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“You mean like shape-shifting?”Leon said sharply.

Brown nodded.“Precisely.This particular formula is designed to alter the physical appearance of the imbiber—changing hair colour, facial features, even height to a limited degree.”

Evander gave the alchemist a puzzled look.“Why not just use an Illusion Amulet?”

“This potion has a long half-life,” Brown explained.“It offers more protection to someone who wishes to disguise themselves for an extended period of time.An amulet might fall off or get accidentally discarded.”

Evander rubbed his jaw thoughtfully.“This vial was discovered the night James Thornfield went missing.”

“Could he have used the potion to escape the people who were after him?”Rufus suggested.

Leon lowered his brows.“That would be a clever way to fool his pursuers.The first-year student I spoke to did mention seeing two women fleeing across the quadrangle that night.”

“Which means he probably had someone helping him,” Evander concluded in a hard voice.

There was a good chance James Thornfield had gone into hiding instead of being kidnapped by whoever had gone after Whitley and Chevalier.They had to find him before their enemy did.

They thanked Brown and departed the lab.

Evander shot a frown at Rufus.“It’s about time we paid a visit to Lady Whitley.”

The inspector nodded.

“I’m afraid I shall have to pass,” Leon said, chagrined.“I have a report to write for my superiors in Paris.”

“And I need to return to the guild and help set up the bait plan for those dark mages,” Viggo admitted reluctantly.

Evander hesitated when they reached the reception.“Will I see you later?”he asked quietly.

Viggo’s soft smile set his heart aflutter.“We’re laying the trap involving Solomon tonight.It will be late, but I’ll make sure to come to you after.”

Chapter28

Rain drummedagainst the police carriage windows as Evander and Rufus made their way through Kensington’s tree-lined streets.Evander gazed blindly at the elegant houses they passed, lost in contemplation.

“Do you believe Lady Whitley knows more than she’s letting on?”Rufus asked, breaking the silence.“Shaw did interview her briefly the morning she came to report her husband’s disappearance.”

“That’s what we’re here to determine,” Evander replied as the carriage slowed before a handsome brick residence set back from the road.“This visit is well overdue.”

They alighted under the shelter of their umbrellas and made their way up the gravel path to the front door.The sombre-faced housekeeper who admitted them into the house led them to a well-appointed drawing room where Elizabeth Whitley awaited.

She was a slender woman in her mid-forties, her intelligent face composed despite the strain evident in the shadows beneath her eyes.She wore a dark green dress that spoke of restrained elegance and wore her golden hair neatly coiled at the nape of her neck.

“Your Grace.”She rose and greeted Evander with a formal curtsy.“Inspector Grayson.”She addressed her housekeeper.“Betty, some tea, please.”

“Yes, my Lady.”The housekeeper left.

“Thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice, Lady Whitley,” Evander said as he and Rufus took the seats she offered.

“It is I who must thank you for coming in person.”A trace of bitterness underscored her voice.“I would rather this than the incessant barrage of visitors from the Institute.”

Evander exchanged a surprised glance with Rufus.

“You’ve had unwanted guests from the Institute?”

“Yes.Some of Walter’s colleagues have been to the house.”Lady Whitley’s expression grew pinched.“Most came to enquire about my welfare, but a few persisted in suggesting Walter had simply gone on an unannounced research trip.As if he would ever behave so irresponsibly after twenty years of marriage.”

Rufus removed a small notebook from his coat pocket.“When did you last see your husband, Mrs.Whitley?”