“I think she did know better,” Decker said. “Milligan’s death was a professional hit. Two shots to the head, right next to one another. The guy must have been trained as a sniper—a tzalaf.”

Gold’s expression was flat. “I’m surprised it didn’t make the papers here. Milligan was quite well known. But then again, in Syria, it isn’t easy to get information.”

The room fell silent.

“Where were you a week ago, Mr. Gold?”

“I was in Israel.”

“Business?”

“No. My heart is too heavy to do business. I visit the families—the Yaloms and the Menkovitzes. I give them words of comfort.” He hung his head. “It is big tragedy.”

Decker said, “I pulled out my notes from when I first interviewed you in your apartment, Mr. Gold. Didn’t you say you fought on the Golan Heights?”

“In ’67 and ’73. Seventy-three was very tough—a hard-fought victory because of the lateness of the Israeli air force. But we made it. Stick together in times of crisis.”

“You’re familiar with Syrian territory.”

“I know the Golan. I fought wars there. But I’ve never been in Syrian territory. It is suicide for any Israeli—any Jew—to be in Syria. Too bad. I would like to go to Damascus. Did you know it is the oldest city in the world?”

Decker stared at him. “Yes, Syria is a dangerous place for Jews. All I can say is you must have really liked Dalia to take a chance like that.”

“I don’t take chances, Sergeant,” Gold said. “Arik was the risk taker. I’m the stick-in-the-mud, remember?”

Decker didn’t answer.

“No, I don’t take risks,” Gold said. “But I do what I have to do.”

Again, nobody spoke.

“You are a religious man, Sergeant?” Gold asked.

“At times.”

Gold smiled. “I like that answer. Me too. At times, I am very religious. Do you learn at all?”

“When I get the chance.”

“You have heard about the arey miklat, maybe?”

“The city of refuge,” Decker said.

“The city of refuge,” Gold repeated. “If an offender murders one of your own—”

“A relative, Mr. Gold. And it has to be a murder by accident.”

Gold paused. “Yes, you are the scholar. It is a relative and it is by accident. But anyway, if the offender takes one of your own, and you are so angry, so full of rage that you get revenge, the law makes exception and you do not get capital punishment for this offense of his murder.”

“You do get punished,” Decker said.

“Maybe you get whipped, I don’t remember. But you don’t get capital punishment.”

“Unless the offender makes it into one of the cities of refuge. Then you’re not allowed to kill him.”