Tyler looked down at the grass. “I can’t lose him.”

“I understand that,” said Decker.

“Can I see him?”

“That can be arranged.”

“What do I tell him?”

“That you love him. That you’ll always be there to support him.”

Tyler nodded, wiped his face off with the towel, and trudged from the field.

“That kid is right on the edge,” noted White.

“Hopefully we can bring him back.”

“Is that our job, Decker?”

He looked at her. “Maybe it should be.”

“You earlier gave Barry Davidson some good legal advice. I didn’t think that was our job, either. So why was that?”

“Everyone deserves a fair shake. And something about this whole thing is off. I mean, someone who kills someone else with a gun rarely offers up the murder weapon so freely to the cops. If he did kill with it, there’s a big body of water right around here he could have dumped it in.”

“So someone really might be framing him? Who?” asked White.

“Who stands to benefit if he goes down for this?”

“Tyler already gets his mother’s money, so he’s out. Maybe Langley framed Davidson.”

“Motive?” said Decker.

“Just to screw over Davidson. I think both men were still in love with Cummins.”

“If so, he would have had to kill Cummins, too.”

“Lots of men kill the women they supposedly love,” noted White.

“Let’s talk to Gloria Chase then, and see how much she loves Langley.”

“Apparently enough to marry him,” said White.

Chapter66

CHASE WAS AT HER OFFICElocated in the downtown area. The space was done in a minimalist but costly manner. There was an energetic flow of young, enthusiastic people and large computer screens with fascinating images and reams of data pouring over them. Decker felt like he was on some hip film set where they drank flavored sparkling water, wore chic clothes, and drove exotic cars, which meant he was as far out of his element as it was possible to be.

She met them in her spacious, light-filled office that was full of high-end build-outs and expensive furnishings. She looked equal parts indifferent and bored.

“I hear the ex-husband has been arrested,” she said.

“News travels fast,” said White.

“Like abullet.”

The emphasis on the word showed them its use was intentional.

“So if he killed his wife and her guard, why are you here?” she asked.


Tags: David Baldacci Amos Decker Thriller