Kush sighed. "John, let's be careful about jumping to conclusions."

Controlling the agitation in his voice, John Achatz now sounded authoritative. "Kush, I'm serious. Do you realize what it would mean if The Buonorotti Anagram disappeared?"

"Of course I do."

"Every book group in Eastern Massachusetts, which has one of the highest average educational attainment levels in the world, would be up in arms. It could be the beginning of an insurrection."

"You're right," Kush concurred. "Look John, does anyone else know about this yet?"

"I haven't breathed a word--but it's just a matter of time. We need to get word to Shirley Blanchard."

Kush was already getting back into his wrinkled travel clothes. "Let's meet someplace we can talk securely and not on this electronic gizmo."

"How about the Boston Public Library? It's the oldest public library in the country, and arguably the grandest, designed by the celebrated architects McKim, Mead and White. It should be pretty quiet there at this hour."