“The murder had the earmarks of a professional hit. Any way that Banks could have arranged it?”

“Sure. Banks used to run drugs in high school. He’d have a lot of access to unsavory people.”

“Did he have money to pay for it?”

“When Little was murdered, the Doodoo Sluts had some big hits. He would have had money.”

“I understand most of that money went up his nose or in his lungs. That’s what one of his bandmates told me.”

“I’m sure some of it did. I wouldn’t know.”

Decker’s brain started clicking. “How do you know Rudy used to run drugs?”

“People I knew used to buy pot from him.”

“Did you ever know a boy named Darnell Arlington?”

Vitton shook his head. “That name isn’t familiar. Who is he?”

“He went to North Valley, but he’s younger than you by a lot. He was one of the black kids voluntarily bused into the school. He was one of Ben Little’s charity cases.”

“Sorry. I never heard of him.”

“He also ran drugs. Maybe he knew Rudy Banks. Was Rudy still pushing drugs after he graduated?”

“Honestly, Lieutenant, I don’t know if he was or if he wasn’t. I got the hell out of Dodge and never looked back.”

CHAPTER 27

BETWEEN THE MEMORIAL and his impromptu meeting with Genoa Greeves and all of his other regular duties, Decker was a bundle of nerves; his mind was whirling with ideas and theories combined with worries about scheduling problems as the months marched into summer vacation time. When he reached home, all he wanted to do was strip his clothes off, take a hot shower, eat, and go to bed.

Rina, on the other hand, was dressed up—a short-sleeved pink sweater and a brown suede skirt. She had put on jewelry and makeup. But the tip-off was the kitchen. It was aroma free and dark.

“Hannah’s sleeping over Aviva’s. I thought we’d go out.” She regarded him. “Or maybe I can whip something up.”

“No, no, no.” Decker managed a smile. “We’ll go out, and we’ll go somewhere nice.”

Rina smiled back. “I made reservations in the city, but if that’s too far, I can change it.”

“No, I don’t mind driving. I’ll take a shower and then we can go.”

“You’re being a good sport about this. You really look tired.”

“A good cabernet and a steak will wake me up.”

“More like put you to sleep.”

“Then you can drive home.”