“Interesting,” Decker said. “Because…I’m just wondering if…maybe after all these years…your mom has finally learned how to snow people. In my opinion, Chris would be far more likely to leave her alone if she appeared scared rather than angry.”

Gabe was quiet.

“I would really like to talk to your father. I’m on the fence about his guilt and innocence and it would help me to hear his point of view. If you could call him up and ask him to come in just to talk…maybe take a polygraph, which he could probably pass even if he did murder your mom.” Decker thought a moment. “If Chris didn’t do anything to her, I want to concentrate on other leads. And if she vanished of her own accord…” Like with a rich doctor to India. “Well, it would be nice not to waste departmental resources on finding people who don’t want to be found.”

“Lieutenant, I can’t call Chris and ask him favors. He’ll act like I’m betraying him or something.” Gabe rubbed his eyes. “Just wait for him to call me.”

“What makes you think he’ll call?”

“Because I know my dad. He’s going to want to know what you know and the best way to find that out is through me. Then I can tell him, ‘Decker wants you to come in and take a polygraph.’ He’ll probably say ‘fuck that’ or something equally pithy, but at least I can plead your case without looking like a traitor.”

A fair compromise. “Okay. I’ll wait until he calls you. When he does call you, let him do most of the talking.”

“He’s onto that. Chris uses silences as efficiently as his Mauser. But I can handle him.” Gabe rubbed his eyes. “I’m going to have to give him something—my dad.”

“Give him Atik Jains. He probably knows about it anyway. Don’t say anything about your mom knowing an Indian doctor.”

“Did you get a chance to check out the names I gave you?”

“I did and I might have some information.” He paused. “How much do you want to know, Gabe? Because if you know stuff, then you might have to lie to your dad.”

“You’re right. I’m better off not knowing.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Besides, if she left on purpose, then why should I care?” Anger in his eyes. “Let her start a new life without me. It’s her prerogative.”

“I’m sure that if she did that, she felt that you were best off without her.”

“Yeah, isn’t that what all mothers say when they give up their babies for adoption.”

“You’re not a baby. You’re an independent guy. She knew you could handle it.”

“And here I am…handling it.”

“She stuck it out for almost fifteen years. After the beating, she probably didn’t feel safe anymore.”