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

them.
    â€œCyril,” Lewis said, “I’d like you to meet Maggie Okada and my granddaughter Laura.”
    â€œPleased to meet you,” Cyril said.
    â€œLong way to drive just to say hello,” Maggie said.
    Cyril smiled at her. “Well, actually, I was expecting Lewis to call.” He looked at Lewis. “When you didn’t, I guess I started to worry. But now I can see that everything is fine.”
    â€œThanks for the concern.”
    â€œLaura and I will start carrying in the groceries,” Maggie said.
    Lewis nodded. “I’ll be right there.” To Cyril, “Come in. Have some tea with us.”
    Cyril looked at the full car. “I can see I’ve come at a bad time. I’m a bit rushed anyway.” He watched Maggie and Laura go into the house. “Cute kid.”
    â€œYes, she is.”
    â€œHow did everything turn out?”
    â€œI suppose you heard they’re calling Martin’s death an accident.”
    Cyril nodded.
    â€œThat’s about it and I don’t know what to make of it.”
    Cyril looked like he didn’t know what to say.
    Lewis didn’t want to go into detail about Fonda’s and the Penitentes. He didn’t really understand what was driving him and he was embarrassed and he didn’t want to pull yet another person into the thick of the mess.
    â€œListen, I’d better get out of here and let you help with the unloading before you get into trouble. “He made a move toward his car.
    â€œNo, come on in, have tea and sit.”
    â€œSure.” Cyril helped carry in the groceries, then went back to the car.
    â€œWe’ll get that other stuff later,” Lewis told him.
    Cyril wanted coffee instead of tea. The men sat in the living room. Maggie and Laura went out for a walk.
    â€œI guess I rubbed your friend the wrong way,” Cyril said.
    â€œMaybe. It’s a big step, her moving in here.”
    â€œOh, that’s what’s in the car. I didn’t know. I really should leave and let you two get things squared away.”
    â€œThey’ve gone for a walk now.”
    They sat quietly and looked out the front window at the view off the mountain.
    â€œThat really is some piece of real estate,” Cyril said of the plateau below. “That gorge is something.”
    â€œYeah,” Lewis agreed, sipping his tea.
    â€œAgain, I’m really sorry about your friend Martin.”
    Lewis nodded. “He was a special fellow.”
    â€œWere you very close?”
    â€œReasonably, I guess.” Lewis looked at Cyril. “What did you think of him?”
    â€œHe was really concerned about his dog. That’s always a good sign to me.”
    â€œDid he ever talk to you about anything?” Cyril asked.
    Lewis chuckled. “That’s a broad question.”
    â€œI mean like his dog and what was wrong with it. Something seemed to be bothering him when he came to my office. More than just the dog.”
    Lewis rubbed his chin. “I’m not recalling anything.”
    The back door made a noise being opened.
    â€œThanks for the coffee, but I’d better let you, you know.”
    Lewis smiled. “Yeah, Maggie can be tough, too.”
    â€œI’ll bet.”
    â€œI’ll be in touch,” Lewis said. “Thanks for coming out.”
    Lewis walked the man outside where they shook hands. Cyril climbed into his Jeep. Lewis watched the car round the bend of the drive, then grabbed the first of Maggie’s things to bring in. Maggie held the door for him.
    â€œCyril’s the vet I told you about,” Lewis said. He put his load down on the table.
    â€œWhat did he want?” Maggie asked. There was an edge to her voice.
    â€œWhat’s wrong, Maggie?”
    â€œAll this stuff is scary,” she said softly, mindful of Laura who was rinsing off a plum to eat.
    â€œI know. It’s okay though.” He hugged her.
    â€œMushy, mushy,” Laura