Free The Theory of Death by Faye Kellerman Page B

husband what I told you. I want you to tell him, but I don’t want Ezra to know what I told you.”
    “Whatever you want. And if you want to keep everything confidential, I won’t mention it to Peter … Detective Decker. I’ll tell him we talked food.”
    “No, no. Tell him everything. Maybe it’ll help him understand Elijah. Because I certainly didn’t understand my son at all.”

CHAPTER 8
    M CADAMS IGNORED THE doorbell. The Deckers weren’t home and nobody except the police department knew he was in town. But by the third chime, he was irritated. He rose from the dining room table where he had spread out his papers and books. Maybe they were expecting a package. Or maybe one of their many children had dropped by for a pop-in visit, although he suspected that they had keys. Most likely it was a nuisance call. To him, all calls were nuisances.
    Swinging open the door, he was face-to-face with Mallon Euler. She was dressed in a Windbreaker over a thick sweater, black jeans, and high-tops on her feet. Her hands were covered but her head was bare. He tried to hide his surprise but he suspected he wasn’t doing a good job. “Hi there.” He stepped outside. “Detective Decker isn’t in. Can I help?”
    “Actually, I came to see you.”
    A pause. “Sure. If you give me a minute, I’ll phone the station house and we’ll talk down there.”
    “It’s personal.”
    “O-kay.” His mind was racing. He looked at his watch. “Wow, it’s past noon. No wonder I’m hungry. Care to join me?” She smiled. It didn’t seem angry or happy, just a facial gesture. He shrugged. “While you decide, I’ll get my coat and shoes.”
    “You could invite me in.”
    “I’ll just be a moment.” He closed the door in her face and immediately called Decker’s cell. It rang four times before he picked up. McAdams said, “Sorry to bother you. Are you with Elijah’s parents?”
    “Yes. Is everything all right?”
    “Mallon Euler just showed up on my doorstep … rather, your doorstep, wanting to talk to me.” McAdams started lacing up his boots. “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where I’m staying, but it does take a modicum of effort. Plus, she doesn’t want to talk at the station house. She says it’s personal. And in case you’re wondering, I haven’t invited her inside. But I did invite her to lunch.” He pulled on his jacket and gloves. “Is that okay?”
    “Seems reasonable. Save the receipt and we’ll pay for your expenses. Find out what’s on her mind.”
    “How’s it going with you?”
    “I’ll let you know when I get back. Call me if you have any questions.”
    “Will do.” He clicked off his cell phone and walked outside. “Let’s go toward campus. More places and choices. What are you in the mood for?”
    “Whatever you want.” Her voice was testy. “I’m not hungry.”
    “Okay. Let’s just walk and we’ll find something.”
    “You could have invited me inside.”
    “It’s not my home and it’s not my place.”
    “I’m sure Detective Decker wouldn’t have minded.”
    “Maybe not, but he wasn’t here to make that decision.” McAdams stopped and faced her. “Or if you don’t want to eat, we can talk on a park bench. It’s a little cold, but I’m dressed for it.”
    “Why don’t you trust me inside the house? Are you that arrogant to think I’m going to throw myself at you?”
    McAdams laughed. “I am arrogant, but that was the last thought on my mind. Look, Mallon. I’m not officially on the case. But I’m not officially
off
the case. If you don’t want to talk at the station house and you don’t want to talk in a restaurant, pick a place as long as it’s semipublic. I’m just trying to be professional, that’s all.”
    She didn’t answer, stared at the tip of her shoe sweeping over the hard ground.
    “Or you can change your mind about talking to me.” Mallon stared at him and then she bolted ahead. Not knowing what to do, McAdams followed. “What’s