Faye Kellerman_Decker & Lazarus 09

by Prayers for the Dead

  “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.”

  “Interesting,” Decker said. “Why do you think he’s doing that?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe there’s money in it for him as executor of Dad’s estate.”

  Paul thought a moment.

  “Or maybe Waterson does have some empathy at our tragedy…my mother’s plight. He was broken up after his wife died. It was a long illness. I remember my wife occasionally cooking for him. So did Mom, my sister-in-law, and the other women at the church. Rotating days to bring him casseroles, stuff like that. Couple of times my parents had him over for Sunday dinner. His wife was too sick to come.”

  “How’d that go?”

  “Nice and polite. Waterson didn’t talk much. Dad kind of led the discussions. He seemed grateful, thanked my parents profusely for all they had done for him and Ellen…his wife. I also remember my parents talking about her death…how young she’d been…” Paul smiled. “Young meaning close to their ages.”

  It was time to drop the bomb. Decker said, “Waterson paid a visit to the bikers this morning. Any idea why?”

  “Waterson?”

  “Yep.”

  “Then he was lying about being with a client.”

  “Unless the client was the bikers.”

  Paul opened and closed his mouth. “How’d you find that out?”

  Decker sidestepped the question. “Why would Mr. Waterson go visit your father’s biker buddies?”

  “I haven’t the foggiest notion. This is very weird.”

  “Did your father leave them money in his will?”

  “I don’t know. Waterson hasn’t read us the will. Maybe my father did leave them something. I was under the impression that Waterson couldn’t distribute any funds until the will has been formally read. Isn’t that how it works?”

  “Usually. Unless your father wrote a secret codicil requesting something else.”

  Paul was quiet.

  “How about your mother?” Decker said. “What would she know about your father’s finances?”

  “From what she’s told me, not much. Dad was from the old school. Hide the problems, keep the wife and family free from worry. Which meant that Mom was pretty much kept in the dark. But knowing my mother, she’s more aware than she’s letting on. She’s a sharp woman. Perceptive in that behind-the-scenes way.”

  Paul’s eyes looked upward. Suddenly, his eyelids started fluttering.

  “Oh Lord.”

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” Paul made a face. “I didn’t realize my sister-in-law was up there with her.”

  Decker looked at the woman descending the staircase. The anorexic woman with short, short platinum hair who had glommed on to Bram at the memorial reception yesterday.

  “Luke’s wife?”

  “Certainly she’s not Bram’s.”

  Decker smiled. “Ask a stupid question…”

  Paul turned around. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

  “It’s fine. Her name is Dana?”

  Paul nodded. When she came to the bottom of the stairs, Dana appraised her brother-in-law with a cool eye. “Hello, Paul.”

  “Dana. Didn’t know you were here.”

  “Mother and I were just reading Bible together.” Nearly colorless eyes look
ed at Decker. “Who’s this?”

  Paul made the introductions. She offered Decker a slender hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Thank you. Is your husband around?”

  Dana’s eyes clouded. “He’s at work.”

  Decker said nothing.

  “Actually, that’s a good thing,” Dana said. “Don’t you think that’s a good thing, Paul?”

  “It’s an excellent thing, Dana.”

  “You’re being snide.”

  “Not at all, Dana.” His eyes darted back and forth. “It’s a very good thing that Luke’s at work…occupied. Where’s Mom?”

  “Michael is helping her freshen up.” To Decker, Dana said, “She hasn’t gotten out of bed all day. She’s very depressed.”

  Decker nodded.

  Dana wrung her hands nervously, “Do you know when Bram’s supposed to show up? He seems to have a calming effect on her. Maybe I should call him.”

  Paul blinked hard. “I think he’s pretty tied up right now, Dana.”

  “Too busy to see his mother?”

  “Maggie told me he was here this morning. He does have a parish to run.”

  “I’m sure his parishioners would understand—”

  “I’m sure, but—”

  “I think I should call him.”

