“Yes.” She shook her head sadly. “In a way, he has it much worse than I. A woman is allowed to grieve—although no one wants to be with her while she’s doing it. A man has to pull himself together. Snap himself out of it.” She sighed. “We’re both living on savings—exhausting them. It’s a good thing Erin is bright. She’s going to need scholarships.” She faced Decker. “I told her that, and you know what she said?”

“What?”

“‘Don’t worry about it, Mom.’ I do believe that’s the first time we talked civilly since she’s reached her teens.”

“That’s nice.”

“Yes, it is.” She took a deep breath. “I know I have to look for work eventually. But most employers don’t think a museum docent has marketable skills. I suppose they’re right.”

“I’m sure you’ll find something.”

“I feel a little tired, Sergeant. Perhaps it would be best if we headed back.”

When they reached her doorstep, Decker held out his hand. She took it and squeezed it tightly.

“Thank you for everything,” she said. “Thank Detective Dunn, also. She was out here the other week. It seems very strange that I should find comfort from the police.”

“Call me from time to time,” Decker said. “Let me know how you’re doing.”

“I will.”

He left the house and drove to his ranch. The sun was beginning to set—striations of pinks and rusts cutting into a darkening expanse of teal sky. Standing on his back porch, he faced east, peering into the advancing dimness. Feeling at peace, he took out a siddur and said his evening prayers.

About the Author

FAYE KELLERMAN is best known for her New York Times bestselling mystery series featuring L.A. cop Peter Decker and his wife, Rina Lazarus, the most recent of which was the critically acclaimed Moon Music. She is also the author of a historical novel, The Quality of Mercy. There are approximately four million copies of her books in print worldwide. Ms. Kellerman lives in Los Angeles with her husband, author Jonathan Kellerman.

PRAISE FOR FAYE KELLERMAN
and her
PETER DECKER AND
RINA LAZARUS NOVELS

“ELOQUENT ON THE TOPICS OF SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE…WITH SUCH A KNACK FOR INTIMATE CONVERSATION, THE AUTHOR HAS NO TROUBLE TAPPING INTO THOSE DOMESTIC TENSIONS THAT CAN TURN UGLY AND CRUEL, EVEN MURDEROUS”

The New York Times Book Review

“FAYE KELLERMAN DOES NOT LET US DOWN!”

Omaha World Herald

“HANDS DOWN, THE MOST REFRESHING MYSTERY COUPLE AROUND.”

People

THE RITUAL BATH

“PHENOMENAL!”

Murder Inc.

“ENGAGING”

Los Angeles Times Book Review

“EXCEPTIONALLY FINE SUSPENSE”

San Diego Union-Tribune

PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD

“FIRST RATE…FASCINATING!”

Los Angeles Times Book Review

“BRILLIANT…STUNNING…FAST-PACED AND WELL-WRITTEN. KELLERMAN PROVES ONCE AGAIN THAT SHE IS A MASTER STORYTELLER.”

Chattanooga Free Press

“NO ONE WORKING IN THE CRIME GENRE IS BETTER.”

Baltimore Sun

“POWERFUL, ASSURED AND ABSORBING”

Publishers Weekly (*Starred Review*)

SANCTUARY

“A VIRTUOSO”

Sue Grafton