“Akiva—”

“It’s decided, Jon. Don’t argue. You won’t win. You want to help me or not?”

“Of course I’ll help you. What do you need?”

“I need your wheels. As soon as Rina leaves, I’m going to find a cheap place in the city. Which means I’m going to have to give back Sora Lazarus’s car.”

“You will not find a cheap place anywhere in the city. You’ll stay with me. Don’t argue. It’s a done deal; I can be stubborn, too. And yes, you can have my car. But now you let me speak my mind. What you’re doing isn’t fair to Rina.”

Decker put another twenty down on the table. “Let me be the judge of that.” He got up. “Let’s go get the morgue out of the way.”

Jonathan rose from the table. “I suppose we should.”

“I’ll be with you the whole time.” Decker put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “We’ll get through it.”

“What choice do we have?”

Together they walked out, passing the stage production as they left. Same show, but different girls shaking tassels that hung from their nipples. Decker’s eyes went to the patrons, flushed from sexual arousal and drinking, trembling hands and sweating palms stuffing twenties into the dancers’ thongs. Cheering the girls with each bump and grind, making kissy noises and obscene gestures.

Decker walked a few more paces, then did a double take. Sitting at a front table, drinking and hollering like an ace, was Quinton Police chief Virgil Merrin. His ultrablond hair was plastered wet against his pink scalp, his belly jiggling as he laughed and whooped.

Decker stopped moving. “Wait a sec, Jon.”

“What?”

“Just wait here for a sec.” Decker went over to Merrin. “Hi, Merrin, remember me?”

Merrin turned and looked up. He was in civilian clothing, his face and armpits wet, his body reeking of musty sweat. He stared at Decker, his pale eyes without recognition. It could have been the bruises.

“Lieutenant Peter Decker…LAPD. I asked you some questions about Shaynda Lieber.”

“Ah! Yeah, sure, I remember you, young man.” A stare. “What happened to your face?”

“Gotta watch those baseball bats.” He smiled. “I’m kidding.”

“I hope so.” A smile, but something behind it. “Have a seat.”

“No thanks. I was on my way out.”

The chief winked at him. “I won’t tell if you won’t tell.”

Decker winked back. “How about this? You can tell—and I can tell.”

Merrin’s expression turned chilly. Decker continued to smile.

Locking eyes, but only for a few moments.

Then Decker left.

He glanced over his shoulder just the one time.

23

I know you’re upset—”

“Of course I’m upset! I’m very upset! This is horrible!”

Decker took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m sorry, honey.”

Rina wiped her eyes, then transferred the phone receiver to the other ear. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. But still, I kept hoping.…”

“I know, honey, I know.”

“I don’t want to go to Florida without you, Peter. Why do you have to stay here? Can’t the police handle it?”