Free Mystery by the Sea by David Sal Page A

put the car in drive because the gate started to open. Okay,
they’re kicking me out , he thought.
    On the way back, Lorenzo stopped
the car under a flowering Poinciana tree. From there he could see the whole
town and the coast. The day was so clear and cloudless that he could see all
the way to the area where his house was. That was where he wanted to be, but he
felt he needed a few minutes to analyze the information he had gathered up
until now.
    He had interviewed the people who were
with Pedroza and Doris the night of the crime. None of them seemed particularly
traumatized by their boss’ death. On the other hand, there was the annoying
fact that none of them, aside from Doris, were physically present with Pedroza
in his study before the fatal blow.
    An unpleasant feeling of failure
and helplessness began to surface in Lorenzo’s mind. He only had his wife’s
word. Nothing else. His wife, whom he had started to feel he did not know very
well anymore. The woman who had hid from him that she had been fired and lied
about going to the movies and God-knows what else.
    It was of no consolation to him to
remember the suspicions and theories of her ex-colleague Edgar. Pure
conjectures, but why, all of a sudden, was her dismissal unfair? And what
about Pedroza’s attorney? He wasn’t even there . Javier, like the others,
redirected his questions and suspicions while also appearing to care for Doris.
    But Lorenzo reasoned that if he
quit without turning over every last stone he would forever be left with the
burden of knowing that he had not done absolutely everything possible to help
the mother of his future child. He had to be able, when the time came, to look
his child in the eye and say that he had done everything, that he had fought to
the end.
    He proceeded to dial Alexis’ office
from his cell phone. His secretary answered and in a few seconds he heard his
attorney’s voice on the line.
    “Lorenzo, how are you feeling?”
greeted Alexis in a positive tone.
    “I need the name of Pedroza’s
attorney and how to get ahold of him,” answered Lorenzo flatly.
    “Do you mean Mr. Centeno? What
for?” asked Alexis, worried.
    “Because I’ve been looking into it
and apparently he had serious problems with Pedroza. We have a possible
motive,” reported Lorenzo, trying to impose an air of importance over his discovery.
    “Lorenzo, wait,” said Alexis, being
as diplomatic as possible. “I understand that you want to know the details of
the incident and everything, and, like I’ve already told you, I can help you
however possible. But I must warn you that questioning other people like that
can cause problems for you—or worse if you’re questioning people like Centeno.
I’m telling you that it’s off limits. I suggest you stay calm. We’re going to
fix this in court. That’s why I’m here.”
    “I appreciate the advice, but don’t
worry, I won’t cross the line. I only want to confirm something,” assured
Lorenzo, trying to minimize the matter.
    “Lorenzo, we don’t want anything to
affect our case. Really think this through. Okay?” urged Alexis, trying to
change his opinion.
    “Yeah, okay. Give me the number,”
demanded Lorenzo impatiently.
    “All right, you asked for it. I wish
you would realize what you’re getting yourself into, but I can see that’s not
the case,” said the attorney sadly, proceeding to read off the contact
information after adding another unsuccessful dissuasive remark.
    As soon as the call was over,
Lorenzo dialed the number provided by Alexis, where a secretary yet again
answered and informed him that the attorney was out of the office all day. He
was with some clients at the Costero Sports Club. Lorenzo decided to look for
him there and so he took off, ignoring Alexis’ warnings.
     

Chapter 8
     
    The Costero Sports Club had all the characteristics anyone
could want when looking for a place to play tennis on professional courts, swim
in an Olympic pool, train in a