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“I have the feeling we’ll be seeing each other sooner than we think How’s your research going on the New Bedford anomaly?”

“I’ve been going over what ” She frowned, and said, “I think I hear Dooley”

Song walked Kurt to the end of the dock They eot in the boat, he reached into his rucksack and pulled out a package wrapped in plain paper He handed it to Lee

“You ht find this of interest,” he said

Lee took the wrapping off and stared at the book in her hand

The blue leather cover was crinkled with age and weathered froe and read aloud:

“November 20, 1847 Wind northwest at ten knots Good ship Princess departs New Bedford on e Adventure and prosperity beckon H Dobbs”

“It’s the book!” she said “Where did you find it?”

“The Trouts picked it up when they went to New Bedford for the dedication Seee was true The book was part of a dowry he gave his daughter It’s been in her family since then They’d like it back after you’re done with it”

Kurt gave Song a peck on the cheek, then got in the boat with Dooley As the boat headed toward thefinally see She waved her hand and shouted a thank-you

“Too bad you got to leave Dr Lee so soon,” Dooley said

“That’s okay,” Austin said “She’s got a young guy to keep her company”

“Sorry to hear that,” Dooley said with real concern “Anybody I know?”

“Probably not His name is Caleb Nye”

“Women,” Dooley muttered with a sad shake of his head

Minutes later, they broke out of the oosed the throttle, and the boat raced across the blue-green waters of the bay to the distant mainland