Nowhere, nowhere, nowhere. C’mon, Decker. You’re a professional, for God’s sake.

He remembered Donatti’s words for snagging the girls: “tea and sympathy.” How many times had he used that approach with juveniles himself? He sat down on the floor, his legs extended outward, back against the bed. He tapped the carpet, indicating for her to sit next to him. She followed dutifully, tucking her legs under one another, her spine straight up. He kept his eyes on her stoic face, dropping his voice to something soft and soothing. “How old are you, Jen?”

“Twenty-one.”

“Twenty-one.”

“Yes.”

“My daughter’s twenty-five.”

“Really. You don’t look that old.”

He smiled. “I also have another daughter…from my second wife. The one who’s much younger than I am. That daughter… she’s nine going on thirty.”

Jen smiled.

“Do you have children?” Decker asked her.

“Yes.”

“How many?”

“Two.”

“How old?”

She swallowed. “Six and one.”

“Boys? Girls?”

“A girl and a boy.”

“The oldest is a girl?”

She nodded.

“That’s great.” Decker smiled. “Six is a wonderful age, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” She stared at her lap. Her black leather miniskirt barely covered her panties. “Yes, it is.”

“So full of life… so full of trust and curiosity.” He sat back, laced his hands behind his neck, and stretched. Then he pitched forward, a concerned expression in his eyes. “I worry about my little one. It’s hard growing up in this day and age, especially because we’ve seen terrible things. Talking professionally, I’ve seen many, many bad things up close. Not too encouraging.”

She said nothing.

“All these bad boys, these… evil people that I arrest. It jades my perspective. I worry that my… my negativity will rub off on her. But you know what?”

“What?” she whispered.

“It doesn’t. Kids are remarkably resilient. Don’t you find that to be the case?”

Her eyes clouded. “Sometimes.”

“Well, look at your own little girl. And look at you. I mean, it couldn’t have been easy having a kid at fifteen. But look how you’re doing. You’ve got a good job. A husband who probably loves you very much… right?”

“Right.”

“Two beautiful children. Great fun, huh?”

She nodded.

“Yes, indeed. Just look how well you’re doing. You’ve got a lot to be proud of. I’m sure you’re a real role model for your daughter.”

She turned her head away. Her eyes had become wet. “That was nasty.”

“What?” Decker threw his arm around her. “My God, what’s wrong? What did I say?”

Burning eyes lit into his. “Nothing…”

“Nothing? You’re as pissed as hell. I’m sorry. What did I say?”

“You didn’t say anything.”

“I’m sorry. Honestly. Tell me what I said?”

She wiped her tears with her fingers. “Nothing.” Then she hid her face in her hands. “Nothing at all.”

“Man, Donatti’s going to get mad when he finds out I’ve upset you.”

“Oh God!” Panic crossed her eyes. “I’m so sorry—”

“Sorry for what? I offended you!”

“No, you didn’t! You didn’t at all.”

“You’re afraid of him—Donatti?”