“Exactly,” Jack said. Stunned by Laurie’s idea that he might be having an affair, his mind went to his promise to James. He’d sworn not to mention the possibility of finding the bones of the Virgin Mary, not about the existence of the ossuary itself. There’d been no concern about letting Alex Jaszek in on the existence of the relic. Jack wanted something significant to share with Laurie to totally eliminate her concern about his having an affair.

“Last night I told you that I was giving up on my crusade about alternative medicine, even though I’m in sorry need of a diversion. Well, as luck would have it, a diversion has literally dropped into my lap.”

“Wonderful,” Laurie said, still struggling to recover her composure. “I’m glad to hear it. What is it?”

Jack told the story about the ossuary from the beginning, and as he knew it would, it totally captivated and fascinated Laurie, even without the possible association with the Virgin Mary.

“I had no idea you even knew the archbishop of New York,” Laurie said, truly shocked.

“It was part of my old life which I’ve tried to forget,” Jack explained. “Actually I was surprised Shawn didn’t mention it when we had dinner with him and his wife.”

“I wonder,” Laurie said. “But no matter. I just find it astonishing, as is the whole story of the ossuary and the scrolls. I can’t wait to hear more.”

“I feel the same. As a diversion, I couldn’t have asked for anything more engaging. If I believed in a merciful God, I’d think it heaven-sent.” Jack smiled inwardly, realizing how true this really was.

“I apologize for even thinking about you having an affair,” Laurie murmured. “I’m not myself these days.”

“No need to apologize,” Jack said. “Neither of us are ourselves, me in particular.”

“Of course you can go to dinner tonight,” Laurie said, “with my blessing.”

“Thank you,” Jack said. “But it makes me feel more guilty than I already feel. Can you understand that?”

“I do.”

“And can you understand that I would prefer you were coming along,” Jack said, while suppressing the thought about wishing they’d not had the child, especially since it had required in vitro fertilization assistance.

“Of course I can understand, and under different circumstances I would love to come, if not just to meet the archbishop.”

“You’ll meet the archbishop,” Jack said. “Especially since he said he specifically is looking forward to meeting you.”

“Now, with the dinner issue out of the way, there’s one more point I want to make. It’s a beautiful day, and since JJ is asleep, why don’t you head outside for a while for some air?”

A broad smile spread across Laurie’s face. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m okay.”