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Leon’s jaw tightened as he ran his fingers through his wet locks.

Evander swallowed a sigh.He’d expected some tension between the two men today.He just hoped the situation didn’t deteriorate like it had last night.

Leon ignored the Brute and addressed him.

“You ought to be more careful, mon cher duc.The walls have eyes and ears, even in this place.”

“Why are you soaked to the bone?”

“I forgot to bring an umbrella,” came the sullen reply.

“You could have used your wind magic to deflect the rain,” Evander observed.

“I was distracted,” Leon retorted.His gaze swung between Evander and Viggo, his expression piqued.“It appears you two kissed and made up.”

Viggo drew himself to his full height.

Evander frowned at the Frenchman.“I don’t see how that is any of your concern.”He glimpsed Viggo’s surprised glance.

A hurt look danced in Leon’s eyes.He recovered his composure.

“We are to visit the Institute this morning,” he said coldly.“Why is he here?”

Viggo’s face darkened.“Hehas a name.”

Evander pinched the bridge of his nose and prayed for patience.He was saved from the awkward situation by Rufus’s and Shaw’s arrivals.

“Good morning, your Grace.Leon.”Rufus acknowledged Viggo with a friendly nod.“Viggo.”

The veiled animosity he used to harbour for the Brute had dissipated after they’d attended several dinner parties together at Ginny’s.The fact that Viggo knew Ophelia’s secret and had sworn to protect it had also put him squarely in the inspector’s good books.

“Whatcha doing here, Mr.Stonewall?”Shaw said cheerfully.

“I’m pretty sure I told you to call me Viggo, Miss Shaw,” the Brute drawled.

Shaw rocked back on her heels and sucked air between her teeth.“It feels wrong to address a hero by his first name.”

Leon curled a lip.

Viggo grimaced.“I think the citizens of London would be shocked if they heard you.”

Rufus wrinkled his brow slightly, his gaze swinging from Leon to Evander and Viggo.“Are you here on business?”he asked the Brute.

“Yes.”

Rufus tensed.“Do you bring news of theNoctis Bloomtrade?”

“Not quite,” Viggo murmured.

Evander glanced around.The corridor had gotten busier.

“Some new developments have come to light regarding our investigation,” he explained guardedly.“We are on our way to talk to Commander Winterbourne about them.The three of you should come along.”

Leon, Rufus, and Shaw exchanged a puzzled look.

Sergeant Griffiths, who was manning the Arcane Division reception, greeted Viggo with a respectful nod.

“It’s good to see you, Mr.Stonewall.”