“Yeah, we’ve got a slight problem with that,” Decker said. “I’m in an uncomfortable position here. Depending on how this thing resolves, I’ll either be a savior or a bum, and neither of those hats wears well with me. If we don’t get anywhere by tomorrow, I’m going to recommend that Ezra and Breina hire a professional—”

“You’re a professional.”

“I’ve got a very demanding day job. I’m not interested in doing unpaid moonlighting.”

Rina didn’t say anything.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Decker said. “I don’t care about the money—”

“I know you don’t.”

“I don’t want the responsibility, Rina,” Decker said. “The whole situation is just too damn close to home. If it were my kid, I’d hire out. A good PI agency has networks all over the country, honey. They’ve got the interdepartmental contacts, the best skip tracers, and the manpower. They can cover more in a day than I could in a month.”

Rina said, “Ezra’s not a rich man. The only thing of value he owns is the house. How much do these agencies cost?”

That gave Decker a moment of pause. “If they find the kid quickly, it’s not that bad. And the good ones usually find them fast.”

“And if they don’t?” Rina said.

Decker sighed. “I’ll do what I can until the holiday is over. Then I want out. I’ll find the family the best PI available. One that knows the city of New York. Hey, if it was L.A., maybe I’d take another day or two. But I’m a foreigner here, Rina.”

“Whatever you want, Peter.”

Her voice was glum. Decker said, “You think I should do more?”

Rina sighed. “No…No, of course not. It’s just that…well…”

“What?” Decker said. “What? What?”

“I just know that…” Rina sighed again. “If it were Sammy or Jakey, I’d want you to handle it.”

“But I wouldn’t handle it if it were Sammy or Jakey. That’s what I’m telling you. I’m just one person and that’s a big problem. Plus, you don’t take on cases where there’s personal involvement.”

He realized he was shouting and dropped his voice to a whisper.

“This is what I call a swell honeymoon. First, I come out here, sentenced to be a weak substitute for your late husband—”

“That’s not—”

“Yeah, right. It’s not true. They love me for my hair color.”

“Peter—”

“I’m not saying anything against the Lazarus clan. Your former in-laws happen to be nice people. But look at it from my perspective, my background, then tell me I should feel right at home.”

Rina lowered her eyes. “I know it’s hard.”