Evander’s blood ran cold. “What kind of suspicious circumstances?”
Leon’s frustration bled through in his voice. “Heart failures that weren’t consistent with their medical histories. Accidents that seemed too convenient. Disappearances that were never solved.”
Ginny traced the list of names with a finger. “Six deaths in Paris, two in Lyon, one in Bordeaux, and the final three in Nice, Marseille, and Toulouse.”
Viggo frowned. “That’s a pretty wide geographical kill zone.”
“Which means whoever was behind those deaths was after people who had something specific in common,” Solomon concluded in a dangerous tone.
“Could it be knowledge about the Crimson Codex?” Shaw suggested sharply.
Evander dipped his chin. “I cannot think of anything else under the circumstances.”
“I agree,” Fairbridge murmured.
“Have the victims been examined by your Arcane Forensics medical examiners?” Rufus asked Leon tensely.
“I am having them exhumed as we speak.” The Frenchman suddenly looked tired. “As you can imagine, it’s not been an easy task, what with having to explain to the families why the French authorities want to dig up their loved ones after so long.”
“Ah,” Fairbridge murmured. “That explains the piece in today’s newspaper.”
Evander’s mind raced.
“If we go with the theory that someone may be systematically eliminating anyone who knows about the Codex, then there could be more victims.” He frowned at Leon. “When was the last death?”
“A month ago. My colleagues didn’t make the link to the Musgrave incident until I returned to Paris and made my report.”
Tension knotted Evander’s shoulders. “Do you have other names in mind? Researchers who are still alive but could become potential future victims?”
Admiration flared briefly in Leon’s eyes. “That is exactly what my commander recommended I look into. We have a couple of names in Paris. We are currently trying to trace their whereabouts.”
Something in Leon’s voice had Evander pinning him with a wary stare.
“What is it you’re not telling us?”
“These are not the only unusual disappearances that have taken place in Europe,” Leon confessed reluctantly.
Fairbridge narrowed his eyes. “You mean, there have been similar incidents in other countries?”
“Yes.” Leon met their gazes squarely. “I believe they are part of something much larger. Which is why I’ve been coordinating with someone else—someone who’s been tracking similar disappearances from a different angle.”
“Who?” Viggo asked sharply.
Leon hesitated, something flickering across his face that Evander couldn’t quite read. “Someone in Brussels. They’ve uncovered information about a gathering—a convergence of some kind. They believe it involves dark mages, wealthy patrons, and researchers who’ve gone underground.” He paused. “They think the Crimson Codex may surface there.”
Evander frowned. “In Brussels?”
“He’s not certain yet.”
Evander drummed his fingers on the table. From what Whitley had reported to them, Musgrave had mentioned a possible Vienna connection.
“Brussels is where Princess Victoria’s tour is headed next.” Fairbridge’s expression had grown shuttered.
Confusion clouded Leon’s face. “Princess Victoria?”
Evander explained.
Leon’s eyes widened. “She invited you to tour with her?”
