“You didn’t see anything!” Carter yelled. “Furthermore, I don’t care what the hell you saw, I’m telling you it’s impossible! I know Ernesto enough to know that what you’re saying is pure bullshit! Someone is trying to discredit my son and I want to know why!”

More than discredit. Someone had murdered his son. Dad appeared more outraged by the inference of his son’s homosexuality than the actual murder. But that was only because the diversion was easier to digest.

“Why would someone do such a thing!” Carter was still screaming. He shook a finger at Decker. “This is…this is…” And then he melted, sinking into a chair. He laid his head in his hands and wept openly. His wife watched with wet eyes, still shaking and still ashen. She observed him without comforting him. It was horrible to watch. Decker knew if he spoke, the man would stop crying. But that wasn’t to anyone’s advantage. He let him go for a few more moments, then said, “I don’t know what happened, sir. But I will find out what happened.”

Carter looked up. “Why would…what do you think?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“You must have some ideas,” Jill whispered.

“I’m sure I will have some ideas,” Decker said. “And when I do, you’ll be the first to know.”

“When can we see him?” Jill’s voice was barely audible.

“As soon as I hear it’s okay, I’ll come down and get you personally.”

“We can’t see him now?” Carter asked. “I want to see him now! I demand it!”

“Please, please, Mr. Golding.” Decker had his eyes closed, seeing the horror and knowing it was too much. “You must trust me with this one. I’ll tell you when it’s okay.”

Silence. Then came the muted sobs and the hand-wringing.

“How did…” Carter couldn’t say it.

“He died instantly,” Decker said. “I’m positive he didn’t feel a thing.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“But that’s what you want to know,” Decker said. “He didn’t suffer.” He paused. “I know you have another son, Karl. I’d like to talk to him as soon as you’ll allow it.”

“Why?” Carter asked.

“Because sometimes brothers confide in each other. I know this from personal experience. I have two sons who are very close to each other and protective of each other. I’m sometimes regarded as the common enemy. Or just too overprotective—”

“Oh my God!” Jill blurted out. “Do you think that Karl’s in danger?”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying,” Decker answered. “I just want to find out what he knows about his brother.”

“Our children are very open with us,” Carter said. “If you have something to ask, I demand that you ask it of me.”