“We’ve got to take that chance,” she said. “C’mon. We’re running out of time.”

Norman reluctantly pulled out the handcuffs. “If he shoots us, I’m blaming you.”

“Fair enough,” she said. “Now, cuff me.” She felt the cold metal slip around her wrists and click tight.

“So what’s the plan?”

“We’re going to have to improvise a little,” she said, explaining the rest of her thin idea as they exited the vehicle.

Norman positioned April in front of him and began hustling her toward Agent Meng, who took immediate notice of their activity. “Sonofagun,” Norman said. “He’s going to put us down before we reach the end of the block.”

“Just stay confident,” April said, watching as Meng trained his pistol on them. “He’s only going to let us in if he believes us.”

They walked the remainder of the trip in silence, keeping a close eye on the gun.

“The library’s closed,” Meng said as they closed the gap to twenty yards. “FBI business. You two are going to need to get out of here.”

“Agent Meng,” Norman said. “It’s Officer Briggs. We met earlier.”

The gun lowered a little. “I remember. Hold on. Is that Ms. Adams with you?” The weapon rose back up.

“It is,” Norman said. They were now at the bottom of the gargantuan steps leading up to the Library of Congress. “You didn’t hear?”

“Didn’t hear what?”

“Your boys had a little bit of an accident. Called me in to help.”

“Why would they call you?”

Norman grunted in April’s ear. “Because they knew I wanted to help.”

“We don’t need your help.”

“Really? Because Ms. Adams would have gotten away if it wasn’t for me. Seems she attempted a daring escape. Almost made it, too.”

Meng stood flicking the safety on the gun on and off, on and off. “Come up here.”

Norman pushed April up the stairs.

Meng pulled out his phone. “Stop right there.” He dialed a number. He hung up and dialed another number. He put the phone away and swore under his breath. The door behind him opened, and a man in a dark-gray suit stepped out.

“Sir, we’re having some trouble.”

“I’m a little busy here,” said Meng, stepping aside to reveal Norman and April.

“What are they doing here?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. You hear anything about an accident?”

“No.”

Meng walked over to April. “Look at me.”

She raised her head.

“You’re in charge of the Gutenberg Bible, so you must know about the display-case security mechanisms, right?”

April remained silent. She knew more than mere curiosity drove his question. He’d already sent her away once to keep her from interfering. What would he do this time?