Murder 101: A Decker/Lazarus Novel (Decker/Lazarus Novels Book 22)

by Kellerman, Faye

  “So you were with her when she went through the pages?” McAdams asked.

  “I was there but I wasn’t sitting next to her. I sat at a different table across the room.”

  “Why was that?” Oliver asked.

  “She didn’t want me around! I sat next to her at first. But then she told me it made her nervous to have me peering over her shoulder. I wasn’t peering over her shoulder. I wasn’t even paying attention to her. I took out my computer and was playing a video game. So then the bitch told me I was making too much noise, which was ridiculous because I had the sound on mute. When I pointed that out, she had the nerve to tell me that the typing was too loud. So I moved to another table. I woulda left altogether but I had to return the damn book. The area is in a cage and you can’t get out unless someone unlocks it.”

  “That’s true,” McAdams said. “You didn’t think that her behavior was strange?”

  “She was always acting strange . . . hot one minute, aloof the next. I have no idea why I didn’t tell her to fuck off. I suppose I was hoping for another go-around. But obviously she only fucked me to get to the book. I swear I don’t know who murdered her, but I’m sure that it musta been someone she pissed off!”

  McAdams said, “And after my experience, I’d say he’s still pissed off.”

  Terry blanched. “Sorry.”

  McAdams said, “Not your fault.”

  To Tyler, Sobel said, “Are you gonna be okay?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  Decker said, “Lance, can you walk us through the day she asked you to check the book out for her?”

  “Uh, I’m assuming you’re not interested in the sex part.”

  “I want a timeline for you. If you two had sex, I want to know when and where.”

  “This was a while back.”

  “Take your time,” Decker said.

  “I guess we hooked up around eleven. I remember because I skipped my class. It took about an hour. Afterward, she said something about working on her senior thesis and that she needed to go to the library.”

  “And you said?”

  “I said okay. See you later or something like that. Then she must have asked me if I was busy because I remember asking her what she wanted.”

  Decker was taking notes. “Okay. Go on.”

  “She said ‘I need a favor’—in those words, ‘I need a favor.’ I asked what and she said that she needed a specific reference book for her thesis. But she had checked too many books out already. Could I check a book out for her? And since she had just done me a favor—mutual favors I’d like to think—anyway, I was in a good mood so I said sure. Because it wasn’t outrageous that she’d be working on her thesis. She worked a lot and she often worked in Rayfield.”

  “Okay,” Decker said. “So then what did you do?”

  “We went to the library and I checked out the book in the big wooden box.”

  “Back it up for a minute,” Decker said. “Where were you when she asked you to do her a favor?”

  “We were in my dorm room.”

  “So she came to your dorm.”

  “Yeah. I was surprised when she showed up. No phone call or text or e-mail. She just showed up.” He shook his head. “Shoulda known better.”

  “So she went to your dorm room, you two had sex, and then you two went to Rayfield.”

  “That about sums it up.”

  “And you took your computer with you.”

  “Always. I always have my phone, my pad, and my laptop. People steal things.”

  “How about Angeline? What was she carrying with her?”

  “I dunno.” He shrugged. “I didn’t pay attention.”

  “If she was looking at the book for her thesis, she must have had her laptop, right?”

  “Yeah, probably.”

  “Anything else?”

  “I couldn’t tell you. I don’t even remember if she had her laptop.”

  Decker paused. “She was an artist, right?”

  “Yeah. A pretty good one, too.”

  “Did she carry any materials with her?”

  “Like an art box?”

  “Or a portfolio case.”

  “Yeah, she carried her portfolio case everywhere, never let it out of her sight. Like I said, she was a good artist, but it’s not like her stuff was worth anything.”

  McAdams said, “Can I get back to the library for a moment? You said that while Angeline was looking at the book, you were playing with your laptop and she was sitting away from you.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Where was the reference librarian?”

