Had Decker not heard the voice, he wouldn’t have recognized the person. While in Decker’s home, Honey had dressed modestly in keeping with Orthodox tradition—a dress below her knees with long sleeves—and her hair had always been covered. But judging from the way she looked, Decker knew that something inside of her had snapped. Only the face was visible among the drapery of black that swathed her body. A gaunt face with sunken eyes ringed with dark shadows. She looked more like a nun in habit than any Orthodox Jewish woman Decker had known.

She looked around the hotel room, then zeroed in on Decker with tired eyes. “Where’s Rina?”

“She’s not here.”

Sitting down on the bed, Honey blew out air. “I read this morning about what you did at the yeshiva—a real mitzvah. I’m happy for Rina that she remarried such a tzaddik—such a righteous man.”

There was pain in her voice.

“The article said you two originally came here for vacation. I know you and Rina hadn’t planned on any vacation. Now I know you’re here because of your case. But with Rina? I was wondering if she came here to look for me.”

“She did indeed. She was very concerned about you and the children.”

“That’s Rina. A tzedeikess for a tzaddik. She’s a good woman. I could take lessons in middos from her.” Honey looked at Decker. “I can’t hide anymore, Akiva. Not that I couldn’t have done it physically…you wouldn’t have recognized me, right?”

“Not at all.”

“I can’t hide mentally. I can’t do that to my children. I’m here to bring resolution to the mess I created. What do you want to do with me?”

“The authorities want to ask you some questions, Honey.”

“Ask.”

“It would be better if we conducted the interview in America.”

Honey’s shoulders slumped. “It wasn’t supposed to work out like this.” Tears formed in her eyes. “All I wanted was a second chance. It wasn’t…”

Decker waited.

“Nothing can help me,” Honey whispered. “It was all my fault. The Rebbe told me to be patient with Gershon.” She looked at him. “I ran out of patience, Akiva. I simply…gave up. You should never, ever give up.”

“You stuck with Gershon a long time, Honey.”

She swiped at wet eyes with the back of her hands. “I know you won’t believe me, but I had nothing to do with his death.”

“I believe you,” Decker said. “But for your own protection, I suggest you don’t talk to me without a lawyer. Because I am a sworn officer of the law. And if you say something incriminating, I could use it against you.”

Honey nodded. “But I can talk to you if I want?”

Decker threw up his hands. “Please don’t. Wait until you’re back in New York.”