Chapter 18

The Return of the Boys

They trudged through the rain for an hour. Eventually, they ran into a couple out walking their dog. They borrowed the couple’s cell phone and called the GPF. The GPF contacted the authorities and gave them a description of the woman. They also told them about the helicopter and the direction it was headed.

Mr. Pink was sent to collect the boys. He drove them back to Dublin and the Lucky Leprechaun hotel.

There, they found Ms. Humphries and the others eating a late lunch in the downstairs café. When Jack, Max, and their “dad” arrived, everyone—including Ms. Humphries—was surprised.

Mr. Pink explained that his wife had made a full and “miraculous” recovery. He asked whether his sons could rejoin the trip. Ms. Humphries gave him another form to sign. After Mr. Pink scribbled an “X,” Jack and Max were welcomed back into the group. Mr. Pink left the boys with the others. By now, Jack and Max were starving.

Just then, there was a news flash on the hotel TV. The same female reporter from before appeared excitedly on the screen.

We’ve just received word that the police have confirmed the identity of the thief. A woman posing as a school teacher from Surrey Academy in England is suspected of stealing the Book of Kells. She brought her students on a field trip to Dublin as an excuse to carry out her elaborate plan.

This caught the attention of Ms. Humphries and the other students. Their eyes shot toward the TV.

This is a photo of the woman.

A photo flashed on the screen. It was a picture of Miss Murphy.

Ms. Humphries’s fork fell out of her hand. Beth Williams’s food spilled out of her mouth.

She was working under the alias of Catriona Murphy. If anyone has any information about the whereabouts of this woman, please contact the Irish police. She is still in possession of the Book of Kells. The authorities are keen to apprehend her.

Ms. Humphries looked back to the table of students. She was thinking of what to say. She composed herself and picked up her fork.

“I never liked her anyway,” she said, shoveling a bit of food into her mouth. “A little too perfect, if you ask me.”