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“I don’t believe you.”
“That’s your prerogative.”
“Who are you covering for?”
“It’s a CIA conspiracy.”
“Why do you have a safe in your apartment?”
Bram furrowed his brow. “You must have listened in for a long time.”
“Sorry, but I left my guilt back at the market. Father, heal thyself. Talk to me, for goodness sakes!”
Bram was silent, pushed hair out of his eyes.
“I’m waiting,” Rina said, tapping her foot.
“Why do I have a safe…” Bram’s voice was a whisper. “Because I got held up at gunpoint three years ago-”
“Oh my God, that’s awful!”
“It was on a Friday night, after one of our big church fund-raisers. There was a lot of cash and I was alone in the rectory, the veritable sitting duck. Afterward, I figured cash was more secure in my apartment safe than in a church. Sign of the times.”
“I never heard about it, read about it.”
“I never told anyone. I replaced the cash from my own pocket and kept quiet. Hard enough bringing people into the fold. I’m not about to broadcast news that scares people away from God.”
He looked at his watch.
“I know Fridays are busy for you. Thanks for being so generous with your time.”
“Cut the formalities, please. You’re always welcome in my home, Abram. You will always be welcome in my home. Anytime, anywhere. No matter what!”
“And you, Rina Miriam, are a righteous woman. More than that, you’re a spectacular friend whom I still dearly love. If I had more time, I’d get all mushy on you.”
“Stay for a moment. Have a cup of coffee.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t. I have a meeting with my parish board. My regional bishop is going to be there.”
Rina sighed. “What do they want?”
“Explanations, I imagine. In theory, they’re entitled to them. Too bad they’re all going to walk away disappointed. So be it. I humbly submit to God’s will.” He smiled. “Thank you for listening to me…far less painful than true confession.”
Rina paused. “Are you sorry you became a priest?”
“No, Rina. I’m not sorry at all. Yesterday I was crazed. I blurted out things in frustration. Going to Rome-becoming ordained-was the best thing that had ever happened to me.”
He looked down, his face rosy with heat.
“One of the best things. And I’m so grateful that you were an instrumental part of it. We both had other destinies to follow. I pray that you’re as happy with your choice as I am with mine.”
She looked at the priest. “I love him with all my heart, Bram.”
“I know you do. And everyone knows the feelings are reciprocated. The Lieutenant isn’t very subtle.”
Rina stared at him. “Are we talking about the same man?”
“Yes, we are.”
“My Peter?”
“Yes, your Peter. Trust me, Rina, I know these things. If he were any more overt about his love for you, he’d be wearing his heart on a sandwich board instead of his sleeve. I’m very happy for you. For the boys as well. Your family is a gift from God.”
“So we both have things to be thankful about.”
“True.” But his face was pale, sketched with worry lines. Rina wanted to hold him, comfort him as he had done with her. But that was impossible. Different places, different times.
“Are you going to be all right, Bram?”
“Who knows?” He shrugged. “God gave Abraham ten trials. Let’s see how Abram does with one.”
29
If the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach, Rina had a monopoly on cardiac tissue. By five o’clock Sunday evening, the entire house had become aromatic with the scents of savory herbs, onions, and garlic. Evocative smells. Of Decker’s bimonthly childhood Sunday di
He entered the kitchen. Rina’s face was damp, her hair falling down her back in a neat, compact braid. She wore a free-flowing cotton maroon dress that ended midcalf, with midelbow sleeves. Her feet were housed in flats. Though simply dressed, she was still a stu
He said, “Looks like you only made enough for the U.S. Army. What do I tell the Navy when it shows up?”
“Fu
“You need a taste tester?”
“You’re volunteering for the assignment? What a jewel you are, Peter.”
“It’s a nasty job, but someone’s got to do it.”
Rina gave him a spoonful of soup. Split pea with beef marrow bones. Decker’s taste buds were in heaven. “Good.”
“Thank you.”
“This looks like enough for me. What are the others going to eat?”
Rina hit him, returned her attention to the rack of lamb in the oven, basted the riblets with a mustard seed-honey sauce. She stood, wiped her hands on a towel. “Why did you invite Marge over?”
“Just to be friendly. Why?”
“You weren’t pla
Decker paused. “Maybe something’ll come up in passing. But that wasn’t the purpose of the invitation. Are you worried we’ll say things in front of the boys?”
“No, of course not.” She checked on the pilaf and turned down the fire.
Decker approached her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist, kissed her neck. “No talk about work tonight, okay?”
She turned to him. “I’ve got a confession to make.”
He loosened his grip on her. “This sounds ominous.”
“I saw Bram last Friday,” she said. “Actually, I saw him on Thursday, too. But that was a very short visit. First time, I came to see him. Second time, he came here.”
Decker looked at her. “Here.”
Rina nodded.
“Here meaning the house?” he said.
“Yes.”
“Entertaining a murder suspect on the chief investigator’s premises.” He dropped his arms to his side. “That’ll sit well with my boss.”
“He’s not a suspect. You released him.”
“I did nothing of the sort,” Decker snapped. “He posted bail.”
“Well, you’re the one who lowered his bail.”
“Rina, he’s still a suspect! You had no right-”
“Please don’t be mad.”
“You promised no interference!” he said.
“Yes, I did.”
“You broke your promise, Rina! How could you do that?”
“You know, according to Jewish law, a husband can nullify his wife’s promises.”
“What?”
“A husband can nullify vows and/or oaths made by his wife. Which means you can absolve me of my promise.” She frowned. “I don’t really know if you can do it ex post facto.” She smiled. “But I’m willing if you’re willing.”
“Stop it. I’m not in the mood for games.”
“You can be mad. Just say you nullify my oaths. At least, I won’t have the sin of breaking my vow-my shevuah. Or is it a neder?”
“Oh, for chrissakes!” Decker stomped out the back door. Rina followed him to the stables. Decker picked up a pitchfork.
“Peter, you’re in good slacks and a white shirt.”
“The animals won’t mind if I go formal,” he said angrily.
“Peter, c’mon!”
Decker ripped open a bale. “Uh, excuse me. Could you kindly move unless you want a face full of hay.”
“Can I just talk to you?”
“First move.”
Rina moved. “Can you put down the pitchfork?”
“No.”
“I’m really sorry.”
“Fine.” He jabbed the fork into the packed bundle and loosened the yellow reeds. “You’re absolved of your promise. Now, can I get a little solitude, please.”
“Don’t you even want to know why I went to see him?”
“Not particularly.”
“Don’t you want to know what we talked about?”
Decker began tossing a fresh layer of hay over the stalls’ floor, trying to feign apathy. But he was curious. In a bored tone, he said, “If you talk, maybe I’ll listen.”