“What are you going to do about his schooling? He’s not Jewish.”

“I have to talk to the school. I’d rather him go to Hannah’s school than send him to public school. More quality control. He’s obviously not going to attend the religious classes, but I don’t think it would be a big deal to let him finish up the year in his secular studies.”

Decker didn’t say anything.

“What are your thoughts?” Rina asked him.

“I’m still thinking long run, Rina. I was looking forward to retirement, grandchildren, and travel once Hannah left for college.”

“I’m sure his aunt would take him whenever we were away. And how much are you going to want to be away with a grandchild coming?”

“That’s not the point. If he wants to stay with us, it’s three more years of child rearing. It’s taking in a troubled adolescent. You’re young, but I’m not.”

“Whither you go, I go, buster. We have to be a solid front on this decision because it’s a big one. However, it’s one that we don’t have to make right now. So let’s just tell him that he can stay here until things settle down. He needs to feel that he has some stability. The rest we’ll figure out later.”

“Do we include Hannah in this decision?”

“Her life will be disrupted, but I think the decision is ours alone.” Rina kissed his forehead. “How about the morning paper?”

“As if I’m not depressed enough.” But he took the paper anyway, reading about a world far less organized than his own life. Five minutes later, Gabe came back into the kitchen.

“Hi there,” Rina said. “That was quick.”

“I’m a little antsy.”

“Understandable. How about some toast?”

“Do you have any more coffee?”

“I do. Sit down. Maybe you can cheer up the lieutenant. He looks a little bothered this morning.”

“You gave me the paper,” Decker muttered behind the broadsheet. “How am I supposed to feel after reading all this depressing news?”

“You take things too much to heart,” Rina told him. “Sit down, Gabe. Take some cereal.” She plunked a bowl of Cheerios in front of him. “Eat.”

A few minutes later, Hannah came into the room, sleepy-eyed and half dressed in her school uniform. She had on the blue skirt but was still wearing her pajama top. She regarded Gabe. “You’re still here.” A statement, not a question.

“Sorry about that.”

Hannah sat down. “What happened?”

“My dad didn’t show up,” Gabe said. “Big shock.”

“You can stay here if you want.” She looked at her parents. “I mean that’s okay, right?”

“We’ll talk about that one a little later,” Gabe said.

“You can stay here, Gabe,” Rina said. “The lieutenant and I have already talked about it. We’ll enroll you in Hannah’s school in the meantime.”