Decker paused, then took the receiver. “Thank you.”

She sat down, perched on the edge of the bed. The mattress undulated. How neat! Decker thought. He and Jan had had a water bed during the 1960s when that kind of thing was ultracool. They had to give it away because it had killed his back.

He pushed the talk button. “Decker.”

“Lay off Merrin. He’s a gold mine for me—him and you Jew boys. You kikes are a real horny lot, you know that.”

It took Decker a few minutes to integrate Donatti’s words. “I take it this is a protected phone?”

“I do my best, but nothing’s guaranteed. You talk on any line, you take your chances.”

“You don’t seem concerned.”

“Why should I be concerned? What’s wrong with calling up a massage parlor? I’m not known for my high-class taste.”

“You own the place.”

“Me? I don’t own anything like that. Can’t get a license being a convicted felon. Terry, on the other hand… now there is one rich lady. She owns a string of them.”

“Does she know?”

“She would if she’d bother to read her tax return. You know Terry… lives in her head. As it stands, I do the accounting: She’s happy just to sign on the dotted line. Anyway, it’s not like it’s a bad thing. Massages are very good tension relievers.”

“You know, Donatti, I see lots of velvet and mirrors here. A big mother water bed. But no massage table.”

“The clients like atmosphere. And if you look in the bathrooms, you’ll see we have lots and lots of oil.”

“What do you know about him? Merrin?”

“Not much except that he likes his massages. He brings in other clients who like massages. Because he’s such a good referral source, the place gives him deep discounts. All the masseuses are over eighteen, by the way.”

“Comforting,” Decker replied. “I don’t think Merrin likes me.”

“Could be, Decker. I don’t like you, either.”

“What else do you know about Merrin?”

“You know, I’m big on delegating. Jen would know more about the locals.”

“The comely blonde in reception.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

“Mind if I ask her a couple of questions?”

“You can ask. I don’t know what she’ll tell you, even though I’ve instructed her to be very, very nice to you—a big concession because her pussy retired three years ago.”

“I don’t want sex, Donatti; I want answers.”

“Sex is always the answer, Lieutenant.”

The line went dead.

Decker handed the phone back to Jen. She took it, stowed it, and sat down on the mattress, patting it for him to sit down. He sat, setting off a tidal wave. Her hand went to his knee. Her voice was a siren’s whisper. “What can I do for you?”

He took her hand away from his thigh. “Probably nothing if Donatti shut you up.” He stood and leaned against the wall. She came up from behind and slipped her hands around his waist, pressing her body against his back. It felt nice, but he shook her off. “I’m married. I don’t cheat. Don’t touch me, all right?”