“You could do that. But it might make things worse for you. Because if you call a lawyer, then I’ll have to do things like…officially arresting someone. But sure, go ahead.”

The woman tapped her foot. “I want to call my husband.”

“Sure, call him.” Decker looked at his watch. “But I’m on a tight schedule. If I can’t conclude the interview here, I’m going to have to haul Erin down to the station house. The one where I work…in the Valley.” His eyes went back to the view. “You can meet us there if you want.”

“At least let me call my sister.” A pause. “That would complicate things.”

“You know your sister.”

“It’s not my sister who’s the problem, it’s her husband. If he were any more of a fascist, he’d be a Nazi. And that’s a pretty good trick because he’s Jewish.” She rolled her eyes. “Not that I’m anti-Semitic. He just happens to be a prick.”

“There’s usually one in every family. I’d like to talk to Erin now.”

“I knew this was a bad idea, taking her in. She just looked so…scared.”

“I’m sure she is scared. That’s why I’d like to talk to her.”

She kneaded her hands. “I don’t know…”

Talking more to herself than to Decker. He said, “While you decide, I’ll look around in the meantime.” He started down a long foyer that was covered with the same plush carpet. The pile was so soft, it was almost like wading in muck.

The woman came after him. “You just can’t—Goddamn! Justin, turn down that awful music!”

There was no discernible decrease in volume. To Decker, she shouted, “Now, you stay right where you are. I will not let the police bully me or Erin or anyone. That poor girl has gone through enough.”

Decker walked back into the living room, away from the noise. “So tell me about it.”

The woman’s lips shut.

“Mrs. Frammel, my coming here may have been the best thing for your entire family. Somebody—or bodies—has killed four people in two days. Given the numbers, I don’t think he or they would hesitate at killing four more.”

She shuddered. “That’s a horrible thing to say.” She brought her hand to her throat. “You’re being deliberately cruel. Just like my brother-in-law.”

“I’m not being cruel, I’m trying to emphasize the gravity of the situation.”

The woman wrapped herself in her arms. “She isn’t in any of these rooms.”

Decker studied Mrs. Frammel’s face—guileless, worried, and concerned. “Where is she?”

“Why should I trust you…what’s your name again?”

“Lieutenant Peter Decker. It’s on the front page of the paper. I’m quoted regarding the death of Dee Baldwin. Where is Erin, ma’am?”