“Why?”

“I don’t know. Of course, I’m going to go. I’m not self-destructive. I can’t figure out what I’m waiting for other than spite and even that’s worn off.”

“I suppose you’ll do it when you’re ready.”

“You know if I die, Dad gets his share, the school’s share, and my share, so I guess it’s to his credit that he hasn’t bumped me off.”

“Tyler—”

“We should find out if he’s rented out any silver Hyundai vans.” The kid shook his head. “I’ll go this August.” He looked lost in thought. “The department will be happy to get rid of me. I know I’ve been a pain in the ass.”

Decker didn’t deny it. But he didn’t confirm it either. “Tyler, if your father’s inheritance depends on you, why do you let him talk to you that way?”

The kid shrugged. “It’s unseemly to bring it up every time I have it out with my father—which is all the time. It’s dirty fighting.”

“Good for you. You’re a better man than I.”

“I suppose deep down I’m hoping for some kind of relationship after I’ve come through with the goods.” He looked upward. “Of course, he may blow me off anyway. I’m prepared for that. But I don’t want to give him ammunition. Can you change the subject?”

“How are you feeling?” Decker asked.

“I have a several tubes in my arm, a tube up my dick, I’m nauseated, and I can’t move. I hurt almost everywhere and the few places I don’t hurt, I’m plain sore. But other than that, I’m perfect.” He forced a smile. “I believe it was you who said no whining? Something about no one wants to hear me bitch?”

Decker changed the subject. “I have an assignment for you if you want it.”

“Thanks for the sympathy.” The kid looked up. “What?”

“Are you able to use your iPad?”

“Yeah, of course. First of all, I’m right-handed and I got hit on the left side. Second, both my hands are fine. What do you need?”

“Once you’re out of here, I still want you looking through the libraries for pilfered items.”

“Why? The case is obviously beyond a stolen book or a few stolen antique maps.”

“If Moreau and Latham were improvising with their own petty thefts, they had to fence their wares somewhere. We both saw the books and the maps in Goddard’s gallery. Not unusual for him to have things like that, but if we could find him holding stolen goods, we’d at least have a connection.”

“I would think he’d want to chuck anything that would tie him to them.”

“When it comes to chucking valuable things, people are funny. That’s why we find things like bloody clothes, bloody shoes, and murder weapons. Not to mention photographs and texts and phone numbers in cells. People don’t cover their tracks that well. And even when they do, they slip up. We need to check as many angles as we can think of. Are you in or out?”

“I’m in.” A beat. “Only because you’re still using the pronoun ‘we.’ ”

“Of course it’s a ‘we.’ ”

The kid gave a genuine smile. “I’m up to it.”

“I’d also like Rina to come sit with you. I’ll have an armed cop watch both of you. And she can help. She also knows how to shoot.” A pause. “You’ll all have to go together to the restroom.”

“She’s already seen me with a catheter. I’m beyond embarrassment. I’ll gladly do whatever you need. You might as well exploit me while you can.”

Decker patted the kid’s arm, and then he slumped in his chair. “We both could use some rest.”

“Go home.”

“Not a chance.”

“I could probably get a cot in the room if you want.”

“Don’t bother.” Decker took off his shoes and put his feet up on the end of the hospital bed. “I’ll just doze in the chair.”

“As soon as I’m up and about, I want to learn how to shoot a gun.”

“You don’t have to wait. I can take you to the range while you’re still in a wheelchair. We all could use a little brushing up.”

“Does the ‘we’ include your buddy?”

“I’m sure he hasn’t been to the range since he retired. So, yes, it probably does include Oliver.”

“Oliver is the last name, right?”

“Yes. His name is Scott Oliver.” Decker closed his eyes. Within a minute, he started drifting off until Tyler’s voice woke him up.

“What’s he like? Oliver.”

“He’s got a wicked sense of humor and dresses like a dandy.” Decker yawned. “He loves good clothes. It’s his weakness. He’s always looking for sales and outlets.”

“The GQ cop.”

“The GQ cop with a cop’s IQ. You two have a lot in common.”

“Like what? I don’t care about clothes.”

“No, not the threads.” Decker stretched out. “You’ve both got the fire.” He closed his tired eyes. “You both want to feel useful again.”

CHAPTER 26

RETIREMENT HADN’T TREATED Scott Oliver kindly. He had gone soft around the middle and walked stoop-shouldered with a drawn face. His once dark hair was almost white. It dawned on Rina that he’d probably been rinsing it for a while. Even his clothes reflected a defeatist attitude—all function with little flair that once was his trademark. The only glimmer of the former detective was the twinkle in his brown eyes when he presented Rina with a gift pack of three expensive kosher wines.

“Might be hard getting these out in the boonies.”

“How thoughtful of you, Scott.” Rina gave him a peck on the cheek. “No trouble finding the place?”

“I may be fading but I still know how to read a GPS.” He set down his suitcase and took off his hat, his scarf, his gloves, and his jacket. “Where’s Deck? Working on a Sunday? Like I need to ask.”

“He’s making up for the days he lost tending to Tyler in the hospital.”

“Makes total sense. Deck did it right, you know. Getting a change of scenery but refusing to pack it in.”

“The move has its pluses but a few minuses . . . starting with the temperature outside.” She pointed to his jacket and accoutrements. “Can I hang those up?”

“I’m not a guest, I’m hired help.”

“Of course you’re a guest.”

“Rina, I don’t want to be a guest. Think of me as old Oliver. Well, not old Oliver.”

“The Oliver formerly known as Detective Oliver,” Rina said.

He laughed. “Just show me where I’m staying and I’ll make myself comfortable.”

“Down the hallway, first door to the right. How about some tea or coffee?”

“Normally, I’d say coffee but I’m so cold, tea sounds great.”

“Do you want me to turn up the heat?”

“No, I’ll be fine. Which door? I really need to do something, Rina. I’m going nuts.”

“First on your right. Tyler’s staying across from you.”

“Yeah, how’s the kid doing?”

“Grumpy, but that’s to be expected. How’s your arm doing?”

“Stiff . . . especially in the cold.” He rubbed his arms, and then lifted the handle on his suitcase. “I’ll just settle in.” A pause. “The Loo said it was your idea to call me.”

“The case has jumped from puzzling to dangerous. He needs someone with experience.”

“Thanks for thinking of me, Rina. I’m happy you did.”

“You’re welcome. There are clean towels on the bed. You have your own private half bath, but you’re going to have to share the shower with Tyler.”

“No problem for me, can’t talk for the blueblood.” He went to his room and closed the door.

Rina started the kettle for the tea. A minute later, she heard Tyler’s wheelchair rolling down the hallway. He came into the kitchen with a scowl on his face. “The enemy has landed.”

“Tea?”

“Sure.” He wheeled himself to the kitchen table. “How’s he doing?”

“He looks tired.”

“So now I have to deal with two codgers.”

“Two experienced homicide detectives, you mean?”

McAdams smiled. “At least it’s not Dad.” He sighed. “I assume Decker told you?”

“It’s all over the precinct. Your dad’s mouth has taken on legendary proportions.”

“Man oh man oh man.” He rolled his eyes. “So between getting shot and his charming personality have I garnered enough support for the sympathy vote?”