“No.” Another pause. “If she left suddenly, I’m sure she had a good reason. Why are you bothering to look for a grown wo—omigod! It’s that baby on TV, right? I mean, why else would you be looking for a grown woman. Right? Right? Right?”

“The kidnapping happened during Marie’s shift.”

“Kidnapping!” Paula shrieked. “My God, I didn’t even think of Marie’s hospital. If Marie’s missing, that has to mean the same person who kidnapped the baby kidnapped poor Marie. Why else would Marie be missing! She would have died fighting to save any of her babies! She’s the most dedicated nurse I know. Omigod, omigod—”

“Paula, I need to talk to you. I have to finish up some work here. I could meet you in an hour, hour and a half. Let’s say around eleven.”

“I’m working now.” Another pause. “Do you think Marie’s okay? I mean, you don’t think she’s…omigod!”

“I can meet you at work. Is that all right?”

“Of course. I’ll take a break. Whatever you say.”

“Where do you work?”

“St. Jerome’s in San Fernando. Do you know where that is?”

“You’re a nurse, too?”

“Yes. I met Marie at Sun Valley Pres. She trained me. Only I switched to pediatrics. I just love the kids.”

“I’ll see you at eleven, Paula. I’ll have you paged when I get there, so you don’t have to interrupt your work to wait for me. Don’t worry if I’m a little late. I’ll be there. What’s your last name?”

“Delfern. Paula Delfern. I’m on Pediatrics, Four West.”

“Thank you, Miss Delfern, I’ll see you in an hour.”

“Sure. Anything to help.” A final pause. “What did you say your name was again?”

Marge walked into Bellson’s apartment, Cindy a few paces behind her. Decker glared at his daughter, then at Marge.

“What’s she doing here?”

“She followed me.”

“Daddy, just let me explain—”

“It better be good.”

“First off, don’t get mad at Marge. I got down on my hands and knees and begged her. I was pathetic, so she took pity on me.”

Marge said, “I figured it was better keeping her in view than casting her free to do something stupid.”

Decker said, “Cindy, go home and sleep.”

“Dad, how can I possibly sleep with that baby missing? I sat with Lourdes Rodriguez for a half hour just holding her hand and watching her cry.” Her voice cracked. “It was so sad.”

Decker turned to Marge, “What was she doing with Lourdes?”

“I walked into the room and found her there.”

“Cindy—”

“Daddy, she needed someone. Someone who wasn’t a cop or a reporter or a lawyer or a hospital administrator who was trying to get her to sign away her rights.”

“I don’t believe this.” Decker rubbed his eyes on his forearms.