“I wanted to make a couple of calls first.”

“They’ll wait. Who’re you calling?”

“New York,” Decker said. “The detective in charge of Honey Klein’s case had left by the time I called. They gave me his home phone number. His wife told me to call around now.”

Hannah squirmed in Rina’s arms. Gently, she lowered the baby to her feet. “What’s happening with that?”

“They’re investigating the murder, but they’re a ways off from any indictment.”

“Is Honey a suspect?”

“Their prime suspect. But they don’t have any evidence to back up their suspicions. The cops have gone out to the village at least a half dozen times and come back empty. They’re hitting walls.”

“Peter, maybe she really didn’t know what was going on. Maybe she left without knowing any details.”

“I don’t think she knew details, but she knew what was going on. Otherwise, why would she bother with the false passports? And, Rina, she admitted that, in her absence, she knew that some people were going to try to convince Gershon to give her a get. What does that sound like to you?”

Rina didn’t answer.

“Then when you add the fact that the Rebbe didn’t want me looking into Honey’s disappearance…it doesn’t look good for her. But that doesn’t mean they’ll get an indictment.”

Rina followed Hannah around the living room. “Nobody meant for him to die.”

Decker tailed after his wife and daughter. He picked Hannah up by her waist and swung her under his knees.

“This is all too sad to contemplate,” Rina said.

“Yes, it is. Sometimes life is very sad.” He smiled softly and placed Hannah on top of his shoulders. “I guess I don’t have to tell you that.”

Rina sighed and sat down. “So what should Honey have done?”

“You’re asking for my opinion?” Decker said.

“Yes.”

“She should have gotten a civil divorce and gone on with her life.”

“What kind of life would she have had without a Jewish divorce?”

“So she’s better off now, knowing that in some way she’s responsible for murdering her husband?”

“No, you’re right. She’s not better off.” Rina was quiet. “Sometimes you simply make the wrong decision.”

“I feel sorry for Honey,” Decker said. “From the bottom of my heart, I feel very bad for her. But Rina, she didn’t make the wrong decision. Unfortunately, she made a bad decision.” He lowered Hannah to the ground. “I think she needs to be changed. My shoulders feel a little too warm and a little too moist. You want me to do it?”

“I’ll do it.” Rina scooped up the toddler. “Thank God for babies. They keep you honest.”