time I mention your name, he hisses at me.”

Carlita wrinkled her nose. “Hissing is a good thing?”

“It’s what he does when he gets excited. We’ll swing by soon to visit,” she promised.

“We would like that.”

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