Faye Kellerman_Decker & Lazarus 06 by Grievous Sin

Author:Grievous Sin [Sin, Grievous]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Los Angeles (Calif.), Police Procedural, Detective and Mystery Stories, Police, Mystery & Detective, Police Spouses, Police - California - Los Angeles, Political, Lazarus; Rina (Fictitious Character), Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Thrillers, Mystery Fiction, General, Decker; Peter (Fictitious Character), Suspense Fiction
ISBN: 9780061159183
Publisher: Fawcett
Published: 1993-01-02T06:00:00+00:00

22

Expecting turmoil, Decker was surprised to find the house in solid working order. The living room had been cleared of blankets and diapers, and the dining-room table had been set for dinner with real dishes. Something aromatic was brewing in the kitchen. Decker followed his nose and opened the oven. Two roasting pans held stuffed Cornish game hens that were browning nicely. He poured himself a glass of milk.

In Jewish law, the mixing of meat and dairy was prohibited, but one could drink a glass of milk before eating flesh. He thought about the reasoning behind the seemingly antiquated law. In Hebraic times, pagan tribes would eat suckling calves because they were the tenderest. And, as an added bonus, the cooks would boil the calves in the milk from the engorged udders of the nursing mother. Generally, he gave little thought to the law other than a twinge of annoyance at having to give up cheeseburgers. But now that Hannah was born—and seeing Rina nurse her—he recognized the kindness behind the prohibition.

He took a deep breath, enjoying the quiet until he realized that the house was too quiet.

He drew back the curtain from his kitchen window. Underneath the veranda, his mother-in-law and the baby nurse were having a coffee klatch outside. Actually, it was more like an iced-tea klatch, judging by the amber-filled pitcher and two frosted tumblers. He wondered where Rina and Cindy were, but was hesitant to go outside. The women would probably consider him an intrusion. His eyes swept over his back acreage. The land was dry and dusty. The horses needed to be checked. He finished his milk, took a deep breath, then went out the back door. The women looked up and bid him welcome. Everyone was in a good mood. That was novel.

“Ladies.” Decker kissed his mother-in-law’s cheek and took a seat. “Where are my other pretty ladies?”

“Ginny and the baby are napping. Cindy and Opah went to pick up the boys. They take Ginger with them so she won’t bark and wake up anyone. Cindy figures maybe she’s bored and wants a ride. You have a wonderful daughter, Akiva.”

“Thank you, I have two wonderful daughters.”

Magda laughed and slapped his shoulder playfully. “Oh, that’s what I meant. You want some iced tea, Akiva? I have extra glass.”

“Love some, Magda.” Decker held out his hand to the nurse. “I’m Peter Decker. You must be Nora. Georgina speaks very highly of you.”

The nurse took his hand. She was black and had coiffed gray hair that matched her eyes. Her hands were strong and calloused. “Georgina’s a good friend. Nice to finally see you in person. You’ve got a beautiful baby, Sergeant.”

“Thank you.”

“The missus been telling me about what you’re doing for that little lost baby.” Nora shook her head. “I saw a picture of her on TV, I just wanted to cry.”

“It’s a tough one.” Decker took his glass of tea and downed half in one swig. “But that’s what the police are for.”

“Everything’s okay here, Akiva,” Magda said.

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