Faye Kellerman_Decker & Lazarus 19

by Hangman

  “Working on Sundays? What do you do?”

  “Cops.” Oliver produced his badge. “For real.”

  She stared at the shield without examining it too closely. “In that case, I’ll wrap up a couple of doughnuts to go. On the house.”

  “Thank you very much, but we can pay for it,” Marge said.

  “I wouldn’t hear of it.”

  Oliver gushed with sincerity. “That’s so kind of you.”

  “You betcha.” She gently touched Oliver’s shoulder and left.

  Marge said, “What some people won’t do for a free doughnut.”

  “We offered to pay. She refused.”

  “I offered to pay,” Marge corrected.

  “Yeah, you’re the good cop, I’m the bad cop. We’ve already established that. Can we move on, please?”

  Marge smiled. “Make sure she puts in a maple cruller.”

  “I have to make sure?”

  “You’re the lady-killer, Scott. If you ask nicely, I bet she’ll put in two.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  THE GROUP HAD just polished off the chocolate cake—with half the restaurant joining in for an off-key happy birthday—and was sipping coffee when Cindy clinked her spoon against a water glass to get the table’s attention. Decker regarded his first daughter and all of his children with love and pride. The time had gone by too quickly. Even Cindy’s pregnancy seemed to be flying by. Over the past week, she had popped.

  She said, “As the eldest of the Decker clan, I thought I’d go first.” She and Koby exchanged smiles. “I’ll make this quick because I know that the boys have a plane to catch. As you all know, Koby and I are expecting.”

  “Here, here,” Decker said, hitting the table. His skin felt moist and he was in a jolly mood, no doubt from the wine. But it was his birthday and a big one. Rina insisted that she’d drive home so he should enjoy himself.

  Jacob said, “And it’s about time, I might add.”

  “You should talk.”

  “What do you mean? I’m not married.”

  “Exactly. Your brother got with the plan. What’s your excuse?”

  “I’m psychologically immature.”

  “It hasn’t stopped me,” Decker joined in.

  Rina said, “Can Cindy finish, please?”

  “Thank you, Rina,” Cindy said. “We have some other news.”

  Decker perked up. “About what?”

  “About the baby, of course.”

  The table went silent.

  Cindy said, “Last month when Koby and I went to the OB for my routine visit, the OB picked up two heartbeats.”

  “Oh no!” Jacob said. “Your baby has two hearts?”

  This time she slugged his shoulder. “I’m having twins.”

  The group erupted into a hearty round of mazel tovs. “What a wonderful birthday present!” Decker exclaimed. “You may have taken your time, my girl, but you sure did it right.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “I am so happy!” Decker exclaimed.

  “I’m glad.” Cindy laughed. Dad was a little tipsy. “We have other news. Do you want to tell them, Koby?”

  “You do all the work. You tell them.”

  Okay.” Cindy paused. “The babies are sharing the same placenta.”

  Rina said, “So they’re identical twins.”

  “Oh my God, that’s crazy!” Hannah exclaimed.

  “Crazy?” Decker asked.

  “Crazy as in so neat!”

  “Neat for you, but expensive for me,” Koby said.

  “You save money on the hospital stay,” Sammy pointed out. “A two-for-one.”

  Koby said, “That is a good point.”

  “Are you doing natural childbirth?” Hannah asked. “Can I be your doula?”

  “We’ll find some role for you, Hannah banana,” Cindy said.

  “Are there twins in your family?” Rina asked her husband.

  “Not in my family,” Decker answered.

  “My uncle is an identical twin,” Koby said. “Also, I have identical twin cousins.”

  “So there you go,” Decker said.

  “Can I finish, please?” Cindy said.

  “There’s more?” Jacob asked.

  “Yes, there’s more.”

  “Are you giving birth to the family dog as well?”

  Cindy said, “I’m trying to say something important.”

  “Uh-oh,” Koby said. “Do not aggravate her. That can be very bad.”

  “Okay, I’m all ears,” Jacob said.

  “As long as you’re not all mouth.”

  “Ooo…dis!”

  “Will you let her finish!” Rina ordered.

