Decker cleared the dishes while Rina brought out coffee and Tyler’s cake. “I’m full right now. I’ll leave you gentlemen to your business.”

“Not this time.” Decker patted her seat. “You need to know what’s going on.”

“He’s right,” McAdams said. “Someone tried to kill you. And I’ll be insulted if you don’t try my cake.”

“And here I was thinking I could eat it by myself with a big cup of coffee.” She turned to Oliver. “The one thing about living in a cold climate is the sheer joy of curling up in front of a fire with dessert and a good book.”

“You know how I hate to get you involved, Rina, but this is an exception.” Decker smoothed his mustache. “And I can always use a different point of view.”

“I can grow six inches and pretend I’m Marge.” Rina poured coffee for all and then she sat down. “Marge was the designated barista and I’m sure not by choice.”

“I made coffee.” Decker was offended.

“Not cappuccino.”

“No, not that. But I made many a pot of rotgut coffee in my time at LAPD. And speaking of Marge, I got a report on Chase Goddard. Hold on, I’ll go get it.”

“Who’s on watch tonight?” McAdams asked.

“Sam Brook.”

“Sam?” He shook his head. “All righty dighty.”

“What’s wrong with Sam Brook?” Rina asked.

“Nothing if you like your guards around twelve years old and weighing ninety pounds.”

Decker said, “He’s a good shot.”

“Well . . . then he has one up on me.”

After Decker left, Oliver turned to McAdams. “How do you feel?”

“It sucks.”

“Yeah, it does. Deck likes working with you.”

“Now that’s a lie.”

“No, it isn’t. He didn’t at first, but now he does. Tell me what’s going on.”

“Decker didn’t tell you about the case?”

“Of course he did. But I’d like to hear what you have to say.” Oliver took out a notepad. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“Let me go get my iPad . . . which I should have had with me.” He wheeled himself from the dining room and down the hallway.

Decker came back. “Where’d the kid go?”

“To fetch his iPad. Then he’s going to give me a rundown on the case.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s good for him to do it, good for Rina to hear the basics, and good for us to hear his point of view.”

“Still got the gray matter, Scott.” Decker grinned. “It matches your hair.”

“Excuse me, Mr. AARP, I think going au naturel shows the sign of a confident man.” No one spoke. “Do they sell Grecian formula here?”

“Yes.” Rina sliced the cake. “The population here is either college age or retirement age with very little in between.”

McAdams returned and proceeded to give a complete recap up to the point of his getting shot.