The list is Rabbi Davidson’s Ph.D. thesis. She compiled this document three years ago, using the principles of gematria—

MANNING

Of what?

BEN-DAVID

Hebrew language numerology. This is a legitimate scholarly paper, Detective, compiled for academic purposes only. Rabbi Davidson has suffered enough because of it already.

For the first time Manning’s eyes show real anger. He tugs Ben-David’s arm, pulls it away from Rachel.

MANNING

(to Rachel)

You were at the Rebbe’s because you knew Instancer was going to murder him. You’re working with him. Who is he? Who is Instancer?

RACHEL

You know who he is.

MANNING

Tell me.

RACHEL

You know exactly who he is.

I break in on Manning a second time. He still won’t look down at the names on the list.

RACHEL

Answer me this, Mr. Detective. Why were you at the Rebbe’s? Instancer brought you, didn’t he? How did he find you? Huh? Huh, Mr. Smart Guy?

Rachel thrusts herself into Manning’s face. Despite himself Manning backs off half a step.

RACHEL

Yeah, I followed you. I found out where you live, at that crummy athletic club. I followed you to the Jewish library. I saw Instancer approach you. You fell for his act like a ton of bricks. Tell me. What line of bullshit did he feed you?

This accusation chills Manning. Rachel sees it.

RACHEL

He was waiting for you, you dumb fuck! He picked you! You’re being played, just like the rest of us!

Ben-David tries to contain Rachel. She twists free.

RACHEL

(to Manning)

How did I know about the “LV” sign? I’ve been tracking these murders in Europe for months. Why did I run from you outside the Rebbe’s? Because I had to make you see. I had to make you part of this.

Rachel’s posture becomes even more aggressive.

RACHEL

And you are now, aren’t you?

(with satisfaction)

You’ve seen him. You’ve touched him.

At this instant the elevator doors open. Ellie Landau emerges.

I grab Manning’s sleeve again and force him to read the two names I indicate on Rachel’s list.

AMOS BEN-DAVID

ELLIE LANDAU

Manning’s expression never alters.

He watches Ms. Landau step from the elevator. Two male associates in business suits accompany her. One wears fashionable spectacles and carries a leather briefcase; the other sports a butch cut and wears an earpiece. Ms. Landau crosses to the table in three strides.

BEN-DAVID

Ellie!

Ben-David seizes the attorney’s hand with relief, steering her to Rachel’s side.

Ellie Landau inserts herself physically between Rachel and Manning. With a glance she takes in Rachel’s distraught countenance, Manning’s truculent posture, and the evidence table with its impounded weaponry and documents.

She notes as well the list—Rachel’s list—in Manning’s hands.

Clearly he has read it.

Clearly he is aware of the names upon it.