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“And you’re my friend too. But—”
“And you’re going to be experiencing some things in the coming years that I may be able to at least help you with, in some small way.”
Lancaster looked down, drew out a cigarette from her pack, glanced at the smoke for a long moment, and then tossed it away.
“I’m still scared.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Most people would be. But you have Earl. And you have me.”
She looked at him with perplexity. “You’ve changed, Amos. Since leaving here.”
“How’s that?”
“You just have. You seem to be…” Her voice trailed off, as she seemed at a loss for words.
“More aware of things?” said Decker, a small smile creasing his lips.
“One way of putting it.”
Her features grew somber. “I appreciate the offer. And I look forward to seeing you again.” She glanced at the house and then looked at him inquiringly. “But why here of all places?”
“You said you didn’t know the Hendersons?”
“No, but they seem to be a nice family.”
“I’m sure theyarea nice family. And this is a fine place to raise a family.”
“Well, you’ve surely made it nicer by getting rid of the Russians.”
Decker took a step back and peered at his old digs.
“Full of memories,” said Lancaster. “Especially for someone with a memory like yours.”
“Itisfull of memories. Most wonderful. A few beyond horrible.”
“So which ones do you hold on to?”
“In my case I don’t have a choice. But Idohave a choice in how I prioritize them.”
“Do you think you can do that?”
“I can try.”
Decker thought about the episodes in which the violent scenes of his finding his family murdered kept unspooling in his head.
“I can try harder, at least. I have to, in fact.”
“I wish you every success on that. I really do.”
Before he left, Decker surprised Lancaster by embracing her in a long hug.
“I didn’t expect that,” she said, when they each stepped back.
“Maybe neither did I. But…it felt good.”
“Yes, Amos, it did.”
Decker walked back to the car and climbed in. “I wonder what burgundy means,” he said.