  “Please?” Cindy patted Jake’s shoulder.

  “I’ll shut up.”

  “Okay. Here we go. Koby’s custom, unlike Ashkenazi custom, is to name the baby after the grandparents even if they’re still alive…especially if they’re still alive. Which I think is much nicer. Anyway, the first boy or girl is named after the paternal parents. The second boy or girl is named after the maternal parents. So if it’s two girls, the names will be Rachel after Koby’s mother, and Judith, which is my mom’s Hebrew name. But…if it’s two boys, the babies’ names will be Aaron after Koby’s dad and Akiva.” She looked at her father. “After someone we all know and love.”

  Decker grinned. “So I guess I’m rooting for boys.”

  Cindy said, “Okay. So here’s the deal. Because I’m over thirty-five, we did a CVS a few weeks ago, which will show any genetic problems. And since there is only one placenta, we only did one procedure, so that worked well. I’m happy to report that everything looks great.”

  “And you know the sex,” Sammy said.

  “Yes, we do,” Cindy told him. “At first we decided to keep it to ourselves, but since we’re all here and that doesn’t happen too often, I thought it befitting the guest of honor to let him know that yes, we are having boys. So, Daddy, you have the honor of being named after without dying. Happy birthday.” She leaned over and kissed Decker on the cheek. He reciprocated by giving both Cindy and Koby kisses and hugs.

  Koby said, “You are truly a prince of a father-in-law and you’re very handy with tools. That is the best.”

  “Speech, speech,” Jacob said.

  All eyes went to Decker. He felt his throat get tight. “I’m…thrilled.” He suddenly became overwhelmed and his eyes moistened. “I’m at a loss for words.”

  “Would you like me to speak on your behalf?” Jacob said.

  “Sure, wise guy.” Decker wiped his eyes. “Go ahead.”

  “Actually, I don’t want to speak for you, I want to speak to you.” He looked at Sammy. “Can we go out of order?”

  “Just make it quick or we’ll run out of time.”

  “Okay, okay.” Jake rubbed his hands together. “I just want to say thank you for being my father. And unlike most fathers, you had a choice of whether or not to adopt Sam and me—”

  “He didn’t have a choice,” Rina blurted out. Everyone laughed. “I would have killed him if he said no.”

  “Can I wax a little sentimental, please?”

  “You, sentimental?” Cindy said.

  “Yes, even I have a soft side. What I was trying to say is that you came into our lives—Sammy and me—after a rather dicey situation. I remember…when I first met you…thinking that you had to be the coolest guy on earth.”

  “Boy, did that change quickly,” Decker said.

  “Actually, it didn’t.” Jacob bit his lip. “You’re still way up there in the cool factor. Just thanks for being there for me and Sammy and Eema at a difficult time.” He looked at Cindy. “Your kids are going to be major cool. They’ve got coolness on both sides.”

  “Thank you, Yonkie.”

  “Happy birthday, Dad.” He turned to Sammy. “Is that quick enough?”

  “Unusually abbreviated.” Sammy paused. “I guess it’s my turn. So here goes. You might not have had a choice to adopt us, Dad,
but you certainly had a choice to be a father or not. And you aced that test. You’re not our biological father, but in terms of blood, sweat, and tears, you certainly are our real father. And even though I’m Ashkenaz, I’m really happy that you’re getting one of your grandsons named after you. It’s a well-deserved honor.”

  Decker kissed his sons and hugged them fiercely. “Thank you, boys.”

  Everyone looked at Hannah. “Well, with this red hair, I guess there’s no doubt that you are my biological father. I’m really excited about going to Israel and college, but I know I’ll miss you and Eema soooo much. You’d better visit me a lot.” Her eyes got wet and tears ran down her cheeks. “I love you so much, Abba. Happy birthday.”

  Decker gave her a bear hug. “I love you, Pumpkin. And we will visit you a lot.”

  “Well, I guess I’m next,” Rina said. “I’ll keep it brief as well. I don’t want to get all mushy in front of the kids, but I’ve been so blessed to spend these years married to someone I love so much. I’ve also been blessed to have this wonderful family, including my beautiful stepdaughter and son-in-law and my grandsons-to-be. Peter, I love you very much and I’m counting on many more years for us to be together. I’ve always been very proud of you. You are simply the best.”

