“What was the priest’s name?” I asked.

Dora gave a tight shake of her head.

“He was from the Beauce. I remember that. He cal ed uszayde andbubbe. ”

“Where did your son meet this priest?”

“Yeshiva University.”

“In New York?”

Dora nodded. “Avram and Yossi had just graduated from McGil . Avram was much more spiritual back then. He was studying to be a rabbi. This priest was taking courses in Near Eastern religions, or some such thing. They were drawn to each other, being the only Canadians, I suppose.” Dora’s eyes drifted.

“Was he a priest then?” she said more to herself than to us. “Or did he become a priest later?” Dora’s fingers tightened. Her hand trembled. “Oh, dear.

Oh, my.”

Miriam stepped toward Ryan.

“Detective, I real y must object.”

Ryan caught my eye. We both rose.

Miriam sent Ryan off with a carbon copy of her earlier adieu.

“Find who did this, Detective, but please don’t upset my mother-in-law when she is alone.”

“First, she seemed more in reverie than upset. Second, I can’t have such limits on my investigation. But we wil attempt to be kind.” Nothing for me.

Back in the car Ryan wondered why I’d asked about Lerner.

“I haven’t a clue,” I said.

“Good impulse,” he said.

“Good impulse,” I agreed.

We also agreed that Lerner deserved fol ow-up.

While Ryan drove, I listened to my messages.

Three.

Al from Jake Drum.

I’ve got contact information for Yossi Lerner. Cal me.

I’ve talked to Yossi Lerner. Cal me.

Amazing news. Cal me.

Each “cal me” was more agitated than the one before.

I told Ryan.

“Cal the man,” he said.

“You think?”

“Yes. I want more on Lerner.”

“I’m anxious to hear what Jake’s learned, but I’l be home shortly. I’d rather wait and talk on a land line. Mobile to mobile is worse than phoning Zambia.”

“Have you phoned Zambia?”

“I can never get through.”

Ten minutes later, Ryan dropped me at my condo.

“I’ve got a stakeout this weekend, and I’m already late.” He took my chin in his hands and thumbed my cheeks. “Stay on this Lerner thing. Let me know what Jake’s got.”

“Heart-thumping surveil ance,” I said.

“You know what I’d rather surveil,” he said.

“I’m not sure that’s a word.”

Ryan kissed me.

“I’l owe you,” he said.

“I’l col ect,” I said.

Ryan headed back to Wilfrid Derome. I headed inside.

After greeting Birdie and Charlie, I changed into jeans, and made a cup of Earl Grey. Then I took the handset to the sofa and punched in Jake’s number.

He answered on the first ring.

“You’re stil in France?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“You’re going to be late for your own dig.”

“They won’t start without me. I’m the boss.”

“I forgot that.”

“What I’m finding here is much more important.”

Birdie hopped into my lap. I stroked his head. He shot a leg and started licking his toes.

“I’ve spoken with Yossi Lerner.”