“Don’t bother.” Decker took off his shoes and put his feet up on the end of the hospital bed. “I’ll just doze in the chair.”

“As soon as I’m up and about, I want to learn how to shoot a gun.”

“You don’t have to wait. I can take you to the range while you’re still in a wheelchair. We all could use a little brushing up.”

“Does the ‘we’ include your buddy?”

“I’m sure he hasn’t been to the range since he retired. So, yes, it probably does include Oliver.”

“Oliver is the last name, right?”

“Yes. His name is Scott Oliver.” Decker closed his eyes. Within a minute, he started drifting off until Tyler’s voice woke him up.

“What’s he like? Oliver.”

“He’s got a wicked sense of humor and dresses like a dandy.” Decker yawned. “He loves good clothes. It’s his weakness. He’s always looking for sales and outlets.”

“The GQ cop.”

“The GQ cop with a cop’s IQ. You two have a lot in common.”

“Like what? I don’t care about clothes.”

“No, not the threads.” Decker stretched out. “You’ve both got the fire.” He closed his tired eyes. “You both want to feel useful again.”

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

RETIREMENT HADN’T TREATED Scott Oliver kindly. He had gone soft around the middle and walked stoop-shouldered with a drawn face. His once dark hair was almost white. It dawned on Rina that he’d probably been rinsing it for a while. Even his clothes reflected a defeatist attitude—all function with little flair that once was his trademark. The only glimmer of the former detective was the twinkle in his brown eyes when he presented Rina with a gift pack of three expensive kosher wines.

“Might be hard getting these out in the boonies.”

“How thoughtful of you, Scott.” Rina gave him a peck on the cheek. “No trouble finding the place?”

“I may be fading but I still know how to read a GPS.” He set down his suitcase and took off his hat, his scarf, his gloves, and his jacket. “Where’s Deck? Working on a Sunday? Like I need to ask.”

“He’s making up for the days he lost tending to Tyler in the hospital.”

“Makes total sense. Deck did it right, you know. Getting a change of scenery but refusing to pack it in.”

“The move has its pluses but a few minuses . . . starting with the temperature outside.” She pointed to his jacket and accoutrements. “Can I hang those up?”

“I’m not a guest, I’m hired help.”

“Of course you’re a guest.”

“Rina, I don’t want to be a guest. Think of me as old Oliver. Well, not old Oliver.”

“The Oliver formerly known as Detective Oliver,” Rina said.

He laughed. “Just show me where I’m staying and I’ll make myself comfortable.”