“Like everyone else.” Rina took a good, hard look at her husband. He seemed far away. “What’s on your mind?”

Decker sat back in his chair. “I’m so proud of Cindy. I’m just so happy for her.”

“She’s been a detective for a very long time, Peter,” Rina said. “It’s just a different unit. She’ll do fine. Stop worrying about it.”

“I’m not worried at all.” Decker sipped his coffee. “But with her joining Homicide … it really does seem like I’m passing the mantle.”

“Feeling usurped?”

“More like coming to grips with the future.”

Rina nodded. “Second thoughts about Israel?”

“Not at all.”

“The place has gone up since we bought it. We could sell for a profit. Are you sure?”

“Positive. This is a new adventure and I love adventure. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m glad.” Rina smiled. “You know you’re only taking a leave of absence. You’re not resigning. You can always go back.”

“But in reality, I probably won’t go back.”

“If you don’t go back, I’m sure you’ll chart a very interesting future. As a matter of fact, you already have. Israel was your idea.”

“Are you okay with it? I kind of feel like I’ve dragged you along with my vision.”

“I’m great with it.” Rina took a final bite of toast and wiped her mouth. “The only problem is this current case. You’re not going to leave for sabbatical until you get it solved.”

Decker thought. “I’ve got time before we leave.”

“And if a new case comes up?”

“I’m not going to take it.”

“Yeah, we’ll see about that.” Rina patted his hand. “What about Tyler?”

“The kid has many options. He can stay in law enforcement either as a cop or in the district attorney’s office.”

“Or public defender’s office.”

“Bite your tongue.”

“Everyone’s entitled to representation.”

“It’s the American way,” Decker said. “Tyler will figure it out. He’ll be fine.”

Rina regarded her husband. “You do seem melancholy, darling. It’s okay to mourn something that has been a part of you for so long.”

“Too busy to mourn. I’m focused on solving this case. I want to go out a winner.”

“You’ve always been a winner in my book.”

Decker smiled. “Thank you for the wonderful life you have given me.”

“You’re welcome. Luckily, it isn’t over yet.”

“Right.” He stood. “I’ll see you tonight. What are we doing for dinner?”

“No idea,” Rina answered. “But whatever we decide, Tyler can join us.”

McADAMS HUNG UP the phone as soon as Decker walked into the detectives’ room. He said, “There’s a mixture of blood on the clothing. Most of it belongs to Pauline, and they’re working on separating Pauline’s blood from the second sample to do a DNA typing.”

“How long will that take?”