“We believe, based on our visual examination, that the book is authentic, but the analysis will be largely definitive,” Inga said. “If it is authentic, we would be interested in making the purchase as soon as possible.”
“Oh,” I said. “You want to buy it?” I glanced over at Beattie, who looked just as surprised as I was. “I wasn’t aware.”
Gunnar nodded. “We prefer to see items before we make the interest of the government known.”
“The government?” Beattie said. “The Icelandic government wants to buy the book.”
“If it is what we all believe it to be,” Adaire said, “it is a national treasure. I suspect you’d display it at the national museum.”
“Yes,” Inga said. “You saw the other books of sagas as you came in?”
We all nodded. “This would be another item for that collection.” She met my