  The group aahed as Rina gave Decker a big smooch on his lips.

  “Speech from the guest of honor,” Jacob said.

  “Nah, you said it all for me,” Decker said. “I’m just basking.”

  Jacob nudged Gabe, who’d been quiet throughout the evening. “Now’s your chance to talk or forever hold your peace.”

  Gabe turned red and Decker said, “Yonkie, leave him alone.”

  “Sorry,” Jacob said. “You know I’m just teasing you.”

  Gabe said, “Actually, maybe I should say something.” The table grew quiet. The boy pushed his glasses up on his nose. “First, congratulations to Cindy and Koby.”

  “Thank you,” Cindy said.

  “You’re welcome,” Gabe said. “Second, happy birthday to the lieutenant.”

  “Thank you very much,” Decker said.

  “Sure,” Gabe said. “And third…” The boy tried to collect his thoughts. Ideas were buzzing around his brain like a chain saw. “Like…like even though my parents aren’t religious…at all.” Between the two of them, they’ve probably broken every commandment in the book. “Uh…anyway, I don’t know why, but they sent me to Catholic school.” A pause. “And we were taught stuff by the nuns…although I don’t remember that much of what they said.”

  “That’s okay,” Hannah said. “We don’t listen to the rabbis.”

  “Hannah!” Rina said.

  “Just getting a little empathy going.”

  Gabe smiled. “Anyway, the big thing…the nuns’ big thing…was all about being good and nice and turning the other cheek and things like that. But when I think about it, it wasn’t really about being good and nice. It was about being obedient. Being good…what does it mean? It’s like an abstract concept. Anyway, I didn’t really know what goodness meant because…frankly, my parents are a little crazy…they’re a lot crazy. And being good doesn’t seem to be a high priority for either one of them. Maybe my mom a little.” He shrugged. “Anyway, after staying with the Loo and Rina—and Hannah—for even this brief time, I’m getting an understanding what good might be. Honestly, Lieutenant and Rina and all of you, thanks for being so nice.”

  No one spoke.

  Again Gabe turned red. “That’s it.”

  “Thank you, Gabe.” Decker saluted him. “I’ll make you the same deal that I did with all of my kids. You put up with me and I’ll put up with you.”

  “I can handle that,” Gabe said.

  Sammy checked his watch. It was almost nine. They had an eleven o’clock back to New York. “I hate to leave, but we need to get going. We have to return the car.”

  At that moment, Decker’s cell buzzed in his pocket. He let it go once, then took it out and glanced at the window. It was Marge’s number. That sobered him up quickly. “This might be important. Do you mind if I take this?”

  “Some things never change,” Rina said.

  “Very funny.” Decker punched the green button. “Hi. Can I call you back in ten?”

  “Okay. But do call back.”

  His curiosity got the better of him. “What’s up?”

  “Sorry to interrupt your dinner, Pete, but we have a situation here.”

  “A situation?” Decker said.

  “This doesn’t sound promising,” Rina said.

  “No, it doesn’t,” Decker said. “Marge, I’ll call you right back. My boys are leaving for the airport. I want to say a proper good-bye.”

  “Why don’t you hitch a ride with them to the airport?”

  “You want me down in Vegas?”

  “As in right now.”

  “You found Garth Hammerling’s body?”

  “No, Loo, Garth is still MIA. But as far as bodies go…” A pause. “Let’s just say you might want to see for yourself.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  AS DECKER WAITED to board his flight to Las Vegas, Marge gave him a recap. Talking like a speed demon, she was breathless. Decker could hear sharp intakes of air as she spoke.

  “This is the deal,” she said. “Scott and I have been scouring apartment buildings, condo complexes, and housing developments all day. No results, but that’s what we expected. We stopped around six, ate dinner, and decided to hit a couple of cheap housing developments nearby. One last shot. This was around seven.”

  Decker looked at his watch. It was almost eleven. “Okay.”

