“Some people are very anal retentive.” Decameron thought a moment. “Tell them to call my secretary. We’ll do lunch tomorrow. I think I know where Azor kept the Curedon data. I’m assuming you just want the latest printouts. Otherwise, I’d need a truck to carry all the computer paper.”

“The latest figures would be fine.”

“I’ll go through Azor’s files, look for the data. Which won’t mean drek to them. But if they’re willing to slosh through the statistical muck, I’d be happy to explain what I can to them.”

“Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate that.”

“Unless you want to do it, Liz.”

“It’s more your baby, Reg.” To Decker, she said, “Dr. Decameron is our liaison between Dr. Sparks’s lab, Fisher/Tyne, and the FDA. Mostly, I do all the internal lab work.”

“Dr. Fulton worked extensively with Dr. Sparks in formulating Curedon’s animal trials,” Decameron said. “She was in charge of research design.”

“Don’t I sound impressive.”

“It was impressive.”

Liz was quiet.

Decameron said, “You’re supposed to say thank you.”

Liz smiled. “Thank you.”

Decameron looked at his watch again. His eyes went to the priest. He embraced him. “From the heart, I’m very sorry, Abram. Honestly, I am.”

“I know you are, Reggie.”

“Your father will be sorely missed. I’m not sure we can go on without him. But for now, we have no choice.”

“That’s what he’d want you to do.”

“You take care of yourself.” Decameron pulled away. To Liz, he said, “Do you need a ride back to New Chris?”

“No, Drew will drive me back.” Liz looked around the room. “Where is Drew?”

Decameron said, “Last I saw, he was playing jacks with the children. He was up to threesies.”

“Reg, stop it!”

“I believe he’s in the dining room, Liz.”

“Thank you, Bram.” She clasped him tightly to her breast. “Call if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Decker saw Bram stiffen as she hugged him. Second time today he noticed how uncomfortable the priest became when touched by a woman.

Liz touched his cheek. “Take care of your family. They need you now more than ever.”

“Elizabeth, that is a cursed thing to say!” Decameron chided. “Take care of yourself.”

“I’ll do both. How’s that for a compromise?”

The two doctors waved, then walked off. Bram laughed softly when they were out of earshot. “What a pair.”

“You seem to get along with them.”

“In a very limited scope.”

“Both of them seem quite fond of you.”

Bram eyed Decker. “Everyone loves a priest. Rina took a cab back home. Would you like to meet Grease Pit?”

“Yes, I would.” Decker paused. “He wasn’t at all what I expected.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you said your father was a weekend warrior, I thought you meant a doctor/lawyer dress-up club.”