The Body of Martin Aguilera Read Online Free Page A

Taylor asked.
    Lewis felt suddenly sad for the man. “I don’t know.”
    â€œI’ll have to follow you.”
    â€œWould you mind dropping me by my office first?” Cyril asked.
    â€œNo problem,” Lewis said. “It’s on the way.”
    Lewis didn’t say anything in the car. Neither did Cyril. Except to say he’d hate to be the one to tell Taylor about his grandfather. Lewis didn’t believe Taylor. Martin had never mentioned a grandson; he had never mentioned any family. And for this guy to show up now? One day after Martin was found dead? Lewis didn’t buy it. He wondered what Taylor wanted.
    The blue Camaro stayed behind him and this surprised Lewis somewhat. He’d expected the car to turn off and never be seen again. The Camaro waited while he let out Cyril.
    â€œBe careful,” Cyril said. “Call me later and let me know what’s going on. The operator will tell you my number.”
    Lewis watched the heavy man walk away. He decided that he liked him. He pulled off with the Camaro still following.
    At the station, Lewis and Taylor walked in together. Mondragon was out of his office talking to the dispatcher. He looked up and saw Lewis.
    â€œHey, prof, got some news for you,” Mondragon said.
    â€œManny, this is Martin’s grandson, Joseph Taylor.”
    The sheriff’s manner changed. He sighed. “I’m sorry to tell you that we found Martin Aguilera’s body in the river this morning.”
    â€œBody?” the man said. He found a chair. “I just got a letter from him two weeks ago. He wanted me to come see him.”
    â€œIn the river?” Lewis asked.
    â€œAccident,” the sheriff said.
    â€œManny?”
    â€œHe was geared up for fishing, professor. He probably stepped out too far and the river snatched him in. Happens all the time.”
    â€œManny?”
    But Mondragon would not look at Lewis’ eyes. “I’m sorry about your grandfather,” he said to Taylor. “I have a lot of work to do. If you’ll excuse me.” He went into his office.
    The display of grief seemed pretty genuine and Lewis began to feel for the young man. But Lewis had nothing to say to him. Lewis had nothing to say to anyone. He was confused and angry. He left the station. He wondered why Manny Mondragon had behaved the way he had. Perhaps he too did not trust the stranger claiming to be Martin’s relative. But that would have been a pretty quick assessment. Mondragon seemed to be telling Lewis to stay out of it. Lewis leaned against his car and waited for Taylor.
    Taylor came out shortly, lighting a cigarette and looking at the sky. He saw Lewis and walked to him.
    â€œI’m sorry about your grandfather,” Lewis said.
    Taylor nodded. “You were his friend.” It was not a question, but a statement.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIs there something you want to tell me?”
    â€œWhere are you from?” Lewis asked.
    â€œSeattle.”
    Lewis looked at the rental car.
    â€œListen,” said Taylor, “it’s clear you don’t trust me. Want to tell me why? My grandfather is dead. I want to know what’s going on.”
    Lewis listened to him, looked at his eyes, believed him. “Martin never mentioned any family to me.”
    â€œHe and my mother didn’t get along. He didn’t like the fact that she married a white man.”
    â€œI found your grandfather dead in his cabin yesterday.”
    â€œBut the sheriff said—”
    â€œI know what the sheriff said. When he went back out there with me the body was gone. Sounds crazy. Mr. Taylor, I don’t know what’s going on and I don’t know who to trust. You pop up out of nowhere the day after I find Martin dead. What am I supposed to think?”
    â€œI understand. But put yourself in my shoes. My grandfather writes and tells me something’s wrong, but not what and when I get here the sheriff