“Okay, we’ll get you one. You should be arraigned in the afternoon. Because you have a current passport and access to somewhere outside the country, you probably won’t get bail. The prosecutor will deem you a flight risk. But your lawyer can try.”

“Very good.”

He looked at McAdams. “Let’s go.”

She offered her wrists. When Decker didn’t do anything, she said, “No handcuffs?”

“Do I need them?”

“No. I just thought it’s what the police do.”

“We have discretion,” Decker said. “Besides, there are two of us and only one of you.” The two men flanked her, and the trio walked down the hallway. They took the elevator down one floor to the booking station. No one was there.

McAdams said, “I’ll find someone. Hold on.”

Decker waited with Elsie. She said, “Can’t you just do this?”

“I can roll fingerprints and take a DNA swab, but I’m not good with a camera.”

A minute later, Kay Arby, the booking officer, came back. “Sorry. I’ll take it from here.”

While Elsie was being photographed, Decker said, “Harvard, stay here until she’s behind bars. Once that’s done, get her some lunch. I’m going to talk to Radar, and we’ll call the D.A.”

The kid smiled. “No problem, boss, it’s all good. And while you’re making phone calls, ring up Rina and tell her to start packing. Have a good trip.” Another smile, but this one was sad. “Have a good life.”

Decker should have felt elated. Instead, he was weary and more than a little depressed. He gave a small smile and tried to muster enthusiasm. “You rock, Harvard.” He mussed up the kid’s hair. “Thanks for a wonderful ride.”

Sincere words. But sad ones nonetheless.

CHAPTER 29

THE NIGHT BEFORE Chris was scheduled to leave for India, I went to sleep earlier than usual, not because I was tired but because I was a nervous wreck and didn’t want my anxiety to rub off on him. He seemed completely normal when I left for the bedroom, absorbed in manning his Captain America video pod.

I was all set for his departure. Chris had finally entered me into his high-security system. I had total freedom. I could come and go from his room and from Juleen’s room. I could use the private elevator. And in addition, he arranged for me to have access to a driver and his hot tub adjacent to his downstairs office. The final act of liberation included access to his vault, ergo his money. It was a tremendous act of trust, one that I didn’t take lightly. It said to me the most horrific of statements.

I may not make it back with your son.