Decker was stunned. “You called them?”

“Of course not. I’d let you know before I made a move like that.”

“My bad. So who called them?”

“I don’t know, but I suspect it was your contact at Harvard, McAdams.”

“Mordechai Gold?”

“Didn’t you say he was a former agent?”

“I did?”

“That’s what he told me when I first spoke to him, Tyler,” Decker said. “So what’s our next move, Mike?”

“It’s the CIA. What do you think happens next?”

“A meeting.”

“Three o’clock at the police station.”

“Will Gold be there?”

“Since he knows all about the codebook and called them in, I suspect he will be there. No need to feel defeated, Decker. The case would have been yanked from you anyway.”

“I suppose that is some solace. Maybe we can get some answers.”

“From the CIA?”

“Then again, maybe not.”

“Wear a suit and tie and sunglasses and try to look very officious,” Radar said. “That way, we’ll blend in very nicely.”

Chapter 37

CHAPTER 37

CHANGE OF PLANS,” Radar told Decker over the phone. “They want to meet at your house.”

“My house?”

“Yes. They claim there are too many people to meet at the station and they’ll draw too much attention. All that is true.”

“How many?”

“Last count we’re up to eight: Dr. Gold, some Russian, an American big shot, two agents, the mayor and the lieutenant governor of the state of New York, and Chris Mulrooney, who’s already here. I don’t know what you all hit on, but it’s big.”

“Meeting at my house . . . taking over my personal space. That’s pure intimidation.”

“It is. I suggested my house, but they seem bent upon making you uncomfortable.”

“It’s fine, Mike. I can deal. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Pete, you and the kid and Oliver did good. Whatever happens, I want you to know that.”

“Thank you.” Decker hung up. To Rina he said, “The phone isn’t the right place, but I promise I’ll let him know about all your input, honey.”

“Oh, don’t do that,” Rina said.

“Credit where credit is due.”

“I thank you, but I’m fine in the background,” Rina said. “Besides, there are lots of advantages of being that pesky fly on the wall.”

RINA WAS USED to men. She had grown up the youngest behind two brothers. Her first two children were sons. She could usually speak their language and rarely had to use feminine wiles to get what she wanted. But in this instance, she knew she’d do anything to calm Peter down because he was seething. Men with suits and steely eyes had invaded his domain and while she knew he wouldn’t do anything reckless, he wasn’t going down easily.