  From above, a strong, low female voice said, “Dana, leave him alone. He’s busy.”

  Dana became flushed. Through clenched teeth, she called out, “Of course, Mother.” She checked her watch. To Decker, she said, “I must be going.”

  “Nice to have met you.”

  “Same.” She turned around and scurried out the door before her mother-in-law made it down the stairs.

  Dolores “Dolly” Sparks. An imperfect name for her. Because she was anything but a plaything. Tall, large-boned, stately, stern. A coif of gray hair framed a sturdy face. Her eyes, though red-rimmed, were hard and threatening. Decker saw none of the vulnerability and shock he had witnessed when Michael had first broken the news to her. She wore a black caftan, her feet were housed in mules.

  She gave Decker a once-over. “That girl is something else. First, she tries to seduce Bram into marrying her. By the skin of his teeth, he finally manages to get rid of her. So what does Luke do? He goes ahead and marries her himself. He did it for spite. Well, good for Luke. He got his spite. He also got her, still mooning over his twin—”

  “Why don’t you sit down, Mom,” Paul said.

  “Why don’t you stop trying to shut me up.”

  No one spoke.

  Dolly’s lip began to tremble. “Where is Bram?”

  Michael said, “Would you like me to call him for you, Mom?”

  “Please.” She hid her face in the palm of her hand.

  Paul took her arm. “Mom, sit down.”

  This time, Dolly didn’t protest. Allowed herself to be led to the couch. Paul said, “Mom, this is Lieutenant Decker. He’s leading Dad’s investigation.”

  Dolly wiped her eyes and nodded.

  Decker nodded back. “I apologize for interrupting your rest.”

  “What rest? With Dana keeping me awake, reading me Psalms…trying to be spiritual. She should try making it to church on time. A good start in spiritual development.”

  Paul said, “She means well, Mom.”

  “I suppose.” Dolly looked at Decker. “How can I help you, Mr. Decker?”

  “It’s lieutenant, Mom.”

  “Whatever,” Decker said. “You can help me by answering a few questions.”

  “I don’t know who’d want to harm Azor,” Dolly stated. “Far as I know, he didn’t have an enemy in the world.”

  “If I could start with something even more basic. What do you think your husband was doing at Tracadero’s?”

  “I’m sure I don’t know.”

  Decker looked at Paul, then back at the widow. “I hate to ask you this. But is it possible he could have been meeting a woman?”

  Paul’s eyes twitched. But Dolly’s face remained placid. “You mean Dr. Fulton?”

  Decker said, “No, I mean a paramour.”

  Dolly remained unperturbed. “No, it’s not possible. I didn’t know much about Azor’s life outside the home. But I do know that much.”

  “Okay. Then who might your husband have been meeting?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Decker nodded. “What do you know about your husband’s weekend friends?”

  Paul said, “He means the bikers.”

  “Them?” She grimaced. “They’re lowlifes, of course. Azor brought them here once. Came roaring down the street, looking like a bunch of hoods. I refused to let them step foot in my house. I almost kicked them out yesterday. But I didn’t…for Azor’s sake. If they wanted to honor him, so be it.”

  Michael came back. “Bram said he’ll be here in an hour. Unless you need him right away.”

  Dolly thought a moment. “An hour is fine. I’ll just take a nap.” She stood. “Anything else?”

  “A few more questions, Mrs. Sparks. I’ll try not to tire you.”

  She sat back down and waited.

  Decker said, “Were you aware of the fact that your husband gave money to his riding buddies for a cause of theirs?”

  Her mouth tightened. “Yes. Some freedom act. Everyone should be free. You know what, Mr. Decker? Some people shouldn’t be free. Some people should be locked up in jail the rest of their lives, instead of taking money from naive do-gooders.”

  Inwardly, Decker agreed. He said, “You felt the cause was a scam.”

  “Of course it was a scam,” Dolly pronounced. “But it was Azor’s money. He never left me wanting for anything. Provided well for me and the children. Gave to the church and to the hospital. I suppose if he wanted to squander a little excess…well, there are worse vices, believe you me.”

