“The head of the FBI’s Rare Asset Recovery Unit in Washington was on the way, and it was his opinion that the thieves might contact the school quickly and want a deal. Publicity, and there would be an avalanche of it, would only complicate matters.”

In the aftermath of the theft, Princeton and the FBI have to not only look for the thieves, but also consider how to handle the publicity of the theft. This quote also shows that this type of theft is fairly common—there is a protocol that both sides understand, and they assume that the thieves will ask for a ransom. It is only after this approach leads to no results does Elaine’s company step in and investigate on their own.

“There were no more ties to the past. He was alone and free and excited about the turn of events, but also nervous now that the news was breaking. Getting out of the country was imperative. That was not what he had planned, but things could not be lining up more perfectly. Plans—nothing ever goes as planned, and the survivors are the ones who can adapt on the fly.”

Denny has just discovered that the news about the theft has been made public, but rather than scare him, it energizes him. In the end, Denny doesn’t have the patience to be successful, and one of his first mistakes happens here, when he abandons the plan. Unlike Bruce, who executes his plan perfectly, Denny relies on adaptability, but is unable to follow through.

“But the one constant was that those giving advice enjoyed what they were doing. They loved books, and literature, and writers, the whole publishing scene, and they were willing to put in long hours and deal with customers because they considered theirs to be a noble calling.”

Bruce travels the country, asking owners of independent bookstores about their business. While they have a wide range of responses about the success or viability of the bookselling business, they all share a passion for books. Bruce’s talks with these people are what leads to his lifelong career as a book seller, and even though he deals in rare and sometimes stolen books, Bruce’s character is revealed through his genuine commitment to his bookstore and the writing community on Camino Island.