“Not since I told him,” Donatti said. “I don’t want to talk to him … I don’t want to talk to anyone. And I really don’t want anyone to come here and console me.” He tossed the phone to Decker. “Tell him that for me, please.”

He disappeared inside his office.

Decker answered the call and said, “Hi, it’s me.”

Gabe’s voice was shaky. “He doesn’t want to talk to me.”

“He’s in no state to talk to anyone.”

“Which is why I should be there even if he doesn’t want me.”

“Gabe, give it a day. By then we’ll have funeral arrangements.”

“Who’s arranging the funeral? Not him.”

“Rina will handle it. Chris says that he isn’t doing anything with your mom until he gets the paternity results back. But both Rina and I feel he’s just blowing steam. The sooner we take care of your mom, the better.”

“He’s an idiot. Of course it’s his baby. I saw my mom when she first got there—to his place. She was in the hospital. She was as thin as a razor blade.”

“Like I said, he’s in no state to be rational. Where are you?”

“I’m in London Heathrow. I should be in New York by six a.m. tomorrow. Then I’ll figure out how to get to his place. He’s always sent a private plane, but I can’t ask him to do that now.”

“Gabe, if you really want to do some good, go to Philadelphia and be with your brother and sister. They need you more than Chris does. He’s in a very labile state. I don’t want him screaming at you.”

“I’m used to it.” Gabe sighed. “You’re probably right. We’ll just fight, and that’s not good for either one of us. I’ll go visit my siblings. I’m sure he hasn’t said much to them.”

“He hasn’t said anything to them beyond the call to Cindy. Juleen calls him, but he’s not answering.”

“Typical. I’ll go to Philadelphia. Tell my dad I’m ready whenever he wants to talk to me.”

“I will.”

“Thanks, Peter.”

“Gabe, I am so sorry. What can I do for you?”

“What Rina and you have always done for me. Be my support. Be a shoulder to cry on.” Gabe hung up.

Decker sighed. He went over and turned off the lights. In the dark, Rina said, “How’s he doing?”

“Gabe? He sounds thrashed, beyond the usual fatigue you get when traveling for long hours. I don’t think he’s processed anything yet.” Decker took in a breath and let it out. “Let me give the phone back to Donatti.”

“Where is he?”

“In his office. Hold on. Let me see if I can walk in the dark without killing myself.”

“Turn on the light.”