“I really wanted to see him in person.” Decker sensed he was working with someone cooperative. “Is there a way you can arrange a quick visit? Maybe you can take me over? I don’t mind if you stay while I ask him a couple—”

“No, that won’t work,” Carter broke in. “Not without the lawyer. I hope you understand.”

Decker nodded. “I have no objections if Mr. Melrose is there.”

“Everett is on a tight schedule,” Jill stated. “I’m afraid yesterday took up most of his time. I’ll run it by him, though. Maybe he’ll have a spare moment.”

“Would you?” Decker asked.

“It would be my pleasure,” Jill said.

But Decker knew she wouldn’t do it. “What about Karl?”

“What about him?” Jill responded.

“Perhaps I can talk to him?”

“Whatever for?” Carter broke in. “No use dragging him into the mess. We don’t believe in guilt by association, sir.”

“Of course.” Decker was getting nowhere. He stood up. “Thanks for your time—”

“Please stay for a moment.” Carter waited a beat, stroking his neatly trimmed beard. “We have a couple of favors to ask of you.”

“Me?”

“Please sit,” Jill requested. “Are you sure I can’t get you something to drink?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Jill was still waiting for him to park his butt, so Decker sat back down. Jill followed suit, then beamed at him. “We have some very good news. We’ve found a terrific therapist for Ernesto. It took us all night, but we found the perfect people to deal with him.”

Carter said, “The vandalism was inexcusable—outrageous and disgusting. Even so, we feel we need to get to the root of the problem, don’t you agree?”

Decker agreed.

“His behavior definitely shows lack of parental understanding on our part.” Carter looked down and shook his head. “You try your best, but sometimes it isn’t enough. You need a professional.”

“Do you have children?” Jill asked.

Decker nodded.

“Teenage children?”

Carter said, “Jill, that’s a bit personal.”

Obviously Ernesto hadn’t told his parents about Jacob. Decker said, “I have teenage children. I know they can be full of surprises.”

“Exactly!” Jill exclaimed. “I’m glad you’re on our team!”

“Your team?”

“Yes, in a way.” Carter was excited now. “Because you can be of enormous help. Ernesto has asked that you talk to the therapist.” He smiled. “I don’t know what you said to our son, but obviously you have developed some kind of trust…a rapport if you will. I, for one, think that’s marvelous. I must tell you that this kind of…bonding is very unexpected…coming from a policeman.”

He almost spit out the last word.

“Not that we don’t support the local law, but given the recent history of the LAPD, the department leaves much to be desired—”