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“Very well.I’ll expect a full account by this evening.”Winterbourne addressed Evander as they rose.“Ravenwood, a word in private before you leave?”

The others filed out, Leon casting a final glance at Evander that did not go unnoticed by Viggo.Winterbourne’s formal demeanour relaxed slightly when the door closed behind them.

“Evander,” he said, using his first name as he did only in private, “are you certain about involving Stonewall so deeply in this?The man has a complicated history with magical authorities.”

Evander grasped the commander’s unease on the matter.

“Viggo’s network has already provided information we would never have obtained through official channels,” he said quietly.“And his insight into the thrall community is invaluable.”He paused, a faint smile curving his lips.“Less you forget, he was also the one who identifiedNoctis Bloomas the ingredient the dark mages were using in their rituals.”

Winterbourne studied him, his expression unreadable.“There’s more to your relationship with him than professional collaboration, isn’t there?”

Surprise jolted Evander at the frank question.It was unlike Winterbourne to delve into his private life.A heavy feeling settled in his stomach as he met his commander’s steady stare.

The fact that he and Viggo had a close association that went beyond their mutual interest in enacting justice for thralls was a secret he knew he could not keep forever.And neither did he wish to, despite London society’s views on the subject of two men entering an amorous relationship.He was not ashamed of who he was and neither was Viggo.

It was a moment before he spoke.

“My personal affairs are my own concern, Commander.”

Winterbourne’s expression grew shuttered as he grasped the answer hidden in his words.

“Normally, I would agree.But these are not normal circumstances.If your judgment is compromised?—”

“It isn’t,” Evander cut in.“And it never will be.”

Winterbourne held his gaze for a long moment before sighing.“Very well.But tread carefully.This case has implications that reach far beyond Scotland Yard.”

Queen Victoria’s face swam in front of Evander’s eyes.

“I’m well aware.And Reginald?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for your concern.I know you mean well.”

Winterbourne’s expression softened.

Evander found Viggo and Rufus waiting in the corridor outside the administrative offices, their postures tense.

“Did you send a message toNightshade?”he asked the Brute.

Viggo nodded stiffly.“I’ve asked Solomon and Finn to put the information we gathered in a report for Winterbourne.”

Evander frowned at his expression.He looked at Rufus.“Where are Leon and Shaw?”

“Shaw went to talk to Dr.Mortimer about James Harker’s necropsy,” Rufus replied awkwardly.“Leon said he wanted to get some fresh air.”He glanced at Viggo.

Evander’s heart sank.From the Brute’s mutinous mien, it appeared words had been exchanged in his absence.

He looked out the window.The rain had abated.

“Let us leave,” he said curtly.“The sooner we start investigating Whitley’s lab, the better.”

“Is everything alright?”Viggo asked in a low voice as they made their way back to the main entrance.

“Yes,” Evander replied, though the lie tasted bitter on his tongue.“Just some administrative details.”

“By the way,” Rufus said to Viggo uneasily as they negotiated the stairs.“Did something happen between you and Leon that I’m unaware of?He seemed very hostile towards you just now.”