Decker held back laughter. “You were felt up by a fat man?”

“He French-kissed me.”

“That’s disgusting.”

“I washed my mouth out,” Rina said. “Three times! I can’t believe I let him do that. I feel like such a jerk. I should have slugged him, but I didn’t. Why did I allow him to do that?”

“Because he took you by surprise. It was like date rape. You didn’t do anything wrong. Rina, if it were anyone else other than family, I’d tell you to slap a sexual harassment and sexual misconduct on him. But your sister-in-law is the aunt of your children, her parents are the boys’ grandparents. If he keeps leaving you pictures when you get home, tell him you’re going to sic NYPD Vice on him. If he’s a jerk and keeps doing it, we’ll make good on our threat. I can get some names, a couple guys down to his office and scare him. If he backs away and stops pestering you, drop the whole thing. I know you want to help your sister-in-law, but I’m afraid by telling her, you’ll be doing her more harm than good…but, it’s your decision.”

“Oh great. Thanks a lot.”

They rode in silence. Decker held Rina tightly, thinking how logical her odd behavior seemed now. All of it—the uncovering of her hair, her eagerness to sleep with him—fit together. She’d become temporarily disillusioned with religion—or at least with religious people. Pessy had sexually harassed her, but his pestering had hurt her instead of making her angry.

“Forget about him,” Decker said.

“Easier said than done.”

Decker said, “I don’t know how this is going to come out, but I’m going to say it anyway. Rina, assholes come in every shape and form. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, don’t be upset with Judaism, because there are some religious Jews who are pigs.”

“I know that,” Rina said. “I’m not that naive.”

“Yeah, but it’s different when it’s your relative.”

“How can he do those things and daven in the morning, Peter? Yitzchak, alav hasholom, always looked up to Pessy because he was so learned.”

“Your husband only knew that side of him. Unfortunately, you know another. God wouldn’t have made laws against adultery if Jews didn’t cheat. Don’t let this slimeball ruin our time together.”

Rina sighed. “I guess you’re right.”

“How are you holding up?”

“I’m a little tired.”

“So am I. We’ll head back.” Decker pulled the reins, and the stallion reversed directions.

Rina looked up at the stars. Thousands of them, so clear and white, like grains of salt spilled upon black velvet. She said, “I wish we could sleep out here.”