“What rest? With Dana keeping me awake, reading me Psalms…trying to be spiritual. She should try making it to church on time. A good start in spiritual development.”

Paul said, “She means well, Mom.”

“I suppose.” Dolly looked at Decker. “How can I help you, Mr. Decker?”

“It’s lieutenant, Mom.”

“Whatever,” Decker said. “You can help me by answering a few questions.”

“I don’t know who’d want to harm Azor,” Dolly stated. “Far as I know, he didn’t have an enemy in the world.”

“If I could start with something even more basic. What do you think your husband was doing at Tracadero’s?”

“I’m sure I don’t know.”

Decker looked at Paul, then back at the widow. “I hate to ask you this. But is it possible he could have been meeting a woman?”

Paul’s eyes twitched. But Dolly’s face remained placid. “You mean Dr. Fulton?”

Decker said, “No, I mean a paramour.”

Dolly remained unperturbed. “No, it’s not possible. I didn’t know much about Azor’s life outside the home. But I do know that much.”

“Okay. Then who might your husband have been meeting?”

“I don’t know.”

Decker nodded. “What do you know about your husband’s weekend friends?”

Paul said, “He means the bikers.”

“Them?” She grimaced. “They’re lowlifes, of course. Azor brought them here once. Came roaring down the street, looking like a bunch of hoods. I refused to let them step foot in my house. I almost kicked them out yesterday. But I didn’t…for Azor’s sake. If they wanted to honor him, so be it.”

Michael came back. “Bram said he’ll be here in an hour. Unless you need him right away.”

Dolly thought a moment. “An hour is fine. I’ll just take a nap.” She stood. “Anything else?”

“A few more questions, Mrs. Sparks. I’ll try not to tire you.”

She sat back down and waited.

Decker said, “Were you aware of the fact that your husband gave money to his riding buddies for a cause of theirs?”

Her mouth tightened. “Yes. Some freedom act. Everyone should be free. You know what, Mr. Decker? Some people shouldn’t be free. Some people should be locked up in jail the rest of their lives, instead of taking money from naive do-gooders.”

Inwardly, Decker agreed. He said, “You felt the cause was a scam.”

“Of course it was a scam,” Dolly pronounced. “But it was Azor’s money. He never left me wanting for anything. Provided well for me and the children. Gave to the church and to the hospital. I suppose if he wanted to squander a little excess…well, there are worse vices, believe you me.”

Decker smiled.

Dolly stood again, this time teetering on her feet. “I really am tired, Mr. Decker.” Her eyes suddenly watered. “Perhaps another time.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Sparks.”