“What’s a real problem is an apathetic police department. What good are you if I have to do it myself because you don’t show up until the next morning?”

Decker nodded. “I understand your frustration.”

“Sure you do.” Inez was actively glaring by this time. “Sorry to have disturbed you. I’m sure you have important stuff to deal with like where to get your doughnuts.” With her parting shot, Inez marched back into her apartment and slammed the door.

McAdams said, “She wasn’t very nice.”

“She’s frustrated.” Decker swirled his tongue inside his cheek and thought a moment. He squatted down and sniffed underneath the door. While he was down there, he saw the tip of a small white card. With deft hands, he pulled it out and read. “Officer James Marx.”

“The police did come out.”

“Apparently.” Decker stood up and turned it around to the back side. “No time on the card. Maybe when Marx showed up, the music had stopped.” He handed McAdams the card. “Give him a call. Find out when he came out.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.” Decker bit his lower lip. “Someone was here last night inside Latham’s apartment because someone turned down the music. But the card was still there under the door in the morning.”

“Maybe he didn’t see it when he left the apart— Uh, hello, can I talk to Officer James Marx, please?”

“Identify yourself first, Tyler.”

“Right.”

Decker dropped to a squat, once again sniffing under the door.

McAdams said, “Could you please have him call Detective Tyler McAdams of the Greenbury Police Department. We’re in the area investigating a crime that occurred south of here. I’ll give you my cell number.”

Decker stood up. “I definitely smell something.”

“Like what?” Tyler stowed his cell in his pocket. “Decay?”

“More metallic—like blood.”

McAdams started to bend down. Decker pulled him up by his collar before his hands and knees touched the ground. “If there was a murder, everything on the floor is possible forensic evidence—”

“I know. Don’t kneel, squat. My quads leave something to be desired.”

Decker pointed to the floor. “Go on. Take a whiff.”

The kid complied. “Yeah, it does smell a little funky in there. Can you help me up?”

“You’ve got to be kidding!”

McAdams took in a deep breath and managed to hoist himself back up on his feet. “If I get a leg cramp, can I apply for workman’s comp?” When Decker didn’t answer, he said, “I’m just trying to add a little levity in an otherwise grave situation . . . no pun intended.”

But Decker was lost in thought. “There was a report of unusually loud music, which could have been used to mask criminal activity. The police card wasn’t taken off the floor. And I think I smell blood.” He looked at Tyler. “I’d say we have probable cause.”