“Pretty well at one time.”

Again, the room went dead. Martinez broke the silence. “He isn’t going to talk. He’s a priest.”

Webster said, “Not that I’m defending the guy, but if he did kill Decameron and Leonard, what’s the reason?”

“You have to go with the gay angle,” Martinez said. “The porno in the safe, the key in Decameron’s pocket…it’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“It was Shockley,” Oliver announced. “He’s the only one that makes sense.”

“So why does the priest have bloody clothing?” Marge asked.

“We’re repeating ourselves,” Decker said. “Let’s finish up the paperwork and sleep on it.” He stood up and opened his office door. “Tomorrow’s another day.”

The house was dark and quiet. Decker tiptoed into the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. A moment later, Rina came in.

“You have the ears of a bat,” Decker said.

“It’s called Husband Echolocation.” Rina kissed his cheek. “Sit. I’ll make you tea. You look tired.”

“I’m beat!” Decker took off his jacket and pulled up a chair at the kitchen table. “How’re my children?”

“Hannah’s asleep, but the boys are still up.”

“Dare I see them?”

“Depends on how intact your ego is.”

“Not too great right now. Think I’ll wait a bit.” He smiled at Rina. “How are you?”

Rina leaned against the counter and looked upward. “Not too great.”

“So you’ve heard the news.”

“Yes.”

“I can’t talk about it.”

“I know. I had no intention of pressing you for details.”

“Thank you.” Decker loosened his collar, removed his tie. “His parishioners are keeping a nice little vigil.”

“Bram wouldn’t want that. He doesn’t like attention.”

“Maybe he appreciates the support.”

Rina was silent.

“I’m sorry.” Decker waited a beat. “If you want to talk to me, I’ll listen.”

“What’s the point?” Rina bit her nail. “There’s no point.”

“Are you mad at me?”

“Oh, Peter, of course not!” She sat next to him. “You’re one of the most honest people I’ve ever met.”

“One of the most?”

“There are a few others.”

“Who?”

“My parents, Rav Schulman, my late husband…Bram.”

Decker paused. “O-kay.”

Rina bit her nail again. “So I won’t bother telling you that you’re wrong—”

“No, don’t bother—”

“Or that you made a terrible mistake—”

“No, don’t bother with that at all.”

Rina’s eyes misted. She tried to cover it with a smile. Decker took her hand. “I know you’re hurting. And I feel lousy that I’m a part of it. It’s my own damn fault. I should have removed myself as soon as you told me you knew him.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Ego and curiosity. It was stupid of me to go this far…to execute the warrant. Ah well.”