“No. I mean, well, sure, I use. But that’s not really what this is about.” He tilted his head, suddenly the inquisitive teacher. “Do you know when addicts finally go for help?”

“When they have to.”

He grinned as though pleased. Myron Bolitar, prize pupil. “Precisely. When they hit rock bottom. That’s what just happened here. I get it now. I get that I have a problem, and I’m going to get help.”

Myron was about to crack wise, but he stopped himself. When a guy you wanted info from was talking, it was best to keep him that way. “That sounds like a productive move,” Myron said, trying not to gag.

“I have two kids. I have a wonderful wife. Here, take a look.”

As Fishman started reaching into his pocket, Myron jumped closer. Fishman nodded, moved slower, took out a set of keys. He handed Myron one of those photo key chains. It was a family shot taken, according to the background, at Six Flags Great Adventure. A costumed Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird stood left and right of the Fishman family. Mrs. Fishman was heartbreakingly lovely. Joel was kneeling. On his right was a girl, maybe five or six with blond hair and the kind of wide smile that’s so damn contagious Myron realized that the corner of his own lips were curling upward. On the other side of Joel was a boy, maybe two years younger than the girl. The boy was shy, half hiding his face in his father’s shoulder.

He handed the key chain back. “Beautiful kids.”

“Thank you.”

Myron remembered something his father once told him: People have an amazing capacity to mess up their own lives.

Out loud, Myron said, “You’re a dumb-ass, Joel.”

“I’m sick,” he corrected. “There’s a difference. I want to get better though.”

“Prove it.”

“How?”

“Start showing that you’re ready to change by telling me about the woman you were with three nights ago.”

“How do I know you don’t mean her harm?”

“The same way you know I won’t take off my shoe and beat you.”

Joel Fishman looked at the key chain and started to cry again.

“Joel?”

“I honestly want to move past this.”

“I know you do.”

“And I will. I swear to God. I’ll get help. I will be the best father and husband in the world. I just need a chance. You get that, right?”

Myron wanted to vomit. “I do.”