Chapter Twelve
Professor Kirov was a font of information. He also seemed eager and happy to share. I settled in for a lecture.
“You see,” Kirov continued. “Smuggling artifacts—or cultural property, as it’s generally called—is among the top ten most profitable crimes. And the U.S. is one of the top markets for illicit cultural property of all kinds. You’re probably aware that the Washington area has quite a few museums.”
“I’ve heard there’s a little place called the Smithsonian,” I chimed in, unable to resist.
“Yes, but not just the Smithsonian. There are private museums, as well as cultural and historical societies throughout the Baltimore-D.C. area.”
Brief thoughts of the cultural artifacts from the Middle East floated through my head. I vaguely recalled a line from Full Metal Jacket
