Read Online Mystery by the Sea by David Sal - Free Book Online Page A

that he was
older.
    Outside at the entrance, Lorenzo
waited patiently while the electric gate slowly rolled up, allowing him
entrance to the property. Once his path forward was no longer blocked, he drove
his car around the water fountain with marine motifs that adorned the
building’s façade. He parked in front of the porch at the main entrance. Beautiful
and well-tended gardens granted a final touch of class to the space. Lorenzo
stepped out of his car and walked to the front door where he was greeted by a
woman.
    “Welcome, Mr. Almeida, you can come
in. Mr. Estrada is waiting for you out back by the pool. Follow me,” the
dark-skinned woman in professional attire greeted and instructed him. She had
obviously been interrupted from some other work activity to attend to Lorenzo.
    “Thank you, miss,” responded
Lorenzo, following her through the door.
    Upon entering the mansion, Lorenzo
marveled at how the inside felt spacious without being cavernous or insipid.
The decor, furniture, and other adornments were wisely placed and reflected an
exquisite taste. The immense room’s back wall was pure crystal and afforded an
imposing view of the sea from its privileged position.
    When they stepped outside, a strong
but pleasant breeze was blowing. A small path, flanked by neatly cut grass, led
them directly to the pool. Javier was waiting for him, seated at a crystal-topped
table with a white umbrella.
    “Almeida, welcome!” greeted Javier
from the table. “Sit down here with me, please,” he said, signaling to an open
chair. Lorenzo sat down, and the woman turned around and headed back to where
they had come from.
    “Thank you. Beautiful place you
have here. Tremendous view, really,” exclaimed Lorenzo, practically without
taking a breath. The dominating panorama had a visceral effect on him, but even
so, he preferred the view from his own house because he felt it provided him a
more intimate connection with the sea. In any case, he tried to take in as much
of the view, and the effect it had on him, as possible.
    “Well, thank you. I love the view. It’s
the best part of the property,” said Javier with pride. “Would you like something
to drink?” he said, referring to some bottles of beer and liquor that he had
put away inside a mini-fridge next to the table.
    “Thank you, but I don’t drink,”
Lorenzo informed him with a timid smile.
    “What do you mean? They’re cold,”
Javier insisted. “Then, a soda or a juice. She’ll bring it right over,” he
said, referring to the woman who had welcomed Lorenzo.
    “No, don’t bother the maid. I’m
okay,” said Lorenzo, making himself comfortable in the chair.
    “She’s not the maid. She’s my
wife,” clarified Javier with a smile.
    “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that…”
    To Lorenzo’s embarrassment, Javier
explained, “You would expect otherwise. I know. But she likes to look after the
house. She’s enamored with it and she enjoys it. I let her. What can I do?”  His
wife would not allow anyone to carry out her routine house chores. She spent
the majority of her time in her art studio, creating the decor for every corner
of every room. After some time had gone by, she would redecorate. It was simply
her passion. Javier spoke with pride about that quirk because he knew that it
was something unique within the social circle to which they belonged. Some
people admired it, others looked at it with disgust. That did not matter to
him. He enjoyed seeing people’s reactions and seeing Lorenzo’s face turn beet
red from embarrassment. It was also part of his strategy to manipulate the
visit.
    “Tell me, Lorenzo…what do you do?
What’s your special talent? ” asked Javier, feigning interest. Lorenzo
did not know how to answer at first. After an uncomfortable silence, he tried
to respond.
    “I’m actually unemployed. But I
operate heavy machinery.”
    “Oh, good to know, in case we ever
do anything with the properties we have here. The people who