The Vanishing Point Read Free Page B

never find me.”
    â€œWho?” Claire wondered before moving on to the next entry.
    â€œHaunted by what happened to Lou.” Much as she knew about Jonathan, Claire did not know who Lou was.
    There were numerous references to the fucking war, the bitch, and the fucking old lady. Claire feared that this was Jonathan’s mother, Ada Vail, who was known to be imperious. Insulting her could make publication difficult. Claire wondered which would come first with Ada—the need to preserve her son’s legend or the need to preserve her reputation. Publication didn’t appear to have been on Jonathan’s mind when he wrote the journal, but the pressure to publish now would be intense. Publication might do his legend a disservice, but even if it wasn’t published, the journal was likely to be read and reread. Much would be seen in it that might not have been intended.
    Claire felt that the first reading could be the purest reading. She tried to make her mind a blank slate before approaching the notebook. Once it had been read by others, her own reading might be influenced by their interpretations. When she finished, she put down the Xeroxed copy of the journal and considered what she had learned. There was little to advance Jonathan’s reputation as a writer or a person, but much to harm it; possible clues to the riddle of his disappearance, but no solution; many questions, no answers. Jonathan’s life and disappearance remained a puzzle.
    Claire looked up the number for the Grand Gulch Ranger Station, called and asked to speak to Curt Devereux, the ranger who had investigated Jonathan’s disappearance in 1966. She didn’t expect Devereux to be at Grand Gulch after all this time, but his was the only name she had. When a woman answered the phone, Claire introduced herself and asked for Curt.
    â€œI’m Ellen Frank,” the woman said. “Curt is in the Gallup office now. I can give you his number there if you like.”
    â€œPlease,” said Claire.
    Claire wrote the number down, then said, “I’m an archivist at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico. Are you familiar with the legend of Jonathan Vail?”
    â€œSomewhat,” Ellen answered. “We sell his novel and his journal at the ranger station. They’re popular with backpackers. Not as popular as Abbey, but people still like to read them.”
    â€œA student just brought me a notebook he found in Sin Nombre Canyon that appears to be Vail’s missing journal.”
    â€œYou’re kidding. After all this time? Is it in good shape?”
    â€œExcellent.”
    â€œThe student should have brought it to us. It’s not an active investigation, but Vail’s disappearance is a case that has never been solved.”
    â€œI told the student that. He also found a duffel bag, which he left in the cave. I’m sure it will be of interest to whoever is conducting the investigation. Do you know who that would be?”
    â€œI’m not sure, actually. That case has been inactive for so long. I know whoever it is will want to see the notebook. Can I get back to you?”
    â€œOf course.”
    Claire hung up, then dialed the number she had been given for Curt Devereux. She had never met him but was curious about the man who’d been in the eye of the storm that swirled around Jonathan’s disappearance. Claire explained who she was and why she was calling. There was a pause. Curt cleared his throat and said, “My God. After all this time. Do you believe the journal is authentic?”
    â€œIt appears to be, but we intend to have it authenticated by the family and a handwriting expert.”
    â€œI always wondered if Vail might have ended up in one of the side canyons. I’ve been all over Sin Nombre, but never found a trace.”
    â€œThe student who brought it to me said he thought the cave had been covered by a rock slide and uncovered