“You think he’s a thief?”

“Something’s not right.”

“I’ll have Wanda do an inventory cross-check with burglary. I’ll also find out when Tinsley’s mother died.”

“Good idea. And while you’re at it, find out Mama Tinsley’s first name.”

CHAPTER FORTY

WITH THE BOYS out of the house and Hannah rarely home, Decker had forgotten how cramped twenty-six hundred square feet could be. Rina liked euphemisms, referring to the situation as “compact” or “cozy.” She was making last-minute adjustments on her Shabbos tichel—her special Sabbath scarf. In accordance with Jewish law, married women covered their hair. The one she had chosen was silk shantung interwoven with lamé threads. Her face was barely showing signs of age: laugh lines at the corner of the eyes, a wrinkle or two on her forehead. She still had some years to go before fifty, making her a filly in Decker’s book.

“How much time do I have before Shabbos starts?” he asked her.

“About fifteen minutes.” Rina applied a pale pink gloss to her lips. There was a pause. “It’s nice to have everyone here together.”

“It’s terrific,” Decker said. “The boys look good.”

Rina’s eyes got misty. “I don’t see them too often. They’re men.”

“That they are. It was really generous of them to take the time out to come here.”

“It was a special occasion.”

“I suppose it was a convenient excuse. At least sixty is good for something.”

“It’s a celebration of life.” Rina looked in the mirror. “Which is passing by at record speed. It’s just lovely having everyone here.”

“It is. And you know what’s even lovelier?” He kissed the top of her head. “They’re going back in a few days.”

He thought Rina would admonish him. Instead she said, “I know what you mean: six strapping adults taking up space. Seven if you count Gabe. And he’s eating here, so I guess we have to count him. I think I cooked enough, but I might have forgotten how much men eat.”

“I’ll take last,” Decker said.

“No, you’re the birthday boy,” Rina said. “You take first. I made lamb. It’s not only your favorite, but it’s Yonkie’s favorite, too. The boy is downright gleeful.”

“Lamb as in rack of lamb?”

“Yes.”

“Yikes. How many racks did you make?”

“When you french the bone, it doesn’t leave all that much meat. So I needed a lot.”

Decker made a face. “How much did all that cost?”

“You don’t want to know.” Rina stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “You might as well eat it. I can’t take it back. I also roasted an entire turkey. There will be enough for tomorrow and then some. I know you love sliced cold turkey sandwiches.”

“I probably won’t be home in time for lunch tomorrow.”

Rina paused. “Probably or definitely.”