By school’s end, in June, Ernesto Golding had completed his ninety days of community service. From time to time, he had dropped in on Decker just to shoot the breeze, speaking at length about therapy and how he was finally getting it together. And how good community service had been for him: to get out and not be so spoiled and see what was happening in the real world. Because he sure as hell knew he didn’t live in the real world. And he was glad that Ruby was out of his life because although she was a good lay, she was very bad for him. She had filled his head with all sorts of weird ideas. And now he wasn’t even so sure about his grandfather being a Nazi, and maybe he had made it all up in his head because Ruby had messed with his brain.

In three weeks, Ernesto was off to the Baldwins’ nature camp.

“I’m glad you’re doing well,” Decker had found himself saying.

“I guess.”

“You’re satisfied with Dr. Baldwin?”

“Actually, I think I talk more to you than to either one of the Baldwins. I think you should start billing my parents for your services.”

Tempting, considering the Baldwins were making around three hundred an hour. He was making around three hundred a day: good money when he didn’t compare it to anything else.

“I’d like to talk more, Ernesto, but unfortunately, I have a meeting in about ten minutes.”

“I know you’ve got to go. Look, I’m graduating in two days. If you aren’t doing anything, maybe you could come to the ceremony. I wouldn’t mind.”

“What day of the week is it on?”

“Friday at six.”

Saved by the bell. Decker said, “It’s the Sabbath—”

“Oh, yeah. Right. Anyway, I’m off to Brown. Pretty good for a felon, huh? Thanks for saving my butt, by cutting me a deal and keeping it all quiet. Thanks for giving me another chance. I’m going to do better. You’ll see.”

“Are you looking forward to the nature camp?” Decker asked the teen.

“I don’t think I need it anymore, but it was part of the deal. What the hell? It’ll teach me good survival skills. The main instructor is a former Marine. Sounds like fun, huh?”

“A riot,” Decker said.

Ernesto rolled his eyes. “It’ll be okay. I’ll be okay. How’s Jacob?”

“Fine.”

“He’s got one more year to go, right?”

“Yes, but he’s going back east actually.”

“Really? Where?”

“He’s in a joint program with Johns Hopkins University and a local Jewish high school.”

“That’s cool,” Ernesto said. “That’s real cool. Say hello to him for me. I know he doesn’t hang with my buds from Prep, but you know, that’s okay. Tell him I said hi.”

“I will.”