Decker studied the kid. “I don’t know, McAdams. I just get a feeling that you’re up to something.”

“Because I’m trying to be conscientious?” The kid got huffy. “Can’t win for losing.”

“You’re right. I should be applauding your work ethic. Okay, let’s meet up for dinner. It might be late. What time do the libraries close?”

“College libraries close late, late.”

“That’s fine,” Decker said. “I probably won’t be done until late, late.”

McAdams said, “Most of the restaurants in town aren’t open late, late.”

“What about the bars? They’re open late, late and they serve food.”

“They’re a little loud for talking business. And sometimes stinky, too.” McAdams paused. “I’m showing my age.”

“And you call me Old Man?”

“Irony of ironies.”

“You know, Tyler, when I was much younger, I felt much older. Now that I really am older and retired . . . well, semiretired . . . I feel young again. I think it’s because I no longer have anything to prove.”

“Good for you.”

“I’m hearing sarcasm.”

“Not sarcasm . . . jealousy. I’ve been jumping hoops since I was born: the right schools, the right university, the right friends, the right address, the right clothes, the connections, the right shit in the right gold-plated toilet. You can drop me off here.”

Decker pulled the car to the curb in front of Duxbury’s administration building. It was an imposing limestone edifice: Federalist in style and reminiscent of a courthouse. There were a fair number of students milling about, huddled and bundled as they trudged through the snow. The skies were dark and clear, the campus grounds frosted in pure white. In the daytime sun, walkway sludge had melted to water. When the temperature dropped, the pathways froze over to a black sheet of ice. Despite the shoveling, the clearing and the salting, the local emergency room dealt with lots of slips and falls in the winter. Cleats would have been helpful.

“I think we both could use a good night’s rest,” Decker said.

“I think I could use some meaning in my pathetic life. And I don’t think I’m gonna find it at Harvard Law.” He got out and slammed the door.

Decker blew out air. He called up Rina and brought her up to date.

“So now you’re dealing with two murders?”

“Yes.”

“That’s horrible. Poor victims.” A pause. “Poor you.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m coming back to Manhattan. It makes more sense for you to stay put.”

“You don’t have to twist my arm. This actually works out perfectly. Cindy has the day off tomorrow and we were planning to go to King of Prussia. This way I won’t have to rush.”

Decker felt a twinge of envy. “Have fun.”

“Do you need anything?”

“No . . . I’m just a little peeved that I always seem to be missing out.”