  “Beats me. I know I had to ring to get her when I wanted to turn in the book, so I guess she wasn’t at her desk the entire time.”

  The men exchanged glances. McAdams said, “Do you have a piece of paper and a pencil?”

  “Here.” Oliver tore off a sheet of paper and gave him a pen.

  McAdams drew a map. “I was at the library this morning. As I recall, the reference area has six tables.” He quickly drew up a schematic and gave it to Terry. “Where were you sitting?”

  Terry looked at the map. “Do you want to know where I was sitting or where she was sitting? Because I remember she was sitting next to the window here. And I probably was sitting here; clear across to the other side.”

  “So you were sitting closer to the reference desk and Angeline’s table was the farthest from the reference desk.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  “I’m not saying, I’m asking. Look at the map and tell me if I’m right?”

  Terry glanced at the rudimentary drawing. “Yeah, sure. That looks about right.”

  “Could you see what she was doing?” Decker asked.

  “I assumed she was looking at the book.”

  “Let me ask it this way,” Decker said. “Was she in your direct line of vision?”

  “Because it doesn’t look that way from my map,” McAdams said.

  “I guess if I had been paying attention to her, I could have seen what she was doing. But I wasn’t. Why are you asking all these questions?”

  Decker said, “Her thesis was on textiles, not icons. Why would she want a book on iconography? Did you ask her about it?”

  “No. I didn’t ask her about it. Why would I care?” Terry looked at McAdams. “You said the book was valuable. Did she take it? Is that why she was killed?”

  McAdams looked at Decker who said, “The book is still in the library. But some of the original plates have been stolen and replaced with forgeries.”

  “Just like the Tiffany windows,” Sobel said.

  Decker nodded.

  “She’s the connection, right?”

  “Jury is still out.” Decker quickly scanned his notes and then he looked at Terry. The thefts of the art plates didn’t seem to come as a shock to him from the expression on his face. “Thanks for seeing us, Lance. I may have a few more questions later on.”

  “If you do, call instead.”

  “Some conversations are better in person.”

  “You didn’t have to sneak up like you did. I would have told you about the book in the first place, but I didn’t remember. There was no reason to terrorize the doorman.”

  “We didn’t terrorize anyone,” McAdams said. “Besides, this is the Upper East Side. He’s dealt with far worse than us.”

  “I have a question.” Sobel pointed to McAdams. “I see what happened to you. Am I in danger?”

  Terry looked up and down and didn’t say anything. Decker raised his eyebrows. “Is there something you’d like to say to me?”

  “Me? No . . . I mean, yeah. Are we safe?” Terry’s voice grew loud. “This is just terrific. Another legacy that the bitch left behind.”

  “Are you sure you don’t have anything to tell me?”


  “No,” Terry said.

  “You never answered my question,” Sobel said.

  “I wish I had an answer,” Decker said. “I’m carrying a gun. So is Detective Oliver. My wife is carrying a gun and has a full-time armed bodyguard.”

  Terry began to pace. “You know my fucking name is on that index card. Anyone can look at it and hunt me down.”

  “It’s not available to the public,” McAdams said. “I had to arm twist to get the librarian to give it to me.”

  “Why isn’t that comforting right now?”

  “I’ll get it pulled, Lance,” Decker said.

  “I want it destroyed!”

  “I’ll get it pulled by one of the men and locked up in an evidence room,” Decker said. “I can’t destroy it just yet because it might be evidence.”

  “The whole thing is fucking whack!” Sobel said. “I repeat. What should I do?”

  “What should we do?” Terry asked. “Like get out of town or something?”

  Decker said, “Small towns make it very easy to find people.”

  “I can vouch for that one,” McAdams said.

  “So we sit around waiting to be shot?” Sobel said.

  “It wouldn’t hurt to take precautions,” Decker said.

  “You mean hire a guard?” Terry said. “You just waltzed right in. And if this asshole tried to take out a cop, what chance do I have?”

