“You’re missing a crucial element here, Chris. You don’t use your wife as a punching bag even if she did have an abortion.”

“I didn’t punch her, I hit her.”

“That’s not acceptable either.”

Donatti rubbed his forehead. “I know that. I’m just correcting you because I knew I was using an open hand. If I would have punched her, she’d be dead.”

“So you were aware that you were beating the shit out of her?”

“It’s never happened before, it won’t happen again.”

“And she should believe you because…”

“I can count the number of times I’ve lost my temper on one hand. Look, I know she’s scared, but she doesn’t have to be. It was just…” As he started to get up from the couch, Decker waved the gun in his face. He sat back down. “Can I see my wife, please?”

“At least, this time you said please.” Decker stared at him. “Let me ask you a couple of theoretical questions. What if she doesn’t want to talk to you?”

“She wouldn’t have agreed to meet with me if she didn’t want to talk to me.”

“Maybe she just didn’t want to tell you over the phone. That would give you time to plan something dangerous and probably stupid.”

“Is that what she said?” Donatti looked up.

“How about if I ask the questions?”

“I’m not planning anything. I was an idiot. It won’t happen again. Just let me see my wife, okay.”

“What if she doesn’t want to see you anymore? What if she asks for a divorce?”

“Don’t know.” Donatti kneaded his hands together. “I haven’t thought about it.”

“It would piss you off, right?”

“Probably.”

“What would you do?”

“Nothing with you around.” His eyes finally sparked life. “Decker, she’s not going to ask me for a divorce—at least not now—because, first and foremost, I’ve got enough money to engage her in a very expensive and protracted legal battle for Gabe. It would be easier for her just to wait me out until he’s eighteen, and Terry is nothing if not practical. I’ve got another three and a half years before I have to confront this issue. I’d like to see Terry now.”

He was panting. Decker said, “Another Scotch?”

“No.” Donatti shook his head. “I’m fine.” He took in a deep breath and let it out. “I’m ready when you are.”

Decker gave him a hard look. “I’ll be watching your every move.”

“Fine. I won’t move. My butt is glued to the chair. Can we get on with it?”