Decker saw Jill Golding’s cheeks turn pink. “Ernesto,” he said, “you talk to me, I can ask a judge for leniency. Most you’ll do is some community service. More important, if you cooperate, I can try to get your records sealed even though you’re almost eighteen. The Ivies would never have to hear about it.”

“I don’t believe a word you’re saying,” Ernesto answered. “Cops are pathological liars.”

Decker raised his eyebrows. “Fine, son. Have it your way. I’ll recommend that you’re tried as an adult.”

Ernesto stood up. “You can’t bully me into submission! I’ve had way worse nightmares!” He stomped out, slamming the door as he left. Mom was the next one out the door. Dad waited a beat, swore under his breath, and then took off as well. The quiet ticked away for a few moments.

Decker said, “You want to bring him down, Mr. Melrose, or do I take out the handcuffs?”

“I’ll get him.” Melrose left.

Again the room fell silent. Jaime Dahl broke it. “I can’t believe it! Almost anyone but him!” She regarded Decker. “You still have a few boys left to search. Would you like me to do that?”

“I’ll do it when I’m done with Ernesto. I’ll need a list of his friends—”

“I don’t think I can do that, Lieutenant,” Jaime answered. “Finking is not part of the contract.”

“Finking?”

“It’s one thing to catch a student with stolen goods, it’s quite another to have a boy rat another out.”

“The synagogue was a horrible mess,” Decker said. “Pictures of dead Jews were thrown all over the place. He didn’t do it alone. I want names!”

Williams was about to offer some words, but the discussion was cut short. The door opened, and Ernesto tromped in. Still short of breath, he gasped out, “I want to talk to you.”

Decker pointed to his chest. “Are you talking to me, Mr. Golding?”

“Yeah, I’m talking to you…sir.”

“I like the ‘sir’ part,” Decker said. “It shows civility.”

The parents and Melrose materialized. Carter Golding was red-faced and furious. “I am the boy’s father. I demand to know what’s going on!”

“I’m trying to get that done, Dad,” Ernesto said with anger. “Can you just…like lay off for a few moments—”

“You’ve been accused of vandalizing a house of worship, and you want me to lay off?”

“Carter, I know you’re upset, but please, let’s deal with one issue at a time,” Melrose said.

Ernesto said, “I’ll tell this cop what’s going on, but first you’ve got to guarantee me what you just said…about it being sealed.”

Melrose said, “Ernesto, the man is a police lieutenant. If you want someone to do you favors, start acting appropriately humble.” He looked at Decker. “What can you do?”