He smiled enigmatically, making me wonder what was on his mind. But I didn’t ask. Instead, I opened the door that led out to the station house’s lobby. Koby saw me and stood up. Without thinking, we ran to each other and embraced, his lips brushing the top of my hair. I nestled into his tight body, then reluctantly broke away. “Go home and get some rest, Yaakov. I can take it from here.”

He took my hand. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah.” I kissed his hand, then let it go. “No problem. Go. Do you have cab money?”

“I’ll have a cruiser take him home,” Dad said to me.

“Right! Thanks.”

Koby said, “Are you sure, Cynthia? I shall wait if you want. As a matter of fact, I would like to wait.”

“Don’t you have to work tomorrow … or rather, today?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Get some rest, Koby. Your being exhausted won’t do either of us any good— Oh my God! What are you going to do for a car?”

He smiled without showing teeth. It constricted his face instead of opening it up. “I suppose insurance will give me about fifty bucks.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry. I rent something. Your father said they’ll reimburse me.”

“Yeah, also about fifty bucks. Take my car.”

“No, no. I’ll find something.”

“This is all my fault. Take my car.”

“Not a chance.”

“I can loan you something,” Dad offered.

Koby’s eyes moved to my father’s face. “It’s all right. I have friends.”

“I’m sure you do,” Dad said, “but I’ve got a spare.”

“It’s a vintage Porsche,” I told him.

“No, I don’t think so!” Koby smiled.

“No, no, no …” Decker smiled back. “Not the Porsche. We still have Rina’s old Volvo. The boys use it when they’re home.”

“But they are home,” Koby said.

“Yes, they are. But they don’t need their jobs to keep a roof over their heads. They have friends, too. Take the car until you figure something out.”

He regarded Decker. “How old is old?”

“Ten years and lots of dents. It’s a clunker, Koby. Don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you.” A pause. “Thank you very much, sir.” He tried out another smile for my benefit. “Well, I suppose you’re in good hands.”

“Thanks,” Decker answered wryly.

Koby let out a small laugh. To me, he said, “You’ll call?”

“Yes, I’m good about that—unlike others in this room.”

He answered my wisecrack by sweeping me into his arms and kissing me deep and slow, lacing his long nutmeg fingers into my thick hair. I responded in kind, melting into his body, wrapping both of my arms around his neck.

I saw my father avert his eyes and turn his face.

He didn’t want me to see him smiling.

35

Standing in the corner, arms across his chest, all ears and no mouth, Decker stayed in the background while his elder daughter, the first issue of his loins, fielded questions flung from every angle. It was a test of endurance, not only for Cindy, but also for himself. Could he really listen to all this crap for hours and keep his yap shut? Finally, at four-thirty in the morning, both he and Cindy appeared victorious. As Stone and Brill wound down the interview, Decker thanked his Hollywood hosts and excused himself, telling Cindy he’d wait for her outside.