“I’m serious.”

McAdams weighed the kid’s words. “You’re finally going to do it?”

“I never said I wasn’t. I just wasn’t ready to do it right after graduation.”

“You’ve been stalling to spite me. And now look at you!”

“If I had a crystal ball to see into the future, I might have reconsidered. But I didn’t, so it is what it is. Can we move on?”

“We would have been all set up by now—”

“That’s not moving on, Dad.”

Jack McAdams looked at his watch. “I have to be back in New York. I have an eight A.M. breakfast meeting tomorrow.”

“I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say you can leave.”

“I don’t want you left alone, Tyler. I know you think I’m an asshole but I really do care about your safety.”

“At least until I enter law school.”

“Stop it.”

“Go, Dad. Just . . . go.”

“I’ll be with him,” Decker said.

“How reassuring!”

Tyler said, “Dad, he saved my life. You might try a thank you.”

“He put you in jeopardy in the first place.”

“He didn’t put me in danger, I put me in danger. I took the job, which means I should have learned to use a firearm a long time ago. I fucked up. So if you’re going to sue anyone, sue me. And you know my assets better than anyone. You could walk away with a bundle.”

“Stop it, Tyler. Just . . . shut up!” Then Jack said, “When’s your mother arriving?”

“Tomorrow. I told her I was okay and after very little convincing, she took my word at face value.” A pause. “I didn’t want you two here at the same time.”

“That was smart.”

“Can you please leave? We’ve got it all figured out.”

“Who’s we?”

“Detective Decker and me. I’m moving into his house—”

“Are you out of your mind?” The senior McAdams was pacing again. “You’re coming back to New York just as soon as you’re discharged.”

“No, I’m not. I’m staying here until I know what’s going on. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt, including you believe it or not.”

“Don’t be an idiot!”

“Do you want me in law school, yes or no?”

“Tyler—”

“Let me handle this, Dad. Let me do it my way—”

“I’ve seen what happens when you do it your way.”

“Move . . . on!” Tyler snapped. “You are incredibly impossible. Is it any wonder that I defy you all the time? If you shut up right now, I promise I’ll make the plunge.”

“You know how important that is.”

“I know but ultimately, I hold the cards. So don’t piss me off and we’ll both be happy. Now could you kindly go so I can get a little rest?”