Just as he and Ezra were about to leave, Ezra lurched forward. Shimon looped his arms around him as Jonathan grabbed a chair. Together, they eased their brother into a sitting position. His mother and sisters served him water, fanned his face. After he caught his breath, Ezra told everyone that it was simply a bad case of nerves, suddenly his knees had buckled. Decker told him he’d been under an extraordinary amount of stress, adding that he’d been holding up very well.

“Maybe it would be better if I went with Akiva,” Shimon said to Ezra.

“I’ll go,” Jonathan said.

“Why don’t you both go?” Frieda Levine said.

Decker forced himself to look at her. “Too many people.”

“Of course,” Frieda said. “You know best.”

Those eyes! They begged his forgiveness, pleaded with him for help. Goddamn her eyes. They drew him under like a riptide.

Decker focused in on his watch. “I’ll take Shimon along. No offense to you, Jonathan, but Shimon is better trusted in the community.”

Jonathan clasped his hands together. “Whatever you say, boss.”

The way he said it, Decker had to smile.

When he and Shimon were out of the house, Shimon asked what his function would be other than to introduce him. Decker explained that he wanted to talk to the kids in private. Shimon was to reassure the families while he interviewed their children. Since he was a stranger, parents might feel skittish allowing him to be alone with their progeny. Shimon’s job was to tell everyone what a great guy he was.

“And if the parents want to come with you?” Shimon asked.

“That’s what I’m trying to avoid,” Decker said. “I can get kids to tell me things they won’t dare admit in front of their parents.”

“My kids tell you our deep dark secrets?” Shimon asked.

He had tried to keep his voice light, but Decker knew there was something behind it. Shimon was worried about what his children had told him yesterday, what kind of impression they had made. The truth was, they had been very nice and well-behaved.

Decker said, “Your oldest told me you do funny things with a whip and a chain.”

Shimon said, “He forgot the handcuffs.”

Decker laughed.

The day was cool, but the sun was out. Wedges of bright light shone upon the rows of townhouses, turning the red brick into metallic copper. They had waited a good hour after services were over, wanting to be sure most people had settled down for the big holiday afternoon meal. At three o’clock, they were the only ones on the street, their shoes echoing against the blinding white sidewalk.

Decker stuck his hands in his pockets and said, “Your kids are great.”

Shimon tried to stifle a smile, but couldn’t. “Thanks. I like them.”

“The boys don’t seem to be close to their cousin.”