They made their way up to the suite, where Evander and the others had already gathered. The duke looked up as they entered. His blue eyes narrowed when he registered Viggo’s taut expression.
“What happened?”
Viggo and Ginny gave a terse summary of their meeting with Franz and the subsequent pursuit. Evander’s face grew increasingly grim as they spoke.
Ginny passed him the list Franz had given them.
“More missing mages and researchers,” Fairbridge muttered, reading over Evander’s shoulder. “It makes you wonder what they need this many people for.”
“Nothing good,” Evander said sourly.
“Any luck with the Arcane Division?” Viggo asked.
Evander shook his head, his frustration clear. “We didn’t uncover anything new. Shaw analysed their findings and confirmed they matched our own.”
The forensic mage nodded, looking fairly disappointed at not having unearthed any fresh clues.
“Let’s hope Laurenz Helnwein provides us with some answers,” Rufus said tensely.
CHAPTER 35
The Vienna State Operablazed with light against the evening sky, its Renaissance façade illuminated by dozens of gas lamps and enchanted orbs that transformed the building into a beacon of culture and wealth.
Evander adjusted his white gloves as their carriage joined the queue of vehicles depositing elegantly dressed patrons at the entrance. None of them had packed outfits for an opera. Luckily, Ginny knew a couple of modistes in the city and had them suitably attired by nightfall.
The knot in Evander’s stomach had more to do with what Laurenz might reveal to them tonight, than with the eyes that would soon be upon them. The strains of an orchestra tuning drifted through the crisp night air. He glanced to his right.
Viggo was resplendent in formal evening wear beside him. The Brute’s black tailcoat, white waistcoat, and perfectly knotted bow tie brought out his formidable physique. The effect was somewhat ruined by his expression.
“You look like you’re on your way to the gaol,” Evander said drily.
“And here I thought the royal reception in Brussels was bad,” Viggo retorted glumly. “This is worse.”
“I still don’t understand why we all had to come,” Solomon grumbled from the seat opposite, tugging at his collar like he was on a leash. “Surely a smaller party would be less conspicuous.”
Ginny batted his hand away. “Stop messing with your cravat. It took me an age to fix it for you.”
“Laurenz Helnwein requested the full team,” Evander replied while Solomon’s expression turned long suffering. “He wants to assess everyone who’ll be involved in protecting his family’s secrets.”
“And four hours of Wagner is the price of admission,” Rufus said.
The inspector looked about as thrilled as Viggo and Solomon to be there.
Shaw fidgeted next to him.
“What’s the matter?” Rufus asked.
“It’s my bosom, sir.”
A resigned expression dawned on Rufus’s face at this. “What about it?”
“It’s this dress Ginny lent me. It’s a little loose, since I am not as well-endowed as her in the chest area.” Shaw adjusted her cleavage with a grimace. “I fear I might accidentally expose myself.”
Horror widened Rufus’s eyes.
“Remember—she’s the best forensic mage in England,” Evander told him.
Their carriage finally reached the entrance. A liveried footman opened the door.
