“Sergeant?” Easton asked, noting my hesitation.

  I held up my hand. “Take Auggy inside. I’ll be there in a moment.”

  He frowned. “Trouble?”

  “Not sure yet. Go on. I’ll be fine.”

  Easton nodded and motioned for Auggy to hurry. The three of us crossed to the edge of the garage, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose, signaling their silent warning that I was being watched. I kept my head on swivel, and hesitated at the top of the stairs, peering around as Easton and Auggy descended the stairs.

  Movement flashed near the end of the aisle, as a car door opened and a man stepped out. He was dressed in a black suit, minus the tie, and there were patches sewn into the elbows of his jacket. He wasn’t overweight, necessarily, but he was top heavy, his elongated, skinny legs making him look heavier than he actually was. He was gripping a manilla folder in his hands, and although his hair was cut short, there was a slightly off-kilter angle to his facial features that made me think of a goblin wearing a human disguise. The Fougere aroma grew stronger as he started toward me, waving his hand as if we were old friends.

  “Sergeant Mayfield, I presume? Of course you are. Who else would be coming in at this hour.”

  “Can I help you?”

  “I certainly hope so. My name is Professor Wilhelm Weaver.” He extended his hand, offering a business card pressed between two fingers instead of a handshake.

  I took the card and glanced down. “Harvard, huh? It says here you work in the literature department.”

  Wilhelm smiled, but there was no warmth to it. “It would be more accurate to say I am the literature department. And Harvard, it may interest you to know, is the oldest university in the country.”

  “So I’ve heard,” I said and pocketed the card. “What can I do for you, professor?”

  “I’m here to discuss the ring, of course.”

  My heart skipped a beat, and I hesitated a second too long before I said, “Which ring would that be?”

  Wilhelm’s smile turned condescending. “Come now, let’s not be coy. We both know exactly what ring I’m speaking of. Just like we both know that you were recently spotted in the company of two young men who, as of this morning, are considered prime suspects in not only the ring’s disappearance, but the possible murder of my predecessor, Cyprus Greenhill and his wife, June.”

  Recognition of the names came swiftly, coalescing into a heavy brick that sat in the middle of my chest. “I haven’t heard anything on the radio about a murder.”

  “Technically, it’s still being treated as a missing persons case, although I have it on good authority that the detectives are not optimistic. Apparently, there was quite a lot of blood at the scene.”

  “If that’s true, then you should be speaking with Homicide Division. I’m sure they can provide you with more information than I can.”

  “That’s most kind of you, but I’ll leave the murder investigation to the professionals. My interest in this matter revolves solely around the ring.”

  “If the owners are declared legally deceased, then all their belongings will go into probate to be divided by their estate manager or, if no manager has been appointed, the courts.”

  “Under normal conditions, that is correct,” he said. “However, this is a special case.”

  “How so?”

  “Cyprus was known to be in possession of the ring prior to his untimely demise.”

  “You mean his disappearance?”

  Again, that condescending smile. “Of course. Regardless, he is not the ring’s rightful owner.”

  “Who is?”

  “As it happens, the University.”

  “I didn’t know a university could own jewelry.”

  “A university can own anything it wishes. In this particular case, the ring resides in a trust that calls for it to be placed into the care of the head of the Literature Department at the time of their appointment.”

  “And that would be you?”

  “Indeed.” He extended his hand, offering the manilla folder. “The law requires that you return the ring to us at the first available opportunity.”

  I flipped open the folder and gave it a quick glance through. It was filled with all manner of legal mumbo-jumbo. I’d need to sit down in order to make heads or tails of it. “I can see you’ve put a lot of work into this, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you,” I said, closing the file. “I don’t have your ring. That said, I’ll be certain to pass this on to our legal advisor.”

  “Do so,” he said. “I’m certain he’ll confirm its authenticity. As for the ring itself, I feel it necessary to inform you that, should you or one within your division fail to return it, the university’s legal department will have no choice but to file a lawsuit alleging official misconduct. It goes without saying that such a thing would be most costly.”

  I felt my jaw tighten. “We wouldn’t want that, now, would we?”

  “No, I don’t imagine we would.” He brought his hands together, rubbing his palms against one another as he considered me. “Sergeant, it’s only a matter of time before this matter is brought to its conclusion. The police already have two suspects in mind. Both young men. The victims’ nephew, if you can believe it, and his friend. I’m not involved in the investigation per se, but the lead detective let me know that there was an eyewitness report that placed both men at the victims’ home shortly before they disappeared.”

