“What if we find out he didn’t?”
“I’m not sure how to answer you. I haven’t ever let myself think about it. I suppose my question then would be, are there others he’s done this to?”
“Valid question. And if we find out he did?”
“What would that mean for me from a legal standpoint?”
“That depends on Judd.”
“Would you be obligated to report him to…someone?”
Decker pushed his plate to the side and rested his elbows on the counter in front of him. “That’s a good way to put it, Mila, and the answer is no. We wouldn’t be obligated.”
“I don’t know whether to feel reassured or concerned.”
Decker smiled. “Both.”
“So…Adler?”
“I’m having a buddy pull his travel records now. I suspect he’s still in Texas, but what he’s up to is anyone’s guess.”
“I could try calling him back.”
“You could.”
“But?”
“Let’s see what my buddy comes up with, and then we’ll decide.”
“How long will that take?”
Decker refilled his plate. “Long enough for us to finish lunch and then maybe get started on that other stuff we both wanted more of.”
22
Decker
“Come with me,” I said when Mila finished eating and began clearing our dishes. I held out my hand, and she put hers in it.
“Where are we going?”
“Just in here,” I said, leading her over to the sofa. I leaned my back against the arm and settled Mila in between my legs. I ran my hands down her bare arms and rested them on her waist.
“I like having your hands on me,” she murmured, trailing her fingertips over them.
“We’re going to take this slow, baby. I told you before that I want to know everything I do that makes you uncomfortable. You can tell me, and you can show me. Whichever it is, know that I’m paying attention.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Always.”
“That day in the hallway at school. Why did you make those boys leave me alone?”
I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “It was what I saw in your eyes.”
“Fear?”
“Defenselessness.”