“Thank you. Is your husband around?”

Dana’s eyes clouded. “He’s at work.”

Decker said nothing.

“Actually, that’s a good thing,” Dana said. “Don’t you think that’s a good thing, Paul?”

“It’s an excellent thing, Dana.”

“You’re being snide.”

“Not at all, Dana.” His eyes darted back and forth. “It’s a very good thing that Luke’s at work…occupied. Where’s Mom?”

“Michael is helping her freshen up.” To Decker, Dana said, “She hasn’t gotten out of bed all day. She’s very depressed.”

Decker nodded.

Dana wrung her hands nervously, “Do you know when Bram’s supposed to show up? He seems to have a calming effect on her. Maybe I should call him.”

Paul blinked hard. “I think he’s pretty tied up right now, Dana.”

“Too busy to see his mother?”

“Maggie told me he was here this morning. He does have a parish to run.”

“I’m sure his parishioners would understand—”

“I’m sure, but—”

“I think I should call him.”

From above, a strong, low female voice said, “Dana, leave him alone. He’s busy.”

Dana became flushed. Through clenched teeth, she called out, “Of course, Mother.” She checked her watch. To Decker, she said, “I must be going.”

“Nice to have met you.”

“Same.” She turned around and scurried out the door before her mother-in-law made it down the stairs.

Dolores “Dolly” Sparks. An imperfect name for her. Because she was anything but a plaything. Tall, large-boned, stately, stern. A coif of gray hair framed a sturdy face. Her eyes, though red-rimmed, were hard and threatening. Decker saw none of the vulnerability and shock he had witnessed when Michael had first broken the news to her. She wore a black caftan, her feet were housed in mules.

She gave Decker a once-over. “That girl is something else. First, she tries to seduce Bram into marrying her. By the skin of his teeth, he finally manages to get rid of her. So what does Luke do? He goes ahead and marries her himself. He did it for spite. Well, good for Luke. He got his spite. He also got her, still mooning over his twin—”

“Why don’t you sit down, Mom,” Paul said.

“Why don’t you stop trying to shut me up.”

No one spoke.

Dolly’s lip began to tremble. “Where is Bram?”

Michael said, “Would you like me to call him for you, Mom?”

“Please.” She hid her face in the palm of her hand.

Paul took her arm. “Mom, sit down.”

This time, Dolly didn’t protest. Allowed herself to be led to the couch. Paul said, “Mom, this is Lieutenant Decker. He’s leading Dad’s investigation.”

Dolly wiped her eyes and nodded.

Decker nodded back. “I apologize for interrupting your rest.”