The Librarian

Lutsis came out of the bedroom. He was holding something like a miniature steel casket or a case with a chain attached to it. Lying on velvet in one half of it, like a violin in its case, was the Book. Lutsis closed the lid and an internal lock clicked. Denis was very solemn, as if this was a ceremony for the award of some kind of decoration.

“Are you all set?”

“Almost. I just need to get a wash and have some coffee.”

“The coffee can wait. This is something more important…” Lutsis held out the casket to me. It was slightly bigger than the actual Book and proved to be quite weighty. The sturdy steel chain passed through a ring welded to the end of it, so that the Book could be worn like a pectoral icon.

“Put it on,” said Lutsis, confirming what I was thinking. “It’s your privilege as a librarian and the corresponding badge of rank…”

I asked if I could carry it in my hand for the time being. Denis told me reproachfully that it wasn’t a man-purse. I submissively lowered my head and he hung the Book, as heavy as a convict’s chains, around my neck.