“I’m not, particularly. I’ve known their director for years. We went to Simmons together. That’s why I thought it would be a safe place to start. If I’m right, they have no idea what they’re missing. Once they find out? It’s a tricky thing, letting your board know about items that disappeared years ago, under your watch, without your noticing. You can’t inventory the contents of every book. I’m hoping that a discreet return will be in everyone’s best interest. And who knows what else of theirs we’ll find when we’ve finished going through that storage unit? The important thing is to restore the losses. Especially since the thief has already gone to meet his maker.

“By the way, I thought you’d appreciate this.” Lila twisted around and lifted the black coat that was on the back of her chair. “Ruth found it in her husband’s closet.” She opened the coat. “Here’s how he got away with it.” A patchwork of pockets had been sewn inside. “And look at this.” She showed Emily a hook in the lining. Hanging from it was a thin black-felt pocket. From it, Lila drew out an X-Acto knife with a plastic sheath.

Emily took the coat from Lila and shook it out in front of her. She draped it over her own shoulders, then threaded her arms through the sleeves. She buttoned two top buttons. The coat fit snug across her shoulders but loose, almost tent-like, in the middle. Plenty of room for whatever you wanted to slip into those deep pockets. Plus the coat was a lot heavier than you’d have expected. Feeling around the lining, she realized why. Like a curtain, its hem had weights sewn into it. “Do you think Mrs. Murphy knew what he was up to?” Emily asked.

“I suppose it’s possible.” Lila gave a heavy sigh and sank back into her chair. “But if she did, then why would she bring us his coat?” Lila carried her empty cereal bowl and coffee cup to the sink, rinsed them out, and put them in the dishwasher. “Unless . . .” She turned around and leaned against the counter, resting her chin on her hand, considering. Then gave her head a shake. “She really knows next to nothing about books and prints. More likely she was the naïve magician’s assistant. Enthusiastic old biddy, chatting up librarians. Lowering their guard. Not realizing that he brought her along to divert attention while he made things disappear.” Lila glanced at her watch. “I hope I’m right. Time to face the music.” Lila picked up her purse, fished out her car keys, and left the house.

Alone in the kitchen, Emily unbuttoned the coat and started to take it off. That’s when she realized something else odd about it. The buttons were on the left side, buttonholes on the right.