“I know that. But I still want to know what you think.”

“How do you feel about flying?”

Decker shrugged. “It’s a big hassle now, but I’m not nervous if that’s what you’re asking.”

“If you don’t go,” Rina said, “you’ll feel guilty.”

He cursed under his breath, soft enough that it wasn’t offensive, but loud enough so Rina could hear. “It isn’t fair to get me involved.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“It’s a family member. If I uncover muck or deliver bad news, I’m going to get blamed.”

“Probably.”

“Definitely.” Decker smoothed his mustache, chewing on the ends. It was the one part of his body where his hair was still predominantly red as opposed to gray. “On the other hand, it’s not just a murder. There’s a missing girl.” Decker filled in some of the blanks to the story, watching his wife grow paler by the moment. “The girl might have been a hidden witness to the murder. Or maybe she escaped before the whole thing happened. That would be the most favorable outcome.”

No one spoke. Decker rubbed his forehead.

“Dinner’s ready,” Rina said softly. “Can you eat?”

“Not a problem. What do I tell Jonathan?”

“It’s up to you, sweetheart.” She sat down next to him. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.” He looked at the ceiling. “I suppose I could hunt around for a few days. By then maybe she’ll turn up… one way or the other.” He faced his wife and kissed her cheek. “How many miles do we have?”

“Actually, I have enough for you to fly free. Interestingly enough, I also have a companion ticket for Hannah and me if we do a Saturday-night stayover.” She patted his hand. “And we do have two sons back East-”

“Just hold on!” Decker interrupted. “My flying is one thing. You and Hannah are quite another thing.”

“I haven’t seen the boys in a while,” Rina told him. “I’d much rather fly with you than by myself.” She patted his cheek. “You’re a tough guy.”

“Real tough.” It had been a while since they had seen the boys. “You’d like to come with me?”

“Yes, I would love to come with you.”

Decker thought a moment. “I have a condition. Promise me you won’t get involved.”

“Good heavens, why would I do that! I wouldn’t dare take any chances as long as Hannah’s with me.” She gave him a swat on his backside. “Go call back Jonathan. I’ll make the reservations on the other line.”

With great reluctance, Decker called back his half brother. After working out a few more details, he walked into the kitchen, where Rina had just hung up on the land phone.

“Jonathan wants to know when we think we’ll be arriving.”

“I’ve booked us on the red-eye.”

“When?”

“Tonight-”

“Tonight?”

“It’s Thursday, Peter. If we don’t take the red-eye, we won’t be able to leave until Saturday night, because I won’t fly on Friday in case of delays. Too close to Shabbos. Besides, I figured you’d want maximum time out there.”

“Well, then, I’m going to have to start making phone calls.”

Rina could overhear Jonathan telling him to forget it if it was too hard. Decker interrupted him. “We’ll be there around six in the morning.”

“Give me the flight number,” Jonathan said. “I’ll be there. Even though it’s been eight years, you won’t have any trouble recognizing me. I’ll be the one with the sheepish look on my face.”

Decker pushed his seat tray up in the locked position. “Why do I have to use up my vacation time doing this?”

“Because you’re a caring person?” Rina tried out.

“No, it’s because I’m an idiot,” he snarled as he moved about in his seat, trying to get his long legs comfortable. Flying under the best of circumstances was now an ordeal. And this certainly wasn’t the best of circumstances. “I despise molestation cases-”

“Can you keep your voice down?”

Decker glanced around. People were staring at him.

Rina whispered, “You don’t know it’s that.”

“Yes, I do know. The uncle was a sleazeball-”

“Peter, please!” Rina pointed to Hannah.

“She’s sleeping.”

“She still hears things.”

“I’m resentful.”

“I know that. I am, too.”

Decker looked at her. “You are?”

“Yes, I am. People take advantage of me because I’m such a softy. I’d like to say no, but then I’d feel bad about it. What can I do? It’s the way I am. I was born with a ‘sucker’ gene.”

“You and me both, darling.” Decker made a face. “We’ll give it a few days. In the meantime, we’ll see the boys. That’s not so bad.”

“No, that’s the good part. Sammy’s no problem because he’s in the city. Yonkie has a bit more arranging to do, but he swears he’ll be with us for the weekend.”

“You’re excited.”

“Of course. So are their grandparents. They’re beside themselves with joy.”

Rina’s late husband’s parents. Not his family. What the heck? They were nice people who had endured a horrible loss. “At least I’m making someone happy.”

Rina patted his hand. “Being with you, Peter. That’s the good part, too.”

“You have this way of dissipating my anger.”

“Then why do you look so sour?”

“But sometimes I like being angry. You’re robbing me of one of my few pleasures.”

“Don’t worry,” Rina told him. “After dealing with New York City traffic, Jonathan’s family, my family, and Jews in general, I’m sure you’ll have plenty to be angry about.”

They arrived at JFK on time, and ghastly tired, trudging out of a terminal now armed with men and women in camouflage, holding M16 rifles-standard army issue. Not only was Decker bug-eyed from lack of sleep, but also he had gone back to the station house to finish up paperwork before he left for the airport. After rearranging schedules and appointments, he had managed to take off four days from work, coming back late Wednesday night. The most pressing business-a recent string of convenience-store robberies-was now under control with two perps in custody. Mike Masters and Elwin Boyd were handling that one. Dunn and Oliver could take care of the scheduled meeting with the D.A. in the Harrigan carjacking. As they were the lead detectives, they knew more about the case than Decker did. The Beltran arraignment for the GTAs wasn’t scheduled until he got back. While Decker was gone, his pickup could be handled by Bert Martinez-now Detective Sergeant Bert Martinez-who had been promoted just three months ago.

Rina had planned the trip’s itinerary. The trio would leave New York Monday night, then spend two days with Decker’s aging parents in Florida. Visiting them was something he should have done a while ago. Perhaps this unplanned trek was a wake-up call in disguise.

Jonathan was waiting for them at the baggage counter. He was thinner than Decker had remembered, his brother’s beard now equal portions of brown and gray. Bleary red-rimmed eyes tried to focus under small wire-rimmed glasses. But his dress was sharp-a blue tone-on-tone, windowpane suit, white shirt, and a bright gold tie woven in a chevron pattern. After a round of genuine hugs and kisses-the appropriate cooing at Hannah, who was grumpy and groggy-Decker commented on his sartorial splendor.

“That’s because we have an appointment in forty-five minutes,” Jonathan replied. “You said get a great criminal defense lawyer, and that’s what I did. He also happens to be a frum Yid. Early morning was the only time he could work us in. He’s noted for discounting his time for Jews in trouble. But, as I talked to him, I could tell that he was intrigued by the case. I think he’s curious to meet you.”

Decker grabbed a big black valise off the conveyor belt. Thank goodness for frames with wheels. “One more bag. Why is he curious to meet me?”

“Because you’re a cop… on the other side, so to speak.”

“That’s our other bag, Peter,” Rina said.