Without offering any explanation to Father Karlin, who was sitting just outside, James left his office, descended to the first floor, and used the indoor connection between the residence and the cathedral for the third time that day. When it was as cold as it was that day, it was a welcome luxury. Halfway he met up with Father Maloney, who said he’d deposited Luke in the central nave.

“You did fine work finding Luke,” James commented. “If what I’m trying to do happens, we will all be in your debt. He is exactly what I had in mind.”

“I am pleased to be of service, Your Eminence,” Father Maloney said. Lifting his head to make himself slightly taller, he strode away toward the residence.

As James passed through the cathedral, he made it a point to catch a brief glimpse of his new monk warrior. He was, as instructed, kneeling in prayer with his blue eyes closed but with the same beatific smile on his face. As if attracted like flies to honey, a group of people were clustered near him, making James wonder if they’d been drawn to him or he to them.

Emerging incognito from the front of the cathedral directly onto Fifth Avenue, James waved for a cab. Climbing in, he asked for 26th Street and First Avenue. He was pleased not to be recognized coming out of his own church.

With minimum traffic, the cab made good time. En route, he pulled out his cell phone and called Jack. As if pouncing on the call, Jack answered before the first ring had been completed. “That was fast,” James said. “Were you waiting for my call?”

“I thought it was going to be my wife, Laurie,” Jack said.

“Sorry to disappoint.”

“Not at all. In fact, I’m relieved. When I left this morning, our new baby was unhappy. I was concerned I was about to learn it had worsened. What’s up?”

“Where are you?”

“I’m with Sana and Shawn here at the OCME DNA building.”

“I was hoping that would be the case.”

“Why is that?”

“Simply because I’m on my way there as we speak. Ask Shawn if it is okay and if I’m welcome.”

Jack went off the line. James could hear him ask Shawn, and he could hear Shawn’s enthusiastic acquiescence. “Did you hear that?” Jack asked, coming back.

“I did.”

“When will you be here? I’ll have to come down to get you through security.”

“Rather quickly,” James said. “I’m in a taxi on Park Avenue passing Thirty-sixth Street at this very moment.”

“I’ll start down now,” Jack said.

Within five minutes, James’s taxi was cruising down 26th Street. James had the driver cross First Avenue and drop him off at the DNA building’s pullout. Jack was waiting just inside the glass revolving door.

“Thanks again for giving me a ride home last night,” Jack said.