That is my purpose for writing this letter. I wish to tell you everything I know of the organization. Unfortunately, the bulk of my understanding is limited to the Crescent. I also wish I knew the identity of the Serpent, but I was never privy to that information. I don’t know how much you know about the Crescent, so I shall tell you everything I know.
Selene had told them about the hierarchy of Circe in the Gallerie de Mestra back in December. The organization was split into three guilds: the Crescent was over the thieves, the Cypress over the murderers, and the Crossroads was over the smugglers. Each was headed by an individual who operated under a code name. The Serpent, the Hound, and the Charger, respectively. And of course, Mira knew now that the Charger was her own godfather.
First, you should know that there are two types of thieves:those who work independently and those who work with a gang. Both are subject to the whims of the Crescent. Most of the time gangs and independent thieves can steal as they like without some grand master plan from the Serpent. Sometimes, they may even believe that they are free of the organization. But when Circe has need of them, they are obligated to answer.
If a thief refuses to help, there are dire consequences. The Serpent has leverage on each of the gangs and has operatives that will find compromising information on any independent thieves that are too successful.
Second, you should know how the Crescent uses thefts for their gain. Circe rarely needs something stolen just for the sake of money. More often they will use burglaries as a means to cover up or distract from other crimes. You know this as distraction was their object during the Pennington mystery that brought our fates together.
Mira nodded along as she read. Selene had burglarized Pennington’s flat so he would reveal the location of a secret cache to the Shadow. Then Selene had committed several other burglaries in the area to keep the police searching for her instead.
The Serpent sometimes recruits from outside the usual circle if they believe it will help the cause. For instance, the Crescent often hires unskilled thugs with the intention of them being arrested. Designated scapegoats that keep the police diverted while more dangerous operations are put in place. Circe also calls upon thieves of the Crescent when a specific item needs to be stolen or if an independent thief or gang has a particular skill that would be useful in a larger scheme.
You can assume that most gangs and thieves in Englandhave worked with Circe at one point or another. The network is vast, but I do have a list of some key players. At least the ones I have worked with or have heard rumors about.
The Forty Elephants
The Lambeth Lads
Henry Mayhew
Joseph Carney
Norine Askew
Jonathan Wallace
Terrence Wheeler
Francis McKenzie
Minnie Porter
Felix Boltzmann
Dante Paolini
Augustin Lafaille
Mira skimmed over the list. She didn’t recognize any of them, but maybe Byron would.
I will give this letter to a trusted clerk, who is not involved in Circe, to send in case of my death. If all goes well, you will never read this. But if you do, consider it my apology for what I must do later this evening. I don’t wish you or Miss Blayse ill, I hope you realize that. I have no choice. If I refuse, Durant will kill me. If I do as he says, I might have my freedom. As scant of a chance as it is, I must take it.
Please forgive me.
Selene Vermielle
She tucked the letter back into the envelope. Selene waswrong. There was always a choice. And Selene had chosen to help them, even knowing that the mark of death hung over her. Now, because of her foresight, they had a lead on the Crescent! They might be able to cripple Circe even further. Her death needn’t be in vain.
She stood, rushing out the door, passing Walker on the stairs.
“Where are you headed?” he asked.
“Palace Court!” she called over her shoulder.
“But what about—”
She left before he finished his sentence, grabbing her coat and dashing out into the London chill. There wasn’t time to stop and chat. They had some leads! Some real leads.
