Read My Brother's Crown for Free Online Page A

especially loved and encouraged by him.
    His inviting me in on the authentication process when I was still in grad school had meant so much to me. As a student of colloid and surface chemistry, my goal to work with security printing was about as cutting edge and future focused as one could get. Yet somehow he knew that involving me with this pamphlet from the past would have an influence on that work. The authentication had given me such perspective into the longevity, durability, and stability of not just ink but paper as well. It had been a valuable experience, both personally and professionally, and I would always be grateful for it.
    Swinging open the safe’s door now, I spotted the pale green case atop a pile of papers and some velvet jewelry boxes. I was just pulling it out when a man spoke.
    â€œYour grandfather sure had varied tastes in reading.”
    Startled, I jerked my head around to see Blake standing in front of the bookshelves, perusing the titles of Granddad’s collection.
    â€œI like how he organized them, though,” he continued, his eyes slowly scanning up and down. “Looks like he has them grouped by subject, then alphabetized by book title within those groupings.”
    â€œWhat are you doing in here?” I demanded, feeling utterly intruded upon. What made him think it was okay to waltz into a private office as though he owned the place?
    â€œWhat do you mean?” he asked, his attention still focused on the shelves. “Of course I’m in here. Like I said before, wherever that pamphlet goes, I go. ”
    Pursing my lips, I turned back to the safe and closed and locked the door. Then I looked toward this unwanted protector and just stood there, clutching the case to my chest. How could one person be so appealing on the one hand, yet so obstinate and irritating on the other?
    â€œOh, wow,” Blake said, oblivious to my thoughts. He was too busy reaching for a book and pulling it out to take a closer look. “ The Little Prince . I loved this when I was a kid.” He held it gingerly and turned the pages with care. “Such a great story. So many layers, you know?”
    Seriously? We were going to stand here and discuss a children’s book when there was work to do? I was about to say as much when he continued.
    â€œWhat’s the famous line? Something about learning to see with the heart instead of the eyes?”
    â€œI wouldn’t know,” I replied. “I haven’t had the pleasure.”
    With that, I started walking toward the door. If he wanted to go wherever the pamphlet went, then he was welcome to follow along—or not, his choice.
    â€œWait, what?” he said, quickly closing the book and sliding it back into place on the shelf. “You’ve never read The Little Prince ?”
    I kept going, and as I moved into the main hallway he fell into step behind me.
    â€œNope. Saw the movie version, the one with Shirley Temple.”
    He caught up and walked at my side. “No, no. That was The Little Prin cess.”
    â€œOh, sorry. Well, at least I’ve listened to the music. I like Purple Rain.”
    â€œPurple Rai—That’s Prince . The singer.” Only then did he realize I was making fun of him. “Ah. Think you’re smart, huh, Talbot?”
    I shrugged, working hard to stifle a smile. “That’s the rumor, anyway,” I said before moving into the room and leaving him in my wake.

C HAPTER T HREE
    Renee
    A s Dr. Underwood pulled on his white gloves, Blake recounted for us the various steps he was taking to ensure the protection of the Persecution Pamphlet during the reunion. It sounded as if he had things well covered, including various alarms and cameras and even a security guard who would be standing watch during viewing hours.
    â€œOf course, I’ll be around that day myself too,” he added, “to relieve the guard for breaks and make sure things are running smoothly.