  “I’m way more involved in this case than you are, Lance; I really don’t think either of you is on the bad guy’s radar.”

  “But you don’t know.”

  “True. I don’t know. If it were my kid, I’d look into armed protection. It’s probably not necessary, but there’s no harm in being cautious. Maybe even overcautious.” Decker paused. “Overcautious is okay. It’s usually the daredevils who get tripped up.”

  CHAPTER 31

  THE STOPOVER FOR the night was Nina McAdams’s ninth-floor apartment on Park Avenue. It was an august Beaux-Art building of stone and marble, staffed with uniformed doormen who were aghast to see Tyler in a wheelchair.

  “What in the world happened to you, Mr. M?” asked the shorter of the two front doormen.

  “Nina didn’t tell you?” No response. McAdams said, “Just a little accident, Jonah, but I’m fine. Is my grandmother upstairs?”

  “She left for dinner.”

  “At nine at night?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “With whom?”

  “A new one, Mr. M. I haven’t seen him before,” Jonah said. “But someone is still up there. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do for you?”

  “No, I’m fine, but thanks for asking.” McAdams wheeled over to the elevator. The taller of the two uniforms rushed over to push the button and everyone waited. Decker was perfectly able to ride the elevator up without help but the upper crust of New York City lived an infantilized life. There was a ding and everyone crowded inside the wood-paneled car.

  “How are you this evening, Dicky?” McAdams asked.

  “Just fine, Mr. McAdams. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m not perfect, but I’ll be fine. If anything, I’m lucky.”

  “If you say so, Mr. McAdams.”

  The elevator opened up onto a spacious marble landing with only one door: Nina McAdams owned a full floor apartment. Decker knocked before Tyler could get out his keys, and when Rina asked who it was, he said, “It’s your tired husband and friends.”

  She opened the door and the three men came into a wide marble foyer. McAdams forged ahead, wheeling himself into a majestic living room filled with ornate furniture, a large fireplace, a grand piano, a carved staircase leading to a second story, and big French doors that opened to a terrace with an over-the-rooftops view to Central Park. The space was adorned with molding and patterned hardwood floors covered in part by expensive-looking oriental rugs.

  “I’ve been drinking tea and reading a book and luxuriating in a cashmere blanket.” Rina smiled. “How aristocratic is that? Your grandmother is lovely, Tyler. It’s so nice of her to put us all up.”

  “We’re doing her the favor.” McAdams looked around. “Where are Bonnie and Kate?”

  “Bonnie went home about an hour ago. Kate is in the back doing the laundry. She didn’t want to leave me alone at first. I don’t know if she fully trusts me.”

  “That’s just Kate.”

  Decker looked around. “Where’s Greg Schultz?”

  “He and Nina went out for a bite to eat.”

  “He left you alone?”

  “No, I have Kate.”

  “She’s over sixty and has a limp,” McAdams said.

  “You’re not helping me,” Rina said.

  “I’ll kill him,” Decker muttered.

  “Peter, I’m fine and I’m armed. Besides, this place has better security than Fort Knox. I insisted they go out.”

  “He shouldn’t have listened to you. What’s the matter with him?”

  “He’s a volunteer, remember? His brain needs to turn off. It’ll make him more alert in the long run.”

  “She’s right,” Oliver said.

  “Who asked you?” Decker was still standing.

  McAdams looked at Rina. “Are you comfortable here?”

  “Are you kidding me?” She tousled his hair. “Come on, guys. I’ll show you where Nina has stationed us.” She turned to McAdams. “Do you need help getting up to your room, Tyler?”

  “Nope. The place has an elevator.”

  Rina laughed. “Nina didn’t show me that.”

  “And I bet she didn’t show you the secret passage that leads to a secret room. It’s where my grandfather entertained his mistresses when his wives were out, leaving no evidence of the deed. All that ended when Nina came along. She boarded up the space. Then she opened it back up after he died. Lord only knows what she uses it for.”

