They literally had lined Decker’s office because there wasn’t enough initial seating, prompting Oliver to bring in four brown folding chairs. Though the act of altruism got them off their feet, it did little to improve the mood. It was almost three in the afternoon, and the air conditioner wasn’t doing much in the way of circulation. Every once in a while, Decker felt a waft of tepid air across his sweaty neck, but that was as good as it got. At least his chair was his own and had a nice padded seat. Both Webster and Oliver had taken off their jackets, shirtsleeves rolled up to the elbows. Dunn and Bontemps had on short-sleeved blouses. Decker’s coat hung over the back of his chair, but he still wore a tie and had his cuffs buttoned at the wrists. It set a neat example for his detectives, and besides, he never knew when the captain might appear. Not that Strapp would say anything, but Decker knew how things worked. One of the reasons he was where he was.

Webster said, “Where’s Bert? Still checking out beach property? Must be twenty degrees cooler out there. Why don’t I get those assignments?”

Ordinarily, Decker would have let it go. But today he wasn’t feeling charitable. “Are you done bitchin’ or is there more?”

“I don’t know, Loo,” Webster drawled. “It’s awfully hot and it’s only the end of June. I’d say you have a summer of bitchin’ ahead of you.”

“Thanks for the warning. Let’s move on.”

Wanda was geared up. Her cheeks had taken on a deeper hue, and her brown eyes glinted with excitement. “Okay, remember we told you about two minor kids that wouldn’t talk or have their backpacks gone through?”

“Brandon Chesapeake and Riley Barns,” Decker said. “What do you have?”

“First a little background.” Webster dabbed sweat off his forehead. “It seems that Brandon’s big problem was repeatedly violating his parents’ curfew, sneaking out at all hours of the night.”

“Typical kid stuff,” Oliver said.

“Not my kid,” Marge said.

“Your kid’s from Mars,” Oliver answered.

Marge sneered at him, but deep down she agreed.

“You’re just jealous ’cause Vega’s so darn smart!” Wanda snapped.

“Who let this woman in here?” Oliver grumped. “Last I heard this was a murder investigation, not a truancy case.”

“Can we all cut the snide remarks?” Everyone was hot and tired, and nerves were frayed. Decker turned to Wanda. “That’s your cue to keep going.”