Read Online The Theory of Death by Faye Kellerman - Free Book Online Page B

the farming area were orchards of deciduous trees that were bare at this time of year. From the distance they looked like apple trees. New York ranked second in U.S. apple production, just behind Washington State.
    The main house was polished-looking—three stories fashioned from whitewood siding and fieldstone—and fronted by a dirt driveway that held an old, black Lincoln Town Car. Decker parked behind the car, killed the motor, and he and Rina walked up to the front door. He knocked and a woman in her late forties or early fifties answered the door. She was around five-foot-five, with blue eyes, apple cheeks, and a sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Small wrinkles and spiderweb lines framed her mouth and her eyes. She wore a long brown dress with long sleeves. Most of her light brown hair was tucked into some kind of netting.
    Rina had on a green sweater and a denim skirt that covered her knees and black fashion boots. Her dark hair had been secured under a black beret. While the two women weren’t dressed similarly, they both were dressed modestly. Decker took out his identification. “I’m Detective Decker of the Greenbury Police Department.”
    The woman nodded with her eyes on Rina’s face. “You’re here to talk about Elijah.”
    “Yes, ma’am. I’m very sorry for your loss and I’m also sorry to intrude at this time. But it’s better if we talk now. This is my wife, Rina Decker.”
    Rina held out her hand. “I’m very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Wolf.”
    “Ruth Anne.” The woman touched Rina’s hand with barely any pressure. “Come in, please.” Leading them into a small and immaculately clean and homey living room, she pointed to a sofa upholstered in a soft, muted orange print. “Can I get either of you some tea or coffee?”
    “I’m fine, thank you,” Decker said.
    She turned to Rina. “Mrs. Decker?”
    “It’s Rina and tea would be lovely, thank you.”
    Five minutes later, she came out carrying a tray. She poured tea for both Rina and Decker. “Just in case, Detective.”
    “Thank you.”
    She gave a brief smile. “My husband and son should be in soon. I’m making lunch. We adhere to a strict schedule, otherwise things don’t get done.”
    “Can I help?” Rina asked.
    Ruth Anne looked at her. “Forgive my boldness, but you’re Jewish, aren’t you?”
    “Yes, I am.”
    “You’re dressed differently than the others.”
    “You mean like the Jews in Squaretown? Yes, I do dress differently from them.”
    “I was thinking more like the Jews in Monsey.”
    “Jews run the gamut in their religiosity. Some might consider me fanatical, while others would consider me heretical.”
    “I can understand that.”
    “I came along to keep Detective Decker company.” Rina stood, teacup in hand. “Perhaps it would be better for him to talk to your husband without my presence. Let me help you in the kitchen. It’s probably a place where we’re both familiar.”
    The woman nodded. “Of course.”
    Rina gave a quick glance to Decker and followed Ruth Anne into the kitchen. The woman immediately picked up a knife and began chopping vegetables for a salad. Rina said, “Would you like me to do that?”
    Ruth Anne immediately put down the knife and turned her back to Rina. She placed her hand over her eyes. Rina couldn’t hear her crying but she could see her shoulders heaving. “I’m so sorry.”
    “I’m …” Ruth Anne waved her hand in the air. “I’m fine.” She pivoted back, her still eyes wet. “I’m all right. Yes, you can chop the vegetables. Put them in the bowl. My men like a big salad.”
    Silence ensued for the next minute. As Rina chopped, Ruth Anne took out a pan and four chops. She said, “How many children do you have?”
    “Between the two of us, we have four children. They’re all grown.”
    “Married?”
    “Two married, two are engaged. We also have a foster son who has parents but stayed with us for around three years. We’re still very close. And