Billy was troubled by his uncle’s and aunt’s treatment of his cousin. Matthew was just plain mean and it was pathetic how Josh simply took it. As for Harriet, she largely ignored him. Billy sometimes wondered if she ever took her own son to the Oleander Room. He’d concluded no. Not because that would be too perverse. Rather because Josh probably didn’t have the stamina to meet his mother’s needs; even Billy could manage only three times an afternoon and Harriet occasionally seemed disappointed by that low sum.

Billy liked Joshua. He had fond memories of the years spent with him, his de facto brother. They’d tossed footballs and played catch because they thought they ought to. They’d flirted with girls for the same reason. They’d tinkered with cars. Finally in a moment of adolescent candor they admitted they didn’t really like sports or cars and were lukewarm about dating. And took up more enjoyable activities – stalking faggots and beating the crap out of them. Illegals, too. Or legals (they still weren’t white). Graffiti’ing crosses on synagogues and swastikas on black churches. They’d burned an abortion clinic to the ground.

Billy’s watch hummed. ‘It’s time.’ A few seconds later, another vibration.

Uncle Matthew looked at the backpack and gear bag. He announced, ‘We’ll pray.’

The family got down on their knees, even unsteady Matthew, and Harriet and Joshua took positions on either side of Billy. They all held hands. Harriet was gripping Billy’s. She squeezed his once. Hard.

Matthew’s voice – a bit weak but still powerful enough to split open sinners’ hearts – intoned, ‘Lord, we thank You for giving us the wisdom and the courage to do what we are about to do, in Your name. We thank You for the vision You put into our souls and for the plans You’ve delivered into our hands. Amen.’

‘Amen’ echoed through the room.

CHAPTER 62

Rhyme wheeled back and forth before the whiteboards in his parlor.

He glanced at the water main grid chart, which the DEP had just sent them via secure server, then back to the evidence. Water Tunnel 3 and all the branches were clearly diagrammed.

Ron Pulaski called, ‘We’ve got our Bomb Squad at the boutique and the restaurant. The army has their people at the third site – the Belvedere.’

‘Are they making a big scene?’ Rhyme asked, half-attentive. ‘Are all the lights and sirens going?’

‘I—’

Rhyme cut him off. ‘Is there any evacuation from downtown? I wanted the mayor to order an evacuation.’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Well, put on the news and find out. Thom! Where the hell—?’

‘I’m here, Lincoln.’

‘The news. I need the news on! I asked you.’

‘You didn’t ask. You thought you asked.’ The aide lifted a chastising eyebrow.