  “You’ve got to picture that we’re out in the middle of nowhere. I mean this is the boonies. These particular units abut the desert, and after that, it’s miles of empty space. To buy into the development is no money down and small monthly payments. Plus, about two-thirds of the houses have yet to be erected. Scott and I don’t see any signs of building going on. We figure it’s a perfect place for a loner without a lot of cash.”

  “I can see where this is heading.”

  “Yeah, and it’s not a good place. Anyway, there’s a model home office. By sheer luck, there’s a woman inside. This is Sunday, mind you, and there’s nothing going on. She tells us that it’s late and she’s about to lock up. We tell her we just need a few minutes. We ask her about Garth Hammerling. No response. Then Oliver shows her the pictures we have of Garth. Her face lights up, but she’s trying to hide it even though she’s giving off a tell that a blind man could read.”

  “A tell like in poker,” Decker said.

  “Yeah. Exactly. After all, we’re in Vegas. Anyway, we press the lady…her name is Carlotta Stretch.” She spelled it out. “We press Carlotta and she admits someone who looks like Garth bought a house in the development about six months ago. How amazing is that?”

  “Very amazing.”

  “Yeah. Exactly. But we got a couple of problems. The guy who bought the house isn’t named Garth Hammerling. His name is Richard Hammer. Scott and I call up our buds Lonnie Silver and Rodney Major and ask them what they think. They’re good guys. They come right down. Carlotta wants to go home, but we keep stalling. So we all confer and we decide that with Carlotta’s ID of Garth, any reasonable person would conclude that Richard Hammer is Garth Hammerling. But we still got a few problems. First, Garth or Richard isn’t in default of anything, and second, we don’t really have anything on Garth Hammerling except that he’s missing under peculiar circumstances.”

  “So you don’t have a good reason to enter the property.”

  “Yeah. Exactly.”

  “What about imminent danger?”

  “That’s what we all came up with. Garth and Mandy went missing roughly at the same time. Mandy nearly died, so Garth may be in trouble. It would be negligent not to check out the house. Silver calls up a judge. He says it’s good enough to get into the house and look around as long as we don’t trash the place. No opening drawers or anything lik
e that. If we see something in open view, we can go for it. Other than that, we’re pretty much hog-tied. It’s about eight when we finally went in.

  “Everything seems fine. We do see a couple of pictures of Garth, so we know that we’re in the right place. We’re dying to search the drawers, see if there are any more masked pictures of him and Mandy, but that’s clearly off-limits. We shrugged and figured: that was that.”

  “My flight’s starting to board, Margie. I’ve probably got another ten minutes before I have to go onto the airplane.”

  “I’ll make it as quick as I can. So we’re weighing our options. Should we put a police car on the house in case Garth comes back? But then we agree that any idiot would make a tail. There’s no place to hide out here. We’re still mulling over ideas when I get a call from Frieda Kowalski. I told you they were bringing Mandy out of her medically induced coma this morning, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Okay. So Frieda calls me up, clearly very upset. She starts telling me stuff while we’re still at the development, trying to plan our next step. Plus we’re under time pressure. Carlotta Stretch wants to lock up and go home.”

  “What did Frieda tell you?”

  “Okay. Here goes. The doctors started bringing Mandy Kowalski out of the coma at around nine in the morning. By early evening—Frieda told me it was around seven—Mandy regains consciousness enough to open her eyes and recognize her mom. She knows she’s in bad shape. She’s really agitated. Her blood pressure’s sky-high, her heart’s beating a mile a minute, and she’s shaking like she’s in the throes of a seizure. The docs thought that they may have brought her out of her sedation too quickly. Or maybe she was feeling intense pain from her burns. Because according to her mom, she was writhing in agony.”

  “That’s horrible.”

  “Man, I was relieved that I wasn’t there to see it.” A deep breath over the line. “So Frieda starts asking for pain medication for her daughter, but before they can knock her out again, Mandy starts mumbling words. At first, Frieda couldn’t make out anything distinct, but then Mandy kept repeating herself. Finally, Mom thinks she hears the word ‘dungeon.’”