April 15, 2016
Grinnell, Iowa

Ramsey heard the call end and breathed out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t been certain that Myriam would be willing to host Paige and Maggie. And he was relieved when he learned that she and Hiram had gotten back together again. There was nothing left for him to do. Ron Grange had arranged the flights for everyone. They would meet at O’Hare Airport midmorning on Saturday.

This work in Blue Island is the beginning of what I’m supposed to be doing, he thought to himself, even though he knew on another level he hadn’t finished with what the shrine and Adam had brought up for him.

On the other hand, he was a little worried about Paige. The more he told her about the events surrounding the shrine and his search for Adam, the more he could sense her distancing herself from him. He wanted to ask her about what was going on, but he didn’t want to sabotage the trip to the shrine. He needed a female chaperone and she was the logical choice.

At the same time, today was a big day for the two of them. Ramsey was going to introduce Paige as the new co-instructor of the class he had been teaching with Orensen.

Then he had to drive to Des Moines. Grossinger had left a cryptic message on his phone that he had important things to give him, writings that Adam wanted Ramsey to have. The message ended, “2pm, tomorrow, same place.” Ramsey tried calling back but only got Grossinger’s voice message. He was being pulled back in again, he thought, but knew he had to go.

Ramsey heard steps coming down the stairs. Paige had gone for a makeover the day before. She looked ten years younger and very much alive with energy. “Good morning,” she chirped. “Now I’m the nervous one.”

“Wow, you look great. They are all going to love you and that’s even before you speak.”

“If all goes well. A little celebration after?”

“Actually I have to leave for Des Moines immediately after we finish the class. Remember I told you about Adam’s best friend in Des Moines?”

Paige’s mood turned somber. “More of that crazy Adam stuff. I thought you said you were done with that.”

“I never said that. I said I thought it was done with me.” Then Ramsey realized how ridiculous this was. He began to laugh nervously. “I’m sorry, Paige, I didn’t mean to put you off. It’s just that I have this notion the Adam stuff is going to be important. How about we celebrate after I get back from Des Moines?”

Paige smiled. “Thanks for the apology. I’ll make reservations for us at your favorite restaurant.” They bumped fists. “Now let’s put on a show for these minds hungry for knowledge.”