“Suspended proceedings with probation,” said Pomerantz. “First year served in county jail if beyond a doubt McKay is only an accessory. Because if it’s murder, all bets are off.”

“All charges dropped, Kurt.”

“Why should we drop all charges?” Decker said. “At the very least, he’d get probation with embezzlement, Oscar.”

“So charge him with embezzlement. You want his cooperation, Pete, all charges dropped.”

“Suspended proceedings with five probation,” Pomerantz said. “No jail time.”

“No dice,” Beltran said.

“Oscar, be flexible!”

“All charges dropped.”

Decker remained stoic. He wanted to charge Leek McKay—the nurse deserved to do time—but he wanted Lily Booker’s killer—or killers—even more. Maybe it was Marie. Maybe it was Tandy. Without McKay, he’d never know. If McKay had to go free in the bargain, he could live with that. None of the men spoke for a few moments.

Finally, Pomerantz said, “Suspended proceedings with one year probation. No jail time. With embezzlement, we could tie him up with at least two, maybe three, years probation, not to mention countless hours of community service and possible payback to the home. Go back to your client and ask him if what we have to offer is satisfactory.”

Beltran tapped his foot, then nodded. “I think he’ll go for it.”

36

“Where’s the camera?” Leek McKay looked around the interview room. “I don’t see any camera.”

“Behind the one-way mirror,” Marge explained.

“Why am I being videotaped?”

Decker said, “The proceedings are being videotaped, Mr. McKay, not just you. It’s for everyone’s protection.”

“I look lousy.”

And he did. There was something especially pathetic about a big man withering in defeat. He reminded Decker of a bull-mastiff he once saw in the vet’s office, the muscled animal lying submissively on the floor, quaking at the anticipation of a shot. Leek had on a white shirt, tan jacket, and a pair of faded Levi’s. His face was pale, his hair, though washed, was messy, and his hands were clenched knuckle white.

“I need a shave myself,” Decker said. “Don’t worry about it.”

McKay said, “Tell the guy behind the camera to try to pick up the left part of my face. It’s my good side.”

Decker didn’t answer, not knowing if Leek was serious. He continued reciting preliminary interview information into the tape recorder, ending by stating the name of each person in the room and his official title. Six people in a space inadequately ventilated for two. Everyone had circles under their armpits. He turned to Leek. “Do you want anything to eat or drink before we start?”

“Glass of water would be nice.”