“Really?” said Decker. “I’m sorry to hear that. And who’s your friend over there?”
Earl glanced up. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“I doubt it.”
“Mary initiated this whole thing, Amos. It wasn’t my idea. But I have a life to live.”
“What about Sandy?”
“We’re splitting custody, but I’ll have her more. Mary’s schedule is too crazy.”
“And she’s okay with that?”
“She suggested it.”
“What’s going on with her? Why the divorce? Why letting you get Sandy? This isn’t making sense.”
Earl looked uncomfortable. “She’s a cop. She’s got…It’s a lot of pressure.”
“Do you want to get divorced, Earl?”
“I don’t have a choice, do I? It’s not like I can stop her.”
Decker glanced at the woman again. She smiled, but when he didn’t return it, she abruptly looked away.
“Well, regardless, I thinkyou’vealready made your choice.”
Earl’s features turned angry. “I don’t need to be judged by you, okay?”
“I’m not judging anybody. I’m simply making an observation. If I’m wrong, tell me so and I’ll say I’m sorry.”
Earl’s anger dissipated. “Look, it’s true, Nancy and I are seeing each other. But Mary and I stopped…well, we stopped living really as husband and wife a while back. If you know what I mean. And I didn’t start seeing her until Mary told me our marriage was over. I swear to God.”
“I believe you. And how is Sandy taking it?”
“She doesn’t really understand.”
“I think she probably understands more than you think.”
“We’ll get by. We have to.”
“No argument there. Hope everything works out for you. All of you,” he added.
“I know why you’re in town. Mary told me. The Hawkins case. You know one of the victims, David Katz, owned this place?”
Decker nodded. “And now his widow does. You know Rachel Katz?”
“Yeah, I know her. She’s involved in lots of projects around town.”
“She apparently has big plans for Burlington.”
“Well, the town needs a shot of energy. Glad she’s doing what she’s doing.”
“Okay,” said Decker.
“I, uh, better be getting back. Good to see you, Amos.”
“Yeah.”