A mystery writer reflects on lost flags, a cryptic bird sighting, and the thrill of chasing clues—both in fiction and real life.

“Of course you have heard of Pascal’s Wager?” my friend asked. “Uh, remind me,” I said, knowing where his question was headed. Our recent conversations had turned to matters of the hereafter and who was still left from our old college gang. We let the young waitress refill our coffee and gather-up our pastry plates. Now retired from a legal career, my friend had returned to school for a masters in theology. Well, he said, Pascal argued when in doubt whether God exists, wh