“He was philosophically opposed to guns,” Mary said.
“Okay,” Decker said. “Now I know. When I interview the other parents, I’m going to ask them the same question.”
“Are you going to interview the other parents?” Mary asked.
“Of course. Now that we found Zeke, I have to do that.”
“You think a bullet shattered his hand?” Keith asked.
“We didn’t find a firearm or casings when we found Zeke. Someone could have used a revolver that doesn’t eject the casings. Or maybe the injury wasn’t caused by a bullet. We’re keeping all options open. That’s why I asked about a gun.”
“He didn’t own a gun,” Mary said.
“Okay, that’s fine.” Decker got up. “I’d like to join Detective McAdams and to go through your files.” He took a couple of bottles of water. “We may be there for a while.”
“The light isn’t very good,” Mary said. “You’re welcome to work here. We have an office in the back.”
“We wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“It really would be better than explaining to the super what you’re doing down there.
Keith stood up. “Mary, set them up in the back room. I’ll go down and fetch the boxes.”
“And you’re sure it’s all right if we work here?” Decker asked.
“It’s more than all right.” Mary wiped her tears from her cheeks. “At last, someone is looking into my baby’s death. At last something’s being done.”
Choosing a coffee shop close to his condo in the Upper West Side, Rina didn’t have to look at her watch to know the time. Punctuality was Gabe’s forte. If he said two o’clock, Rina could be sure that the church clock would peal out two bells.
“Thanks for meeting up with me,” he said. “I know you must be anxious to see the grandchildren.”
“I’d be lying if I said no.” A smile. “How’d it go with your mother once I left?”
“Once business was out of the way, it was fine. I actually remembered why I liked her. Mom can be a lot of fun. What can I get you?”
“Cappuccino is fine.”
“I’ll be right back.” It took around five minutes, but he was back with coffee and a muffin and her cappuccino. He lowered his head and blew out air. “It was nice. Seeing her was nice.”
“Good to hear.”
“I know she was in a bad way when she abandoned me. But she could have reached out more. I’m sure that Devek didn’t want her to have contact with me. I know he doesn’t like me.”
“How do you know that?”
“Once he walked in when we were Facetiming. He told her to get off, that he needed her right now. He sounded angry. She told him she’d be off in a minute. She sounded weary—like it wasn’t the first time he was angry with her.” A pause. “She sure can pick them.”
“Poor woman.”
“Yeah, a victim of her own poor judgment. Anyway, with Devek gone, I guess she’s more comfortable with me. Do you want some of my muffin? It’s kosher.”
“I know. I saw the certificate. This is fine for now.” She took a sip. “Delicious.”
“Yeah, they make good coffee.” He looked at Rina. “We lost over ten years, Mom and me. I grew up into an adult, and she missed it all.”
“She did, Gabe, but from what you’ve told me, she always treated you as an adult.”
“True.” He nodded. “I suppose that’s why our relationship is pretty much where we left off. I do feel bad for her. I hate to see her in distress. First with Dad, then with that jerk. I just can’t help her now.”
“It is unreasonable for her to expect you to help her.”
“I still feel bad. I would hate for anything to happen to her or my siblings. Do you think she’s exaggerating?”
“I don’t know. When is she moving back to Los Angeles?”
“I think as soon as she can make arrangements to get out of here. I hope we can spend some catch-up time together in the future. I go to Los Angeles pretty often.”
“Gabriel, if what she is saying has any truth, be careful you’re not being watched.”
“I know. I’m cautious to the point of paranoia. I did learn a few tricks from Chris.”
“Yes, I know. But you’re only one person, and who knows what her husband is up to. And tell Yasmine to be careful as well.”
“I will. She’s studying all the time, so it’s easier for her to live on campus.”
“You two don’t live together?”
“No. Her parents would never approve. She’ll spend the night occasionally, but I’ll tell her not to come over to my place until this thing with my mom is resolved.” Gabe wolfed down the muffin. “I’ve got to teach a master class in about twenty minutes. Thanks so much for coming and meeting up with me. You and Peter are always there when I need you most. Don’t think I’m not aware of that.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll see you tonight?”
“If I don’t get kidnapped, yes.”
“Don’t joke, Gabe.”
“Who’s joking?”
Chapter 14
Making the phone call outside the apartment, away from prying ears, Decker called Leo Novis, Joshua Freelander, and Sally née Kelton now Goldberg. The conversations lasted five to ten minutes each and were not very illuminating. He went back up to fetch McAdams, who had made himself a pop-up office in the Anderson study.
Decker said, “Let’s go for a cup of coffee.”
McAdams rubbed his eyes. “Good idea.”
They found Mary in the kitchen, standing over the marble counter, slicing vegetables for a salad on a plastic cutting board. Decker said, “We’ll be back in about a half hour.”
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“Just out for coffee.”
“I can make you coffee.”
“I need to stretch my legs,” McAdams said. “Thanks all the same.”
“You don’t want me to hear.” She put down the knife and looked them in the eye. “Nothing you can tell me is worse than that initial phone call telling me Zeke was missing.”
“There’s nothing to tell,” Decker said. “If I find anything new, you’ll be the first to know. I really do need a bit of fresh air.”
“I suppose I’ll accept that. I have no choice.” She went over to a wall and took a key off of a rack. “Keep this. You’re free to come in anytime and look at our notes. I’ll give you the alarm code.”
Decker said, “Thank you for your trust, but we’ll be back in about a half hour. Will you be home?” When she nodded, he handed her the key. “We’ll ring in.”
She closed her hand around the key. “You will keep going with this, right?”
“We will.” Decker smiled. “See you in a bit.”
As they rode the elevator, McAdams said, “That’s weird, handing over the key.”
“It creates an intimacy. The more connected I feel to them, the more I’ll want to solve the case. What she doesn’t realize is I always feel connected. I take these things very personally.”