“Sure they can handle it.”

Silence.

Rina placed the receiver back on the original ear. Both ears were now hot. “You promise you’ll come out on Friday?”

Her disappointment was audible. Decker said, “I promise.”

“And you’ll be careful?”

“Absolutely.”

“If you truly love your daughter, you’ll take extra precautions.”

“I will.”

“Am I going to see you before Hannah and I leave?”

“Yes, of course. I just have to finish up this business in Fort Lee; then I’ll come back to Brooklyn and take you two to the airport.”

“Are you in New Jersey now?”

“No, Jonathan and I are just leaving Quinton. I’m sorry you had to find out like this. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the one to tell you.”

“It’s all right.”

“Was Chaim rude to you?”

“I didn’t speak to Chaim; I spoke to Raisie. She was wondering where you were. She told me that all of them were wondering where you were. If you’re in Quinton, why don’t they know where you are?”

“Because I’m not with them. I’m with Jonathan. We had to speak in private.”

“They said you left in a huff.”

“No.” Decker kept his patience. “Not in a huff, in a hurry. I thought it would be kinder to the family to let them grieve alone.”

But Rina was skeptical. He left because he had somewhere to go. But she didn’t push it.

Decker said, “Can you change my plane ticket or should I do it?”

“I can do it. I really wish you’d reconsider.”

“Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t last until Friday. But I’d like the option. Should I call up the airline?”

“I’ll do it, Peter.” She blew her nose. “All this arranging and rearranging. I should become a travel agent.”

“I’m sure you’d be the best.”

Rina smiled despite herself. “As long as you’re in Quinton, you should drop by Mr. Lieber’s house. I have a feeling the family would like to see you.”

“Why do you say that? Chaim practically kicked me out this morning.”

“Well, maybe Raisie would like to see you.”

“I can’t see anyone right now.” Two thirty-seven on his watch. “If we’re going to make it to the morgue in Jersey, we’re going to have to hustle. Jonathan has already spoken to Raisie, although she doesn’t know I’m in Quinton. Nobody does. Like I told you, Jon and I had to talk in private. Don’t mention my presence to anyone.”

“I won’t.”

“I don’t think I’m well regarded by anyone over there,” Decker said.

“What does that mean?”

“I’ll tell you when I see you. I’ve got to go. See you in a couple of hours.”

He hung up before she could tell him to take care.

Rina picked up the packages from the floor of the phone booth and tried to regain her composure. She had been stunned by the news, by the way she had found out. Calling up Raisie just to find out if Peter was there. Hearing all the weeping in the background. It broke her inside and out.