Emily heard Lila’s keyboard clicking. “That map . . . oh my.” She was silent for so long Emily wondered what she was thinking. Before she could ask, Lila said, “I’d have to see it to know for sure, but it looks like it’s a page from a four-volume collection of illustrated travel stories. The Pilgrimage. Published in 1625. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the one you found online realized a good deal more than twelve thousand dollars. Of course, the map’s been reproduced, but if it’s the real deal . . .” More clicking, then Lila said, “I’m in the Blaine catalogue. Their special collections. Here it is, a four-volume set. According to them, the book that map should be in is on their shelf.”

“So, the question is—” Emily began.

“—does theirs have a page missing. We’d have to go there and take a look.”

“Of course. And that’s just the first document I’ve looked at. There’s dozens more. Will you come up and give us a hand?”

“Emmy, let your fingers do the walking. Boston’s full of antiquarian book experts. I’m sure there are people who’d be happy to consult, especially if your client is thinking about selling.”

“You’re as knowledgeable as anyone. And Mrs. Murphy will like you. She’ll trust you.”

“Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence, but my eyesight’s not what it used to be, and my back—”

“Bullshit.”

“Don’t swear.”

“Hogwash.”

“Well . . .”

“Admit it, you’d love to get in there and be the first to see what’s what.”

“Mold? Mildew?”

“I have an endless supply of breathing masks.”

“Swell.”

“You’ll come, won’t you?”

Lila laughed. “You know you had me at old books. But I’ve got bridge this afternoon.”

“Tomorrow, then. That works. Thank you. I’ll make up the bed in the guest room.”

“Please give Frank a heads-up. Tell him I’m looking forward to seeing him.” She ended the call with her distinctive laugh.

12

“WELL, I WAS not expecting you ladies back so soon,” Mrs. Murphy said an hour later. She seemed only mildly puzzled by Emily and Becca’s return, more preoccupied with not having tea sandwiches to offer them than with the reason for this unexpected visit. Emily was still feeling the effects of the night before and was just as glad there wasn’t any food.

From the living room décor, you’d never know that the man of the house had collected fine old books and prints. There was just one small bookcase, its shelves filled with paperbacks, mostly romance novels and mysteries. The artwork, such as it was, consisted of plaques printed with cheery aphorisms like CHERISH YESTERDAY, LIVE TODAY, DREAM TOMORROW. And LIVE WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH. The likely source for these was a Christmas Tree Shop, not an antiques dealer.