Karen and Luigi showed up about noon. Sarah hadn’t met Luigi yet and her giggles seeped through the door.
Karen knocked and entered Lowell’s office. “We just wanted to say good-bye.”
Luigi came around the desk and stood with his head in Lowell’s lap. Lowell scratched the dog’s ears as he talked.
“You’ve been great,” she said. “I can’t thank you enough. I’ve got the closure I needed on my uncle’s death. At least now I know who was responsible. And why.”
“Your uncle’s actions forced Williamson’s hand and led him to hire me. His work helped save those boys.”
Karen nodded soberly. “I suppose there’s some good in knowing that his death wasn’t totally in vain, if it helped save someone else.”
Lowell thought of Robert and the bodega owner and sighed. “Yes, there’s some small comfort in that.”
“If you’re ever in L.A. and need a place, I’ve got that couch waiting for you. I know Luigi will be happy to see you.”
She walked over to him, leaned over, and gave him an awkward hug. Luigi decided to get in on it and stood on his back legs. He licked Lowell’s face a few times before Karen could get him down. Then she took Luigi’s leash in hand, turned once with a small wave to Lowell, and headed for L.A.
***
After Karen left, Sarah knocked and came in, walked across the room, and sat on the couch silently for a few moments. Then she stood up and actually huffed, audibly. She walked over to the window and shook her head.
Lowell turned in his swivel chair and watched her. “Something on your mind?”
She turned toward him, pushed her bright red hair back behind her ears, and frowned. “People stink.”
Lowell half-smiled. “Is this news to you?”
“No. I’m not stupid. And I’m not a child. I know what the world is like.”
“So, what’s your problem?”
“I mean, what kind of a man would sacrifice one child for another?”
“Well, remember, in order to justify his actions, Williamson had convinced himself that Edward was more his son than Kevin. But that’s an interesting question. What would you do if you were on a rowboat in the middle of the ocean and your spouse and your child were drowning and you could only save one? Which would it be?”
“That’s not a fair question.”
“Why not?”
“Because no matter which choice I made, I’d lose.”
Lowell retied his ponytail. “Exactly. So what do you do?”
“Couldn’t I jump in and save both and give up my own life?”
Lowell shook his head. “Sorry, not an option. The sharks are just about at the boat and you only have time to help one climb aboard. Do you save the love of your life, or your offspring? And what if you had two children drowning and must choose?”
She opened her mouth, but closed it without speaking.
“Have you ever read the book or seen the movie Sophie’s Choice?”
Sarah shook her head.
“Rent it. Or better yet, read the book.”
“What’s it about?”
He smiled without joy. “It’s about Sophie’s choice. You’ll understand.”
“Okay, I’ll pick it up. I usually like your reading suggestions.”
“Good. Let me know what you think of it.”
“I will.”
She was quiet for a moment. “I think I might sign up for a class in aikido. What do you think?”
“I think that would be a wonderful idea.” The detective leaned forward in his chair, a finger raised. “Just don’t get cocky and get yourself into trouble.”
“I won’t. You made that point quite clearly. I just think it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen and I’d like to pursue it. Will you help me with it?”
“Anyway I can.”
She smiled.
“Besides, it’ll help you lose those few extra pounds you’ve been putting on.”
“What!” Sarah turned around and looked at her derriere. “It’s those damned marshmallows. They’re addictive. But luckily they’re almost all gone.”
“Well,” Lowell raised his eyebrows, “let’s not order any more, okay?”
Sarah nodded and stood up. She headed for the door, then stopped and turned, a curious expression on her face.
“I’m sorry.”
Lowell leaned back in his chair. “About what?”
“Robert.”
Then she left.