Luke sighed. “I always knew Bram wasn’t exactly girl crazy. As a matter of fact, the guy never had a girlfriend after Dana…my wife. He used to date my wife. They broke up in high school and I never thought about her. We remet at our five-year high school reunion. She thought I was Bram. Bram didn’t show. Anyway, we talked and one thing led to another.”

“How does Bram feel about you marrying his ex-girl?”

“He never stated an opinion on it. Truthfully, I think he feels I was stupid for marrying her.”

“Maybe he’s jealous.”

“Nah, he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about Dana. Maybe that’s why I knew that he was probably that way.”

“You mean gay?”

“Yes. Okay, if you’re gay, okay. But be private about it, for God’s sake. Especially if you’re a priest! Yesterday, after seeing that shit, I thought to myself…why should I fuck myself up over his perversions. Especially if he was going to be so careless about leaving it around.”

“So why are you here?”

Luke buried his head in his hands, then looked at Decker. “Because, as corny as it sounds, I love my brother. I would never hurt him…not intentionally…not anymore…”

He looked up, spoke to the ceiling.

“A long time ago, Bram and I had a falling-out. My fault. I don’t think he suffered much, but I sure as hell did. I missed him. Missed…talking to him. People talk to Bram. Because he truly listens.”

He made a swipe at his eyes.

“Are you going to spring him or not?”

“First, I’ll have to evaluate what you’ve told me. Then I’m going to need a formal statement from you. Someone else will have to take it. Agreed?”

“Fair enough.”

“You’re going to be detained for a while. Anyone you want to call?”

“No one.”

“A lawyer?”

“Nope.”

“You may want to call your family. Let them know what’s going on.”

“They’ve been calling here left and right. They’re furious at you.”

“No doubt.”

“I’ll call Paul. Get them off your back if you want.”

“Up to you.”

“I’ll do it.” Luke said. “I owe you something for listening to me. By the way, I know why you took yourself off the case.”

Decker said nothing.

Luke said, “Ten years ago, my parents threw us boys…the triplets…a twenty-fifth birthday party. Tons of people. I hated every minute of it. Actually, I think Bram and Paul hated it, too. We went along with it for my parents’ sake…actually for my mother’s. She loves playing hostess…showing off her cooking. Anyway…like I said, there were lots of people there.”

He paused, regarded Decker with arched eyebrows.

“Lots of people. But your wife’s face is a hard one to forget.”

Decker was silent.