Conspiracy about a hidden number

Question

I read a short story about a number between (IIRC) three and four being disappeared by a conspiracy. The short story revolves (again, IIRC but not that important) around the death of person (possibly scientist) having made the discovery, being harrassed and subsequently killed or gone missing. The police officer in charge wasn’t believing its story but subsequently the theory grew on him. While trying to explain it to his teammate, one of them drops three matches on a table to make a point,

I just can’t even remember if I read that on the web or in a book.

short stories story identification

I just can't even remember if I read that  on the web or in a book.

Valorum · Accepted Answer

You're describing "The Secret Number" by Igor Teper. The full version was originally published in 2000 on the www.strangehorizons.com website.
It's available (in full) online here.

"Bleem, that's what. Bleem!" shouted Ersheim, banging his fists
against the desk. He then leaned close to Tomlin and whispered, "The
secret integer between three and four."
"We have been over this, Professor -- there is no integer between
three and four."
"Tell that to Laszlo Bleem, Doctor," said Ersheim. "Only you can't --
he's dead," he added, giggling. Then he whispered, "He died for trying
to expose bleem."
"Laszlo Bleem died in a car accident, Professor."

at the end...

Tomlin watched in horror as the jelly bean described a parabola in the
air, ending up in Gene's mouth. "Want one?" asked Gene, motioning at
the remaining jelly beans. Tomlin looked down at the night table.
There were three jelly beans on the tabletop.

It was made into a short film in 2012 of the same name which you can see in full below.

A psychiatrist is compelled by his patient, an obsessive
mathematician, to consider the existence of a secret integer between
three and four.

user21959 · Answer

Your story sounds very similar to "The Secret Number" by Igor Teper.  In this story, Professor Ersheim discovers the number "bleem" between three and four.  He is institutionalized before disappearing.
One discrepancy is that Ersheim leaves behind three jellybeans.  The investigating officers takes one, leaving three remaining.
The story can be found here: http://strangehorizons.com/fiction/the-secret-number/

Conspiracy about a hidden number

2 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question