Waterson said, “Any news, Lieutenant?”

“Nothing worth reporting.” Decker remained standing and so did Waterson. “Are you also in charge of administering Dr. Sparks’s estate, sir?”

Waterson’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, as a matter of fact I am.”

Decker said, “Then you’ll be disclosing the will’s contents. See, there must be a will. Because Sparks had a family trust. When you have a trust, you have a will.”

Waterson eyed the two brothers. Michael shrugged ignorance, Paul revealed nothing. The lawyer said, “May I ask where you obtained such confidential information?”

“Just did a little poking around. No big deal.”

Paul broke in, eyes fluttering. “Yes, Dad and Mom have a family trust and Dad had a will. Hopefully, we’ll be reading it soon. The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned. Easier for my mom. This way she’ll have access to her funds.”

And you’ll have access to a million bucks. As soon as insurance pays up. Which may take a long time. Decker kept his thoughts to himself. To Waterson, he said, “Nice of you to make house calls. Just out in the area or is this truly personalized service?”

“Azor Sparks was a dear friend. I feel I owe it to him to keep an eye on Dolly.”

“She has children. Why does she need watching from you?”

Michael nodded enthusiastically. Waterson glared at him, then at Decker. He said, “After losing my beloved wife four years ago, I can assure you it’s a trying time for her. Anything I can do to help ease her pain.”

“That’s very decent of you, sir.”

“That’s why we were put on this earth, Lieutenant,” Waterson stated. “To love God and be decent with each other.”

Decker nodded solemnly. He lied, “I called your office about an hour ago. You weren’t in.”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“Can I ask where you were?”

“Why are you curious about me?”

“Please bear with me, sir.”

“I was consulting with a client,” Waterson said stiffly. “And no, I won’t tell you who. That’s privileged information.”

“So you do make house calls.”

“I don’t see where this should be any of your concern. Do I detect a note of antagonism from you?”

Decker looked him in the eye. “Don’t mean to be confrontational. I was just taken aback by good, old-fashioned service, Mr. Waterson.” Charging portal-to-portal at two hundred an hour. “Commendable in this day and age.”

Waterson didn’t know how to read the compliment. He played it straight. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You’re in solo practice, Mr. Waterson?”

“I have partners.”

“But it’s your firm.”

“Yes.”

“Estate law?”

“Primarily, but we do everything.”

“Do you know Jack Cohen?”

Waterson’s jaw tightened. “Yes, I do. Good attorney. Where do you know him from?”

“Used to work for him way back when.”

The lawyer was puzzled. “Doing what?”

“Estates and wills.”

Waterson absorbed Decker’s words. “You’re an attorney?”

“Was many moons ago. I’m hopelessly out of practice, but I can still recall a thing or two. Things like trusts avoid probate. That’s most fortunate for Mrs. Sparks. She doesn’t need financial constrictions on top of all her other woes.”

“You’re absolutely right. I assure you Dolly is being well cared for.”

“Certainly appears that way.”

“It is that way.” Waterson stuck out his hand. “I must be going. Nice to have met you.”

Decker took the lawyer’s hand. “Thank you, Mr. Waterson. I might have other questions. Do you have a card on you?”

“Of course.” The lawyer handed him a standard 2 × 3 rectangle, then shook hands with both sons. “Take care of your mother. I’ll call upon her later.”

“Thanks for coming down,” Paul said.

“For your family, I’d do anything, Paul.”

“I appreciate it.”

After Waterson left, Michael frowned. “Guy’s a jerk. Love thy neighbor at two hundred and fifty an hour-”

“Mike-”

“Out of all the lawyers, why did Dad pick him?” To Decker, Michael said, “Dad had an affinity for oddballs-”

“Mike-”

“It’s true, Paul. Not only Waterson. Just look at his staff-Decameron, Berger-”

Decker said, “What’s wrong with Dr. Decameron?”

Paul snapped, “Nothing is wrong with Dr. Decameron.”

“Aside from the fact he’s gay?” Decker asked casually.

“I’m not falling into that bullshit trap,” Paul said. “You have your beliefs, I have mine. No, I don’t approve of his lifestyle. But if Dr. Decameron is good enough for Dad, I’m sure he’s an excellent doctor.”

“What about Dr. Berger?” Decker asked.

Michael said, “He’s mealy-mouthed and a wimp.”

“And Jewish?” Decker said.

Paul stared at him. “Half the doctors in America are Jewish. What are you trying to do? Paint us as a bunch of prejudiced asses just because we believe in God? Jesus loves all His creatures, sir. You, me, everyone. And that, sir, is my belief.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Paul,” Decker said. “I’m sorry.”

The room fell silent.

Paul closed his fluttering eyelids. “I’m testy.”

“You’re holding up very well.” To Michael, Decker asked, “Why do you think Berger is a wimp?”

“Because you can’t get a straight answer out of him,” Michael said. “And he’s pompous. You know if anyone had a reason to be full of himself it was my dad. But he wasn’t like that at all. Yes, he demanded respect. But he wasn’t a blow hole. Even Dr. Fulton’s weird…married to that loser-”

“Enough, Michael!” Paul blew up. “It’s none of the lieutenant’s business!”

“He’s investigating Dad’s murder, Paul. Everything about us is his business!”

Decker said, “Waterson seems to care about your mother.”

Michael said, “Cares a little too much if you ask me. He’s practically been living here.”

Paul snapped, “What is wrong with you? Waterson’s been a godsend, giving Mom and us…financial direction. We’ve all been so confused. At least, someone knows what he’s doing.”

Michael began to pace. “Well, Paul, I guess at this point I don’t trust anyone.”

“Go get Mom,” Paul said quietly.

Michael was about to speak. Instead, he said nothing, then disappeared upstairs. Paul said, “Can I get you something to drink, Lieutenant.”

“Nothing, thank you. How are you doing, Mr. Sparks?”

“Not great.” His eyelids shivered as his eyes watered. “Please take Michael’s words with a grain of salt. He’s upset, taking it out on Waterson. Yes, the guy’s a little puffed up. But that’s not why Michael’s angry.”

“I realize that. Did Waterson speak with your mom while he was here?”

“Yeah, for about a half hour. Truthfully, he has been here a lot. But then again, he’s conducting our financial business. He has questions to ask.”

“What do you know about your father and his motorcycle buddies?”

Paul’s expression turned puzzled. “Now there’s a non sequitur.”

“You know your dad rode with bikers, don’t you?”

“What about them?”

“He gave money to one of their causes. Some environment freedom act. Do you know anything about that?”

“Not a clue.” The eyelids fluttered. “What kind of environment freedom act?”

“I’m not sure,” Decker said. “It’s hard to understand these guys. From what I’ve gleaned, it deals with repealing restrictive legislation-things like mandatory mufflers on motorcycles, throwing back the age limit for operating All-Terrain Vehicles, getting rid of the helmet law, giving motorcycles more leeway on smog emissions. Any idea why your father would contribute to something like that?”

“No.” Paul sighed. “I hate to say it, but Mike was right. Dad did surround himself with some real strange characters. Anyway, Dad didn’t confide in me.”

“Who did he confide in?”

“Maybe Bram. But you won’t get anything out of him. Being a priest, Bram’s pretty tight-lipped about everything.”

“What about Waterson? Did your father confide in him?”

“I doubt it. Waterson’s been helpful.” Paul paused. “I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth. But the man is painting himself like he was some old family friend. He and Dad were church friends. I know Dad helped him out when Waterson’s wife was sick. But as far as I know, they weren’t bosom buddies.”