Long Shadows (Amos Decker, #7)(74)

“Anything else you can tell me?”

“Just that I’m certain Dennis had nothing to do with what happened. I’ve dated guys who could be violent, creepy, and controlling, Agent Decker. They try to hide it but they give off a definite vibe after a while. Dennis has none of that.”

“Some hide it better than others.”

“I think you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“I bark up lots of trees. Till I find the right one.”

“I understand that a man was also found dead at her house,” she said.

“That’s right.”

“Were they dating?” Chase asked.

“I’m not sure.”

“How can you not be sure? Didn’t anyone know?”

“It’s complicated,” replied Decker.

“I guess murder is often complicated.”

“Actually, the act of murder is usually pretty simple. It’s everything else that’s complicated.”





Chapter 53



HEY, TYLER, IS YOUR DAD home?” asked Decker.

Tyler had just answered his knock on the condo door. He had on khaki shorts and an untucked short-sleeved shirt.

“He’s getting ready. We’re going out to dinner.”

“Mind if I come in and wait?”

“I guess not.”

He led Decker into an adjoining room and they sat down. A storm was forming out over the Gulf. Its framing in the broad windows served as a capable analogy to what was going on in Decker’s head.

“How’s the investigation going?” mumbled Tyler. “Have you found out stuff?”

“We’re getting there. Do you remember a guy and a woman coming up to you at a restaurant in Naples called Café Midi?” When Tyler looked uncertain, he added, “I think Doris Kline was with you, and the woman was tall, blond, and beautiful. You sort of ran your gaze over her.” He kept his tone diplomatic.

Tyler grinned. “Oh, yeah. Her. Damn, I mean, wow. She was, like, wow. And she was falling out of that dress. I wish I’d gotten a picture of her.”

“Yeah. Did you know the guy?”

“No. But from how he and my mom were talking, I supposed he was a lawyer. They were talking like that anyway.”

“Actually, he and your mom had dated.”

Tyler looked surprised. “Really? Then it was a good thing Dad hadn’t joined us yet.”

“Wait a minute, your father was there?”

“He was just coming in, I think, when the guy and the lady were getting ready to leave.”

“Why was your father having dinner with you and your mother?”

“It was my birthday.”

“Did your father overhear anything from the man?”

“I don’t know. Hell, all my attention was on the woman, if you want to know the truth. But he came up to the table right after they walked off. So Dad had to be close by. Why? What does that matter?”

“It might not.”

“Tyler?” a voice called out.

“In here, Dad.”

A few moments later Barry Davidson walked into the room, adjusting the cuffs of his white dress shirt. He had on dark gray slacks and brown tasseled loafers.

“What are you doing here?” he asked when he spied Decker.

“Just a few more questions, Mr. Davidson.”

“Tyler and I are going out to dinner. And when the hell are you going to release Julia’s remains? We have to…we have to do the service.” He glanced anxiously at his son. “She…she wanted to be cremated.”

“It won’t be long,” replied Decker.

Davidson slumped down in a chair after mixing himself a drink from the bar against the wall. Tyler silently watched him do this, his features full of disgust.

“What questions?” asked Davidson.

“I’m going to tell you some things in return for information.”

“What things?”

“The man who was killed at your ex-wife’s home was not protecting her. He was sleeping with her.”

Tyler blurted out, “What? Sleeping with Mom?”

Decker kept his gaze on Davidson. “You don’t look surprised, Mr. Davidson.”

“Julia could do what she wanted. It’s none of my business.”

“Did you know about their…relationship?”

“No, but like I said, she could do what she wanted.”

“But she obviously wanted to keep it on the Q.T.”

“What do you mean, specifically?”

“She used this subterfuge that she had been receiving threats to explain his being there.”

“But she had been getting threats,” interjected Tyler. “She told me so. Right, Dad?”

“Is that what she told you, Mr. Davidson?”

“I already answered that question. She never got back to me when I texted her about it.”

“I just wanted to give you the opportunity to amend your answer, if need be.”

“I have no reason to change what I already told you,” he said icily. “Check my phone records. I sent the one text. I haven’t called her in weeks.”

“I also have heard that you still loved your ex. And you told me that you hoped to reconcile with her.”