“I don’t follow you,” Jonathan said.
“I was the poster boy, my man, something Chaim could point to and say he tried. But in fact, he didn’t try at all. And before you get all offended, I’m not saying that’s the case. I’m just making suggestions. That’s what I do. Suggest some theories and see which ones make sense after the dust settles.”
Jonathan was quiet. “I wish I had a response. Because it is strange, Akiva. Even in his grief, Chaim made it a point to ask me where you had gone after you heard the news. He seemed obsessed by your actions.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him I didn’t know. Where did you go, Akiva? You left very suddenly.”
“I wasn’t wanted, Jon. It would have been inappropriate for me to intrude on their grief.”
“So where did you go?”
“Back into the city.”
“Why?”
“I figured maybe Detective Novack could fill me in on some crime details. He wasn’t in. I took a walk and got punched out for my efforts.”
Jonathan was satisfied with the explanation.
Decker said, “It might have helped me out if you had told me everything this morning, although I understand why you didn’t. You didn’t want to jeopardize anyone.”
“That, and I couldn’t break a confidentiality.”
“I wonder why the ‘source’ was so anxious for me to be out of the picture.”
“I can only assume that you were close to something, even if you didn’t know it.”
“So then I have to go back and figure out what I was close to.”
“No, what you have to do is leave, Akiva. Tonight. As scheduled.”
“What difference does it make now, Jon? She’s dead.”
“But you’re still alive. Now that I think about it, ‘out of the picture’ doesn’t sound promising. And I’m not sure if your punch wasn’t a warning, despite what you say. If something were to happen to you, I’d never forgive myself. I think we should leave it up to the local police.”
“You’re right, but I’m not ready to let go. I’m sending Rina out, but I’m staying until Friday.”
“Akiva-”
“It’s decided, Jon. Don’t argue. You won’t win. You want to help me or not?”
“Of course I’ll help you. What do you need?”
“I need your wheels. As soon as Rina leaves, I’m going to find a cheap place in the city. Which means I’m going to have to give back Sora Lazarus’s car.”
“You will not find a cheap place anywhere in the city. You’ll stay with me. Don’t argue. It’s a done deal; I can be stubborn, too. And yes, you can have my car. But now you let me speak my mind. What you’re doing isn’t fair to Rina.”
Decker put another twenty down on the table. “Let me be the judge of that.” He got up. “Let’s go get the morgue out of the way.”
Jonathan rose from the table. “I suppose we should.”
“I’ll be with you the whole time.” Decker put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “We’ll get through it.”
“What choice do we have?”
Together they walked out, passing the stage production as they left. Same show, but different girls shaking tassels that hung from their nipples. Decker’s eyes went to the patrons, flushed from sexual arousal and drinking, trembling hands and sweating palms stuffing twenties into the dancers’ thongs. Cheering the girls with each bump and grind, making kissy noises and obscene gestures.
Decker walked a few more paces, then did a double take. Sitting at a front table, drinking and hollering like an ace, was Quinton Police chief Virgil Merrin. His ultrablond hair was plastered wet against his pink scalp, his belly jiggling as he laughed and whooped.
Decker stopped moving. “Wait a sec, Jon.”
“What?”
“Just wait here for a sec.” Decker went over to Merrin. “Hi, Merrin, remember me?”
Merrin turned and looked up. He was in civilian clothing, his face and armpits wet, his body reeking of musty sweat. He stared at Decker, his pale eyes without recognition. It could have been the bruises.
“Lieutenant Peter Decker… LAPD. I asked you some questions about Shaynda Lieber.”
“Ah! Yeah, sure, I remember you, young man.” A stare. “What happened to your face?”
“Gotta watch those baseball bats.” He smiled. “I’m kidding.”
“I hope so.” A smile, but something behind it. “Have a seat.”
“No thanks. I was on my way out.”
The chief winked at him. “I won’t tell if you won’t tell.”
Decker winked back. “How about this? You can tell-and I can tell.”
Merrin’s expression turned chilly. Decker continued to smile.
Locking eyes, but only for a few moments.
Then Decker left.
He glanced over his shoulder just the one time.
23
Iknow you’re upset-”
“Of course I’m upset! I’m very upset! This is horrible!”
Decker took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m sorry, honey.”
Rina wiped her eyes, then transferred the phone receiver to the other ear. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. But still, I kept hoping…”
“I know, honey, I know.”
“I don’t want to go to Florida without you, Peter. Why do you have to stay here? Can’t the police handle it?”
“Sure they can handle it.”
Silence.
Rina placed the receiver back on the original ear. Both ears were now hot. “You promise you’ll come out on Friday?”
Her disappointment was audible. Decker said, “I promise.”
“And you’ll be careful?”
“Absolutely.”
“If you truly love your daughter, you’ll take extra precautions.”
“I will.”
“Am I going to see you before Hannah and I leave?”
“Yes, of course. I just have to finish up this business in Fort Lee; then I’ll come back to Brooklyn and take you two to the airport.”
“Are you in New Jersey now?”
“No, Jonathan and I are just leaving Quinton. I’m sorry you had to find out like this. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the one to tell you.”
“It’s all right.”
“Was Chaim rude to you?”
“I didn’t speak to Chaim; I spoke to Raisie. She was wondering where you were. She told me that all of them were wondering where you were. If you’re in Quinton, why don’t they know where you are?”
“Because I’m not with them. I’m with Jonathan. We had to speak in private.”
“They said you left in a huff.”
“No.” Decker kept his patience. “Not in a huff, in a hurry. I thought it would be kinder to the family to let them grieve alone.”
But Rina was skeptical. He left because he had somewhere to go. But she didn’t push it.
Decker said, “Can you change my plane ticket or should I do it?”
“I can do it. I really wish you’d reconsider.”
“Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t last until Friday. But I’d like the option. Should I call up the airline?”
“I’ll do it, Peter.” She blew her nose. “All this arranging and rearranging. I should become a travel agent.”
“I’m sure you’d be the best.”
Rina smiled despite herself. “As long as you’re in Quinton, you should drop by Mr. Lieber’s house. I have a feeling the family would like to see you.”
“Why do you say that? Chaim practically kicked me out this morning.”
“Well, maybe Raisie would like to see you.”
“I can’t see anyone right now.” Two thirty-seven on his watch. “If we’re going to make it to the morgue in Jersey, we’re going to have to hustle. Jonathan has already spoken to Raisie, although she doesn’t know I’m in Quinton. Nobody does. Like I told you, Jon and I had to talk in private. Don’t mention my presence to anyone.”
“I won’t.”
“I don’t think I’m well regarded by anyone over there,” Decker said.
“What does that mean?”
“I’ll tell you when I see you. I’ve got to go. See you in a couple of hours.”