Read Online The Body of Martin Aguilera by Percival Everett - Free Book Online

into the Shell station. Thinking he might at any moment come across Manny, Lewis ran to help them. A young woman was behind the wheel and she smiled at him. He pushed and walked away once the vehicle was at the garage door. He went into the ice cream parlor where he knew it would be cool. He sat and nursed a vanilla cone slowly until it was gone. His shirt dry, he left.
    Fat Leroi Hireles was behind the desk in the office of the Best Western. Lewis could see him through the window and was glad he didn’t have to go in and talk to him. Leroi talked non-stop and was famous for not bathing. The blue, rental Camaro was parked in the lot.
    Lewis knocked.
    â€œWho is it?”
    â€œLewis Mason.”
    Taylor opened the door and stepped away.
    â€œHow are you doing?” Lewis asked.
    â€œI’m fine.” Taylor sat on the bed and looked at the television.
    â€œWhat are you watching?”
    â€œSome talk show. People on here would rather be with their pets than other people.” He wouldn’t look at Lewis. “This guy wants to marry his cat.”
    â€œTakes all kinds,” Lewis said.
    â€œListen, about last night. I’m sorry I got you into this.” Lewis looked at the people on television. “I’m going to see Martin’s body tonight. Your grandfather was a Penitente. It’s a religious group.”
    â€œMy grandfather was Catholic.”
    â€œIt’s a Catholic group. I’ll come by here just before nine.”
    Taylor nodded.
    Lewis felt awful, like a bad man trying to pull a scared man deeper into trouble. He got up and went to the door. “You don’t have to go, you know.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œSee you later.”

Chapter Fourteen
    Maggie and Laura arrived at the post office shortly after Lewis. Laura sat between the adults during the ride home. The child ate a chocolate bar. Lewis was quiet and Maggie asked no questions. Laura looked at her grandfather with candy on her lips. Lewis smiled and gave her his handkerchief.
    â€œI had fun today, Papa.”
    â€œI’m glad, honey.” He put his arm around her.
    â€œMaggie and I have a surprise for you.”
    â€œYou do? What is it?”
    â€œI can’t tell.”
    â€œI’ll have to wait then, won’t I?”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œDid you get your business taken care of?” Maggie asked.
    â€œYes, some of it. I have to go into town and finish it up tonight.”
    Silence.
    â€œI put some gas in the car,” Maggie said.
    â€œThanks.” Lewis was looking out the window again. They had started up the mountain. Down on the flat, Lewis could see smoke rising from the dump. There was not supposed to be burning in the fill, but a fire always raged. He used to like going down there when the county could afford a guard, even if it was fat Leroi. Now, the smoke irritated his eyes and the heat was disturbing.
    â€œWhose car is that?” Maggie asked.
    Lewis looked at the strange car parked in front of his cabin. He didn’t know anyone who owned a new, bright green Jeep. Maggie stopped beside it.
    â€œStay in the car,” Lewis said and got out. He closed the door and turned back. “Roll up the windows and lock the doors.”
    Laura and Maggie did as he asked.
    Lewis went to the door and tried the knob. It was still locked. He looked back at Maggie and Laura and shrugged. He came down the steps and walked along the side of the house, glancing in through the windows as he passed. He turned the corner. His heart stopped as he met another body.
    Maggie pushed open her car door.
    â€œLewis.” It was Cyril Peabody.
    Lewis let out a breath. “Christ, you nearly scared me to death.” He leaned against the house, waved back to the car. “It’s all right.”
    â€œI just came out to say hello,” Cyril said. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”
    â€œIt’s okay.”
    Maggie and Laura joined