Laurie’s expression reflected her exasperation. “Change of plans,” she said while gently bobbing the baby. “I’m thinking we’ll have to eat takeout again. You’ll have to run down to Columbus Avenue after your shower.”

Jack nodded and could tell she was quizzically eyeing the cell phone in his hand. He held it up. “I’m just on a quick call to someone about tomorrow’s plans.”

“I can see,” Laurie said. “In the bathroom?”

“Just before I was about to shower, I remembered I was supposed to call this person earlier.”

“Whatever,” Laurie said. “JJ and I will be lying down in the bedroom.” She moved on down the hall.

“I’ll be in there as soon as I finish the shower,” Jack called after her.

Jack closed the door, wondering if he was going to have to explain himself more. Returning to the phone, he apologized to James.

“No apology needed,” James insisted. “I’m just crushed I’ve been reduced to a mere someone.”

“Sorry to sound so impersonal. I’ll explain next time I see you.”

“That sounds like a newborn.”

“Four months.”

“You didn’t tell me. Congratulations!”

“Thank you. Now, back to Shawn and the letter. As I said, it looked authentic because it appeared very old, with edges so dark they almost looked burnt. Of course, I couldn’t read any of it since it’s written in Greek.”

“I surely wouldn’t have expected you to be able to read it,” James said. “Was he happy about you obtaining permission for them to use the lab at the OCME DNA building?”

“He was thrilled.”

“When are they starting?”

“Tomorrow. Actually, I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten in touch with you. He told me he was going to stop by the residence and pick up the ossuary, and then meet me in front of the DNA building before eight.”

“Typical Shawn,” James said. “Thinking of others has never been his strong suit. I’ll give him a call as soon as we hang up.”

“He’s extremely excited about this discovery. He sees it as his path to glory and comeuppance for the Church. My guess is that he feels strongly that if the Church is wrong in relation to the Virgin Mary, it can be wrong in other arenas.”