Decker said, “I’ve been a disappointment to you, haven’t I?”

Jacob stopped and stared. “What?”

“When I married Eema, you thought you’d get a real hero of a dad. Someone to protect you and keep the bogeyman away. And maybe I’ve done that. But you were also banking on a buddy—someone to ride horses with, to play ball with…maybe coach your team, a confidant to have long, meaningful talks with. Instead of a pal, you got saddled with a sullen adult male who not only works all the time but who took your Eema away from you.”

Jacob swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving Peter’s face. “I don’t think that at all.”

“Yes, you do. You’re just being polite.” Decker headed toward the elevator with Jacob in tow. Arriving at the bank of lifts, he punched the down button and waited without talking. “Take last night. Even after I smacked your face, you came up to me to say good-bye. Instead of giving you my full attention for thirty seconds, I brushed you off because I was preoccupied—”

“It was understandable.”

“It was unnecessary. How long does a hug and kiss take? I’m sorry you got such a raw deal.”

The elevator chimed. Neither spoke as they rode the cage down to the parking lot.

When they stepped out, Jacob said, “You’ve got it all wrong. I’ve been the big disappointment. I’ve caused you and Eema nothing but grief. I sometimes wonder why you put up with me. I know you have to because you’re married to my mother, but it goes beyond that. I know you try hard. And I’m not even yours biologically. Or maybe that’s why you can toss it off—”

Decker spun around and grabbed Jacob’s shoulders. “You and Sammy are as much my sons as Cynthia and Hannah are my daughters. Blood relationship or not, no matter what would happen to Eema—God forbid—you are stuck with me for the rest of your friggin’ life.”

Jacob managed a wet smile. “You make it sound like a death sentence.”

“Ask Cindy. I’m sure at times she feels that way.”

“It’s fine with me, Dad. I love you.”

Decker hugged him so hard, he could hear the bones crack. “I love you, too, Jacob. And I’m going to miss you terribly. All these years have passed…I can’t get them back. I’m sorry—”

“Stop saying that!” Jacob lowered his voice. “Just…” He broke away, then looped his arm around his stepfather’s waist. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Good idea.”

They headed toward the car.

Jacob said, “She said she’s going to prison.”

“I’m not her lawyer, but I would say that’s correct.”

“For computer hacking or for the murders?” He wiped his eyes. “She claimed she didn’t know what Moke was doing.”

“And you believe her?”