“Peter, think about it. The smart way is to take it slow. You don’t want to screw it up with Toby before you begin.”

The frown got deeper. “What are you saying? Are you telling me not to go?”

Dani said, “Maybe we should let them know. It’s not polite to just barge in.”

Peter said, “Goddamnit, what’s the big deal? He’s my son, isn’t he? She’s my ex-wife, isn’t she? How come everybody’s turning against me?”

Dani said, “Nobody’s turning against you, Peter.”

I said, “It’s better if you wait. Let me set up a meeting with Karen.”

Peter suddenly made the big smile again and came over and pounded me on the back. “You wanna set up a meeting, that’s okay by me. Tell her Peter Alan Nelsen is back. Tell her I came three thousand miles to see my kid and I’m on my way. She’s gonna be thrilled. The kid’s going to be thrilled. Why wouldn’t they?” He slapped me on the back again and then he told everybody he was going to take a leak and after that they would leave.

I said, “But, Peter.”

He waved his hands. “Trust me on this. I know people. I know the human heart. It’s why I’m me.” Then he strode out of the room. Whistling.

I took a deep breath, let it out, then went over to where Dani was standing with the Nickster and T.J. The Nickster said, “Hey, the guy’s happy. Why you wanna piss on his parade?” Dani just looked at me the way you look at someone when you want him to help you.

I said, “I’ll call his ex-wife and let her know. There’s a Howard Johnson’s just off the freeway outside of Chelam. Neutral territory. Have him come there, to the restaurant. That’s where she’ll be.”

Dani nodded. “I’ll try.”

I strode out of the room, too, but I wasn’t whistling.

Chapter Twenty-two

Twenty-two

I went down to the lobby and used a pay phone by the men’s room to call Karen Lloyd at the bank. It was not a call that I wanted to make. “Yes?”

“It’s me. Peter’s in New York. He hired another detective who followed me to you. He knows where you live and he’s coming out there now.”

She took a deep breath, then let it out with a soft hiss. “My God. He’s coming to Chelam now? Right now?”

“Yes.”

“We can’t just spring it on Toby like this. Toby doesn’t know anything. He’ll be terrified. I don’t want Peter coming to the house.”

“I’ve arranged for him to meet you at the Howard Johnson’s. I’m leaving ahead of him so I’ll be with you when he gets there.”

“That sonofabitch. Can’t you stop him?”