“So do I, but it has its drawbacks. We’re about as much in demand as a typewriter. There’s an old joke. What’s the difference between a classical guitarist and pizza?”

“I give up,” Oliver said. “What’s the difference?”

She got up from the table. “A pizza can feed a family of four.”

THE KID WAS on his cell when Decker came in, his clothes neatly spread out on the bed. From his tone of voice, he sounded agitated. “It’s fine, Missy, we’ll make it another time…” Gabe rolled his eyes. “I think I’ll pass, but thanks for asking…yes, I’m sure. It’s fine. Okay…okay…okay, I’ll call you when you come back. Bye.”

He hung up, threw his phone on the bed, and regarded Decker. “Hi.”

Decker looked at the clothes. “Going somewhere?”

“I thought it might be a good idea to spend some time with my aunt. But she’s going to Palm Springs for the weekend.” Gabe plopped down on the mattress and lowered his head into his right hand while dipping his left in and out of the ice bag, now a mixture of cold water and slush. “My mother has been supporting her since she left her house three years ago. My mom’s missing. She might be dead. You’d think that my aunt might feel a little abashed partying with the girls in Palm Springs.”

Decker didn’t say anything.

“I don’t know,” Gabe said. “Maybe she has the right idea. Maybe Chris has the right idea. Because it’s certainly easier not to give a shit.”

Decker said, “Make sure your hand doesn’t get too cold.”

“You’re right.” Gabe took it out and flexed his fingers. They were stiff but he could move them. He rotated his wrist.

“How does it feel?”

“I’ll be okay.” He looked up. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant.”

“For getting held up?”

“I should have just given him my briefcase.”

“That might have been smart. What was in there that was so valuable?”

“Sheet music.” Green orbs averted Decker’s stare. “The gun’s in there now. I took out the magazine.”

“Can I take a look?”

“Sure.”

Decker retrieved the valise from the bed, pulled out the weapon and the magazine, and dropped them in a paper evidence bag. He sat down on the opposite bed. “The guy wasn’t fooling around. Why’d you decide to take him down?”

Gabe said. “I didn’t think. I just did it.”

“Over sheet music?”

Again, the boy looked away. This time he said nothing.

“Gabe, your father was in town yesterday.”

The boy said nothing.

“This is what I think,” Decker said. “I think he contacted you. I suspect that Chris gave you stuff and that stuff was in your briefcase. And that’s probably why you reacted like you did. So I’m asking you again, what was in there?”