Manning thanks the librarian and clears a space on the table. “I’d suggest you start with this one,” the librarian says. “It’s the most accessible.” He opens one of the books and sets it on the table before Manning.

MANNING

This is in Hebrew.

LIBRARIAN

This is the Jewish library.

Manning’s lapel cam switches focus to his knees and the floor. Audio sounds like snickering from several scholars at the table.

The librarian asks Manning if he wishes to keep the three volumes. Manning lets his silence answer. The librarian reclaims the books, excuses himself, and withdraws.

Two chairs down, a different scholar—apparently one who did not giggle—turns toward Manning.

SCHOLAR

You’re researching the tzadikim. The Thirty-Six Righteous Men.

Manning acknowledges this.

SCHOLAR

What have you learned so far?

MANNING

Damn little.

With a gesture the scholar asks Manning’s permission to join him. Manning nods. The young man crosses to the chair next to Manning.

The scholar looks about thirty—tall, clean-shaven, athletic—dressed in jeans, T-shirt, and hoodie. He extends his hand.

SCHOLAR

Jake Instancer. I’m an associate professor at Columbia in Judaic studies. I know a little about this stuff.

Fifteen minutes later, Manning and the professor have relocated to the café on the ground floor of the library. Plates and coffee cups sit on the table before them. The younger man is leaning forward, scribbling on a notepad, which he positions so that Manning can see it.

JAKE INSTANCER

Every letter in the Hebrew alphabet is associated with a number. “Lamed” [LAH-med] is L. It’s associated with the number thirty. “Vav” is V. It’s associated with six.

Lamed vav, Instancer says, is obviously thirty-six.

JAKE INSTANCER

Any Jew would connect this immediately to the legend of the Thirty-Six Righteous Men.

As Manning leans forward listening, the professor’s eye chances upon the SIG Sauer P226 in the shoulder holster beneath Manning’s jacket.

If this surprises Instancer, his expression doesn’t show it.

JAKE INSTANCER

Remember the story of Noah and the Flood? God resolved to destroy the human race because people had turned out to be so evil. The Almighty repented that He had even created men and women. He sent the Deluge to wipe us out.

The human race survived, as we know, Instancer continues, thanks to Noah and his Ark.

JAKE INSTANCER

Since that time, God has promised: so long as there are Thirty-Six Righteous Men somewhere on Earth, He will never again take action to destroy the human race.

Manning absorbs this.

MANNING

Do we know who the Thirty-Six are? Is there a list?

JAKE INSTANCER

The Righteous Men are “hidden.” In Hebrew, nistarim. Even the Thirty-Six themselves supposedly don’t know that they’re among that number.

MANNING

Who does know?

JAKE INSTANCER

Only God.

The younger man regards Manning thoughtfully.

JAKE INSTANCER

Someone is killing the Righteous Men, isn’t he?

MANNING

Why would you ask that?

JAKE INSTANCER