It is possible, according to Ms. Davidson’s dissertation, to employ contemporary computer modeling techniques to analyze via gematrial systems the names of all candidates for inclusion in the list of living tzadikim and to determine, within a reasonable margin of error, who the likely individuals might be.

Rachel came up with two lists.

The greater contained 1,787 names, non-Jews as well as Jews.

Then the core document.

Thirty-six names.

MANNING

How certain are you, Ms. Davidson, about these thirty-six?

RACHEL

We’re trying to read the contents of the mind of God, Detective. It’s not an exact science.

Manning studies Rachel hard. Does he believe her? Does he believe this whole outrageous scenario?

MANNING

In Jerusalem, Ms. Davidson . . . what exactly was the charge against you? What were you accused of?

ELLIE LANDAU

You don’t have to answer that, Rachel.

Rachel meets Manning’s eye.

RACHEL

I was charged with “revealing that which God has hidden.”

The interrogation continues into the evening. I’m working on three monitors simultaneously, confirming and consolidating for Manning’s inspection (and for submission to the district attorney’s office) Rachel’s record of intellectual brilliance, psychological fragility, and general proclivity for fucking up her own life.

Sometime after dark I look up from my screens to see Gleason emerging from the Bunker, where he has been working since noon with two other teams of investigators.

Our chief summons Manning from the interrogation room, confers with him briefly in the corridor, then crosses to the Floor, where he orders two Third Graders to follow through on some procedural matter that I can’t hear. I’m watching on my screen as Manning reenters the interrogation room. He does not sit. Ellie Landau rises. Ben-David stands as well.

From my workstation I see the group exit the interrogation room. Gleason is waiting at the exit station that leads to the elevators. I see Manning’s shoulders ride up the way they do when he’s furious. I rise and hurry over.

Gleason has released Rachel.

No charges will be filed.

Ms. Davidson is free to go.

Ellie Landau, Ben-David, and Rachel exit toward the elevators.

Manning’s glower remains fixed on Gleason.

GLEASON

(to Manning)

What are you looking at me for?

Gleason tells Manning that while he, Manning, has been defending the planet from the Apocalypse, real detectives have been on the job, doing real detective work.

GLEASON

The victims all knew each other, Manning. Including the newest one from China and the Tarahumara Indian.

MANNING

I’ve been telling you that for days.

GLEASON

They knew each other because they were all terrified. Not of the devil. Of the fossil fuel industry.

Gleason shows Manning phone and web intercepts proving that the nine victims identified so far communicated regularly with one another, and had been doing so for years, via conventional channels as well as secure courier and other encrypted media.