Decker said, “Doing a favor for a friend.”

“You take your hard-earned vacation time to spin your wheels in the shit holes of New York to solve a low-level pop. Must be some good friend.”

Decker analyzed Donatti’s words. He had called the pop low level—a dodge or was it truly something beneath him? Of course, Donatti wanted information, but what exactly was he asking? How much did Decker know so he could figure out how to cover his ass? Some kind of truce, maybe? That was probably wishful thinking. In the end, Decker went with the truth because it was the easiest.

“I’m doing a favor for my brother.”

Donatti’s eyes never wavered. “Your brother?”

“Yeah, my brother. I’m helping him out. The victim was a relative of my brother.”

“The vic was your relative?”

“No, my brother’s relative. He was my brother’s brother-in-law.”

“So you’re telling me that you’re doing this to help out your brother.”

“Exactly.”

“Your brother?”

“Donatti, I know you’re an only child, but there are those of us who—for better or worse—have siblings.”

“You’re telling me that your brother needs your help?”

Decker scratched his head. “Why is this a problem for you?”

“Your brother has been in Vice for over twenty-five years in Miami. I would think he has his own connections on the East Coast.”

“Oh!” Decker sat back. “Now I understand. That’s Randy—my full brother—although he’s not my blood brother. We’re both adopted. I met my birth mother about ten years ago. Her youngest son— my half brother—he’s the one I’m helping. He’s a rabbi.”

“You were adopted?”

“Yes.”

“So you’re a bastard.”

“Are you telling me something you didn’t already know?”

Despite himself, Donatti smiled.

Decker said, “How do you know Randy?”

“Florida is New York South. Things that happen up here often affect things down there and vice versa. My family’s always had a vested interest in knowing who does Vice. So this guy who was cleaned… he’s your brother-in-law?”

“No. He’s my half brother’s brother-in-law. My half brother’s wife’s brother.”

“Got it. And you’re that close to him that you come out and eat your free time for him?”

Decker thought about it. “I like him. I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to him or his family because of his association with the vic. Is that a possibility?”

“How the hell should I know?” Donatti drained his second scotch.

“It’s just that you’re a knowledgeable guy, Donatti.”

“You’ve got a bridge to sell me, Lieutenant?”

“So scornful at such a young age.”

“I’ve lived a hard life. Neglected and abused. You should know the story.”

Decker took up the scotch bottle and poured Chris another drink. “Did you happen to mention me to your lawyer, Donatti?”

“My lawyer?”

The surprise seemed genuine. Decker affected insouciance. “Maybe not.”

“You mean Hershfield?”

“Yes, Hershfield. I went to see him because he’s being retained for the family. I didn’t want the police questioning them without representation.”

Donatti laughed. “There’s a switch.”