“That’s why I’m here. To find out who killed her.”

She didn’t comment.

“She was only fifteen, Jen. Just like you when you gave birth. Only she never had a chance to redeem herself—like you did.”

“I haven’t really redeemed myself. Working day in and day out with ugly men and perverts leering at my boobs and butt, trying to grab a piece of my snatch.”

“You look like you can handle yourself very well.”

“I hate it!”

“Then why don’t you quit?”

She couldn’t look at him. “You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”

“He won’t let you?”

“No, not at all. I don’t think he’d care. He’s got others to take my place. And this is actually a paying job.”

“Unlike the other assignments he’s given you?”

“Mr. Donatti has been nothing but wonderful to me.”

Staunchly loyal. Go figure. Decker said, “Then why don’t you quit?”

“You’ll think I’m horrible.”

“Nah, I’ve heard it all.”

She didn’t answer.

“Hey, try me!”

She sighed. “I love my husband, I really do. But he’s fifty-six, Lieutenant. And he’s not a healthy fifty-six at that. He’s had a difficult life. His first wife died after a ten-year battle with breast cancer. He has chronic heart problems… high blood pressure. We don’t do too much… obviously, we do something. We have a son. But it’s not… you know. And after what I’ve gone through… that’s really okay with me. But still, there are times…” A pause. “Mr. Donatti… he comes here occasionally… to check up on what’s going on. He’s… he’s a good-looking guy. I’m still young, you know.”

Her eyes begged to be understood.

Decker smiled. “Got it.”

Her voice got tiny. “It’s just that I feel comfortable with him. Protected. I know he uses me—that’s what those guys do—but he’s been okay about it.” Silence. “Not a lot of choices for a fifteen-year-old on the streets. I’ve heard some real horror stories. I turned out okay considering…”

No one spoke.

“We’re not that different, you know—me and Mr. Donatti. I’m a user, too.”

Meaning her husband. Decker said, “I understand what it is to feel… indebted. I’ve got a few buds like that myself. One of them… helped me out in Vietnam. Saved my life actually. No matter what he does to screw himself up, I always feel obligated to pull him out of the muck.”

“You’re a real good listener, you know that?” She pulled her legs straight out, yanked down on her nonexistent skirt, and laid her head on his shoulder. “Sure I can’t do anything for you?”

“You can do a lot for me, and I don’t mean sex.”

She sat up. “So… you really want information only?”

“Yes,” Decker said.

“Your wife must be amazing.”

“She is. Tell me about Merrin.”

“Horny old goat. Looks the other way when it comes to this place.”

“Donatti pays him off?”

Her shrug told him he was on the right track.

“Does Merrin look the other way with other things?”