Garrett leaned forward. “First I want to remind you that you can ask for a lawyer whenever you want. You don’t have to talk to us because we still could use what you say against you and your case.”

“Just like the first time, it’s your right to have an attorney present when we talk to you,” Diaz said. “We’d like to keep it simple, so just hear us out.”

Travis asked for another cigarette. Decker complied. Martel sat back and puffed for a moment without speaking. He had their attention and he was going to milk it. “Now y’all be sayin’ that you want me to talk without my lawyer. And I sayin’ to you that mebbe I don’t want to talk with you without my lawyer, nomasayin’? But mebbe I do wanna hear why y’all here. I’m decidin’.”

Decker said, “That certainly is your right, Mr. Martel. So let me give you a hint. It has to do with the new evidence that could affect you.”

“How’s it gonna infect me?”

“It links you to the murder of—”

Martel levitated out of his seat. “I ain’t done no murder!”

“Sit down,” Diaz told him.

“Why you be tellin’ me the same shit you tole me before?”

Diaz stood up and appeared very tall. “Sit down now!”

“It’s cool.” Martel sat back down and held out his hands palms up. “I ain’t be throwin’ shades at you, bro, I just be axin’ a question.”

“Throwing shades?” Decker asked.

“Dissing,” Diaz said.

“Beaning you with sunglasses,” Garrett said.

“Ah.” Decker regarded Martel. “I’m doing this for your benefit. Do you want to hear what I have to say?”

“Yeah…course.”

“And you are waiving your right to have an attorney present?”

“I don’t need no lawyer if all I be doin’ is listenin’, nomasayin’?”

“I agree.” Decker gave him a few seconds to relax. “I was talking to Detective Diaz and Detective Garrett about your case. You told them you’ve never met Primo Ekerling.”

A swift shift of the eyes. “Who?”

“The guy you’re accused of murdering, Mr. Martel.”

“Oh, yeah…him.” He sat back in his chair and spread his legs apart. “I didn’t whack that guy. I don’t even know the dude.”

“Yes, you told us that,” Garrett said. “That’s what Lieutenant Decker is saying. That you don’t know Primo Ekerling.”

“Tru’ dat.”

“You’ve never met Primo Ekerling?”

Another shift of the eyes. “Sayin’ I don’t know him be meanin’ I never met him.”

“Never talked to him?”

“I don’t know the dude!” Martel repeated. “This is what you come here to yak about, I ain’t hear nothin’ that interests me.”