“We have the same middle name. I’m Teresa Anne. She’s Melissa Anne. It’s stupid but my father is stupid. I still use McLaughlin, like my half sister, because it’s on all my diplomas and licenses. He misread the names and he snapped. Not that he cares about children, but the thought of my destroying his progeny made him unglued. I’m just thankful there wasn’t a gun within reach.” She shrugged.

Decker said, “Why did you marry him, Terry?”

“He wanted it official. I could hardly tell him no since he was supporting us. I could have never finished medical school without his money.” She paused. “Mostly he leaves Gabe and me alone. He buries himself in work or booze or drugs or other women. Gabe and I are adept at maneuvering around him. Our interactions are neutral and sometimes pleasant. He’s generous and knows how to be charming when he wants something. I give him what he wants and all is well.”

“Except when it isn’t.” Decker held up the photographs. “What exactly do you want me to do, Doctor?”

“I’ve agreed to see him, Lieutenant, not to go back to him. At least, not right away. I don’t know how he’ll take the news. Since I can’t escape him, I want him to agree to a temporary separation. Not a marriage separation—that wouldn’t settle well—just for him to agree to give me a little more time to be by myself.”

“How much more time?”

“Thirty years, maybe.” Terry smiled. “Actually, I’d like to move back to L.A. until Gabe finishes high school. I found a house to rent in Beverly Hills. I not only have to get Chris to agree to the separation, but I want him to pay for everything.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“Watch me.” She smiled. “He’s trained me, but I’ve also trained him.”

“And yet you feel the need for protection.”

“You deal with a feral animal, anything can happen. It’s good to take precautions.”

“There are a lot of younger, stronger men than me, guys that would probably do a better job at guarding you.”

“Oh please! Chris could take any of them down. He’s more…careful around you. He respects you.”

“He shot me.”

“If he wanted to kill you, he would have.”

“I know that,” Decker said. “He wanted to prove who was boss.” He blew out air. “More important, Chris likes shooting people. In plugging me, he got a two-for-one.”

Terry looked down. “He’s boasted that you’ve asked him for favors. Is that true?”