“We haven’t started the shiva yet.”

“So get some rest while you can.”

“It’s actually a good idea.” Tears in her eyes. “I’m so tired!”

“Rest, Raisie.”

Finally, she agreed. Decker waited until she was out of sight. Then he dialed the number that Randy had given him.

“It’s me,” Randy said. “Go.”

Decker whispered, “Money laundering. Emmanuel Lieber. He owns a chain of discount electronic-equipment stores. Cameras, computers, phones, radios, stereos… stuff like that. Business has been hard lately. Four days ago, one of his sons was murdered. Ephraim Lieber. He had a history of drug problems. He was with his niece. Now she’s missing.”

“How old?”

“The niece is fifteen. Also, there’s another brother I want you to check out. Chaim spelled Charles-Henry-Adam-Ida-Mary.”

“Last name is L-E-I-B-E-R?”

“L-I-E-B-E-R.”

“And the vic’s first name?”

Decker spelled Ephraim, then Shaynda.

“Got it,” Randy said. “Ephraim Lieber…. Lieber…” A five-second pause. “No, none of it rings a bell. I take it they all are Jewish?”

“Yep.”

“Chasidic?”

“Yes. Exactly. Why?”

Randy said, “We’ve had a few cases where your religious brethren have done some naughty things regarding illegal substances.”

“What kind of substances?”

“The gamut from what I remember. I’ll look it up for you, Peter. Mostly, we get the Chasids on more typical charges—slumlording, rest-home fraud, tax evasion. And soliciting. You’d be surprised how many of these religious types pay for pussy. Born-again Christians as well as Jews. Course, we got a lot of pussy for sale in Miami. Anyway, I’ll check around.”

“Thanks, Randy. So I’ll see you when you get down to Gainesville.”

“You bet. I’ll call you if I find out anything.”

“Thanks.”

“Pete, I know I’m your baby brother. And I always will be your baby bro. But let me give you a solid word of advice. Cause I know the East Coast, and you don’t. Those guys, they’re nothing but trouble. Don’t put your balls on the line. They won’t appreciate it.”

“You’re not the first one who’s told me that.” A pause. “You’re not the second one, either.”

“Then maybe you should listen.”

“Maybe I should.”

“But you won’t.” Randy sighed. “You’re a stubborn guy. Not unlike the other Decker kinfolk I’ve known.”

“It runs in the family, Randy.”

“We’re adopted, Peter.”

“Well, there you go, baby bro. Genes aren’t everything.”

It was time to touch base with Novack. Their last interaction had left the New York detective testy, and Decker didn’t want to leave with a sour taste. And Raisie had asked about the release of her brother’s body. He took out his cell and punched in the numbers. When he answered, Decker asked him how the game went.

“Like you don’t know?” Exasperation. “You know who they were playing against.”

“The Lakers.”

“More L.A. wise guys who think they’re God.”

“Now you’re being sore.”

“You see the game?”

“I heard the game,” Decker answered. “Shaq fouled out in the fourth, but Kobe brought it home in overtime.”