He got up, a magazine in hand, and walked over to Bram. He opened it to a pinup—a blond proudly displaying a variety of needles and restraints around his torso, neck, and groin. He showed the picture to the priest. Bram averted his eyes.

Decker said, “I can see why you kept your own apartment.”

Bram was silent.

Decker sat down. “I’m really not interested in your proclivities except if they’re germane to my homicide cases. The bloody clothes and shoes in your safe are a different matter altogether. I’m going to have to arrest you.”

Bram nodded, eyes still on the crucifix.

“The clothes and shoes are going to be gathered as evidence.” Again, Decker held out the magazine. “These are going to be taken up as well.”

Gently, Bram pushed the magazine out of his line of vision. “Do as you will.”

Decker Mirandized the priest, reading him his legal rights. Then he asked Bram all the necessary questions, including if the priest wanted to waive his rights to an attorney.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Decker paused. “At this point, I’m supposed to ask you to sign my card.”

“Where?”

“Here.” Decker gave him a pen. “You sign here to indicate that you understand your rights as I read them to you.”

Bram signed the card, gave it and the pen back to Decker.

“This line here says that you waive your rights to an attorney.”

“Fine—”

“Which means that anything you say after you sign that line can be used against you in a court of law.”

“I understand. Give me the pen.”

“Are you sure you want to do that? You lose protection, Father.”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t have anything to say with or without an attorney.”

“Eventually, you’re going to have to talk to someone.”

“I talk to God.”

“I meant someone who can physically help you.”

Bram looked at him. “If God won’t help me, then so be it. If you want me to sign the card, I’ll sign it.”

Decker said, “Can I use your phone?”

“It’s on the kitchen counter. Help yourself.”

Slowly, Decker got up, eyes on the priest, and called in for a transport vehicle. After he hung up, he asked, “Anyone you want me to call for you?”

“No one.”

“No one in your family?”

“Least of all, anyone in my family.”

“I’m having a car take you to the station house where you’ll be fingerprinted and booked. I’ll instruct the cruiser to take you around the back. But there may be some newspeople hanging around.”

“I understand.” Bram looked at Decker. “You’re being kind to me. I know it’s for Rina’s sake, but thank you anyway.”

“You should get yourself a lawyer.”

“If I had something to say, I would.”

“Talk to me, Father. Because right now, your silence is more damning than words.”

Bram didn’t respond.