  Decker smiled.

  Dolly stood again, this time teetering on her feet. “I really am tired, Mr. Decker.” Her eyes suddenly watered. “Perhaps another time.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Sparks.”

  “You’re welcome.” She leaned over to Paul, and he kissed her cheek. “When’s the first installment of the tuition due, Paul?”

  Paul turned red. “Three weeks, Mom.”

  “We should have this will thing straightened out by then. Send me the papers. Dad made you a promise, I’ll honor it.”

  “Thank you very much, Mom.”

  She patted his cheek. To Michael, she said, “Walk me up to my room, pumpkin.”

  “Of course.” Michael shook hands with Decker. “Anything you need, we’re here to help. Right, Mom?”

  “Right.” She started walking, then her knees folded. Michael grabbed her arm. “Lean on me, Mom.”

  Decker followed them up the stairs until they disappeared. A moment later, he heard a door close.

  Paul said, “She’s exhausted.”

  “Can’t say I blame her.” Decker smoothed his mustache. “She seems to have an inner strength. Guess you’d have to have energy to raise six children, especially triplet boys.”

  Paul nodded.

  “You get along well with your brothers?”

  Paul shrugged. “Not too bad. Being as Luke and Bram are identical, it was hard to compete with that genetic bond.”

  “They were close growing up?”

  “Yes.”

  “Competitive?”

  “Not really. Luke figured out pretty early on he couldn’t compete.”

  “You were the outsider.”

  Paul stared at Decker, his eyes still and calm. “Why are you interested in us?”

  “Like Michael said, I’m interested in all facets of your family. I find it fascinating that Luke and Bram dated the same women.”

  “You mean woman. As far as I know, Dana was the only girl Bram ever dated.”

  “What happened between them?”

  Paul’s eyes twitched. “A long story…it’s all past. They were kids…not even seventeen.”

  “Your mother mentione
d something about Dana seducing Bram. What happened? Did he get her pregnant?”

  Paul didn’t answer right away. Then he said, “Not exactly. Luke got her pregnant. While she was Bram’s girl.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Yeah, it was…” Paul scratched his head. “Bram took the fall, told our parents it was his. He covered, not for Dana’s sake and certainly not for Luke’s, but for his own ego. He didn’t want to look like a dupe.”

  “How’d he find out it wasn’t his kid?”

  Paul laughed, but it held sadness. “Only one way for a guy to know proof positive that the kid isn’t his.”

  “He never had sex with her.”

  Paul said, “After Dana got knocked up by Luke, she tried to seduce Bram…to nail the kid as his. You’ve met my brother. Things that work on normal guys don’t work on him. Anyway, he figured it out pretty quickly. Dana had suddenly turned from a shy, religious thing to this raving maniac who just had to do it. The more she pushed, the more he knew something was off. He pressed her and she broke down. Since she absolutely refused to admit who the father was, Bram figured it was one of us. Meaning, he thought it was me.”

  “He confronted you?”

  “No. Bram took it like a martyr. He really does belong on the cross.”

  “Did he display anger toward you?”

  “Not openly.”

  “So how did he find out it was Luke?”

  “Must have been my guiltless attitude. Both Luke and I treated him gently during that time. Because my parents absolutely…battered him. Mostly Dad. Bram had been his golden boy until then. The son that could do no wrong. But man, did Dad change. One mistake and Doctor came that close to kicking him out of the house.” Paul pinched off a millimeter of space between his extended thumb and forefinger. “If Bram would have given him an ounce of lip, I’m sure he would have.”

  “Bram suffered in silence?”

  “Yes. Then one evening at dinner…God, Dad was really slamming him. How he ruined his life and dishonored himself, and his family, and had spit at God. And he was going to go to hell and all this…this shit, frankly. I couldn’t take it. I told Bram, ‘How can you let him talk to you like that? Say something!’ Of course, I was ordered to leave the table at once.”