“Was many moons ago. I’m hopelessly out of practice, but I can still recall a thing or two. Things like trusts avoid probate. That’s most fortunate for Mrs. Sparks. She doesn’t need financial constrictions on top of all her other woes.”

“You’re absolutely right. I assure you Dolly is being well cared for.”

“Certainly appears that way.”

“It is that way.” Waterson stuck out his hand. “I must be going. Nice to have met you.”

Decker took the lawyer’s hand. “Thank you, Mr. Waterson. I might have other questions. Do you have a card on you?”

“Of course.” The lawyer handed him a standard 2 × 3 rectangle, then shook hands with both sons. “Take care of your mother. I’ll call upon her later.”

“Thanks for coming down,” Paul said.

“For your family, I’d do anything, Paul.”

“I appreciate it.”

After Waterson left, Michael frowned. “Guy’s a jerk. Love thy neighbor at two hundred and fifty an hour—”

“Mike—”

“Out of all the lawyers, why did Dad pick him?” To Decker, Michael said, “Dad had an affinity for oddballs—”

“Mike—”

“It’s true, Paul. Not only Waterson. Just look at his staff—Decameron, Berger—”

Decker said, “What’s wrong with Dr. Decameron?”

Paul snapped, “Nothing is wrong with Dr. Decameron.”

“Aside from the fact he’s gay?” Decker asked casually.

“I’m not falling into that bullshit trap,” Paul said. “You have your beliefs, I have mine. No, I don’t approve of his lifestyle. But if Dr. Decameron is good enough for Dad, I’m sure he’s an excellent doctor.”

“What about Dr. Berger?” Decker asked.

Michael said, “He’s mealy-mouthed and a wimp.”

“And Jewish?” Decker said.

Paul stared at him. “Half the doctors in America are Jewish. What are you trying to do? Paint us as a bunch of prejudiced asses just because we believe in God? Jesus loves all His creatures, sir. You, me, everyone. And that, sir, is my belief.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Paul,” Decker said. “I’m sorry.”

The room fell silent.

Paul closed his fluttering eyelids. “I’m testy.”

“You’re holding up very well.” To Michael, Decker asked, “Why do you think Berger is a wimp?”

“Because you can’t get a straight answer out of him,” Michael said. “And he’s pompous. You know if anyone had a reason to be full of himself it was my dad. But he wasn’t like that at all. Yes, he demanded respect. But he wasn’t a blow hole. Even Dr. Fulton’s weird…married to that loser—”

“Enough, Michael!” Paul blew up. “It’s none of the lieutenant’s business!”

“He’s investigating Dad’s murder, Paul. Everything about us is his business!”

Decker said, “Waterson seems to care about your mother.”

Michael said, “Cares a little too much if you ask me. He’s practically been living here.”