  “Maybe if I behave, will she rent it out to me?” Oliver said.

  “Maybe if you don’t behave, she’ll rent it out to you.”

  Oliver laughed. Decker said, “Where should we meet to talk?”

  “The breakfast room. We can spread out.”

  Decker looked around. “Where is that?”

  Rina said, “I’ll show you. I think I’ve got the lay of the land.”

  McAdams opened a door and wheeled himself into an elevator cart. “See you in twenty.”

  It was more like thirty before everyone came down. By that time, Greg and Nina had come back and the oversized apartment hummed with activity. Kate had fixed finger sandwiches and there were also preopened bottles of sparkling water and port with small, crystal glasses. Nina had gone upstairs to get comfortable—whatever that meant—and Greg Schultz, revitalized from his hour on the town, showed the group a map of the area complete with alleys and hiding places. He had done such a good job that Decker didn’t reprimand him.

  Schultz said, “I also have the doormen looking out for anything strange. They know more about the area than I could ever hope to learn. Anyway, I hope you aren’t mad about me leaving Rina alone. She and the lady of the house ganged up on me.”

  “I’m sure they did,” Decker said. “You’re off duty now, Greg. I’ve got it from here.”

  “Thanks. See you all in the morning. ”

  The boys replenished their fuel intake with the sandwiches while Rina sipped sparkling water and nibbled on fresh fruit.

  Nina came down in sweats and flats. Her face was perfectly made up and her blond hair was still coiffed. “Anyone for coffee or tea?”

  Tyler grinned. “You’re pouring?”

  “No, I’m offering. Kate will do the actual pouring.”

  “You were scaring me for a moment, Nina.”

  She gave him a grandmotherly pat. “Silly boy.”

  “I’ll ta
ke coffee, if you wouldn’t mind, ma’am,” Oliver said.

  “It’s Nina,” she said. “And you are way too old to ma’am me.”

  “I am old, Nina, but in dealing with such a beautiful and charming woman, it’s better for me to error on the side of respect.”

  Nina stared at him. “You’re very good. Are you married?”

  “Nina . . .” McAdams said.

  “Hush up.” She smiled at Oliver. “Not that marriage has ever stopped anyone.”

  “I’m not married.” Oliver grinned. “And I have a lot of war stories from my days at LAPD if you’re interested.”

  Decker rolled his eyes. Nina caught it. “So the stories aren’t true?”

  “No, they’re true,” Decker admitted. “He left the force because he was shot.”

  “Well, you’ll have to tell me all about it,” Nina said. The coffeepot beeped. “Kate, the coffee’s ready.”

  “Coming.”

  McAdams said, “I think we can take it from here, Nina.”

  “You’re kicking me out?”

  Tyler stood up with a cane. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Yes, I am. But thank you for everything. You’re a first-class woman.”

  Nina was speechless. A tear trickled from her eye. “That was gracious—so unlike you.”

  “It’s just because I’m weak, Nina. Very weak.”

  She wiped her cheek “Good night to all.” A brief smile and then she left. After Kate poured coffee, she disappeared as well. The ensuing silence was awkward. Rina asked how it went with Lance Terry. Decker gave her a synopsis of the conversation with the two young men.

  Rina said, “Interesting that Livingston just happened to be there.”

  “It looked suspicious at first,” Decker said. “But I believed Terry when he said he called Livingston down.” A pause. “I still think he’s holding back.”

  “Totally,” Oliver said. “I’m wondering why he really left the school. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d have a breakdown even if his ex-girlfriend was murdered. Furthermore, it was his final year of college.”

  McAdams said, “Maybe someone threatened him?”

  “Yeah,” Oliver concurred, “I think someone spooked him good.”

  Decker said, “We know that Terry didn’t kill her. His alibi checked out. So did Sobel’s. But were they involved in the murder?”