  “Huh, you don’t say.”

  “There are also reports that two men of similar descriptions were seen in Winthrop this afternoon. There was apparently a break in, followed by several acts of vandalism. I have it on good authority that local officers have begun going door-to-door, asking residents if they may have spotted anything suspicious. Winthrop is considered a safe community, but there are cameras everywhere these days. Doorbells, streetlights. I’ve no doubt the police will quickly pick up on anyone who might’ve been out of place.”

  My mouth was dry, but I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of swallowing. “Is there some reason you’re telling me all this?”

  “I should think it obvious,” he said. “Consider this. We don’t have to be enemies, Sergeant. The university could be a great resource for you. We have archives and private collections not available to the public. Things that could help you in future cases. I could see to it that you’re allowed access. Or I could inform your commanding officer that you’re coming dangerously close to obstructing justice.”

  “You’re threatening me?”

  “Merely stating the facts. We’re a liberal university, Sergeant. Our board of directors has no love for police who overstep their bounds. Particularly when it comes to interfering with items of historic and cultural significance.”

  “Huh.” I took a minute to chew it over before responding. “So, these archives? Are they vast?”

  “Extensively so. And more valuable than you can possibly imagine.”

  “And you’d let me just go in there and nose around whenever I wanted? I could take notes and make photocopies?”

  “Whatever you wish,” he said.

  “And all I have to do is give you one little ring?”

  “Indeed,” he said. “You’ll find that the university rewards it’s friends well.”

  “What about a bracelet?”

  Wilhelm blinked. “A what?”

  “Suppose I throw in a matching bracelet? What do I get then? Free tuition and a parking spot?”

  “Sergeant, perhaps I wasn’t clear—”

  “What about some earrings? Those have got to be worth a few textbooks, right?”

  “Sergeant—”

  “What about a belly button ring? Maybe some nipple studs? Dare I say, a Prince Albert? What do I get for those?”

  Wilhelm’s face darkened as I spoke and he glared at me with undisguised anger. “Be careful, Sergeant. I am not the sort of man who will stand to be mocked.”

  “No, I have a pretty good idea what sort of man you are. You’re used to getting what you want. Trouble is, I’m not biting on your little bribe.”

  “More fool you,” he said. “The resources of the university are limitless. Especially when compared to Blue Moon. Your yearly fiscal budget is barely enough to pay your salaries. Never mind anything extra. In fact,” he paused, glancing past my shoulder toward the staircase leading down to our headquarters, “I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the ring and the two men who absconded with it were inside this very building.”

  I shifted my feet and brought one hand up to casually rest it on top of my holster. “I’d invite you to come in and take a look around, but civilians aren’t allowed inside. If you tried, I’d have to arrest you for trespassing. That would be a shame. Especially if you put up a fight. I might break a nail. And you might break more than that. Plus, you’d be spending the foreseeable future in jail. No worries though. I’m sure over-privileged university professors do great in the Massachusetts’s Correction system.”

  “Posture all you like, Sergeant, but we both know the odds are in my favor. It’s only a matter of time before that ring is found.”

  “Says you. Boston may not be that large of a city, but it’s got depth. Things have a way of disappearing here.”

  “I suppose we’ll find out.”

  “I suppose we will. Now if there’s nothing else, I have actual cases that require my attention. Time for you to get along home.”

  “Enjoy your evening, Sergeant. I’m so happy we had this conversation.”

  “Say that now. Tomorrow you’re going to wake up to find a big fat one star rating on Rate My Professor Dot Com.”

  Wilhelm snorted and made his way back across the garage to a nondescript looking sedan with chipped paint near the bottom. I recognized the plates as the type used by rental car agencies up near the airport. He got inside his car, pulled out of his parking spot, and made his way out of the garage. I watched his taillights disappear down the street, then turned and headed down the stairs toward our headquarters.

  Tobin was waiting by the door. “Sergeant, is everything okay?”

  “Not exactly,” I said.

  “Who was that?”

  “Trouble,” I said. “Milo’s uncle has gone missing. Cops suspect foul play.”

  Tobin’s face paled. “Oh no. Poor Cyprus. And Milo, this will break his heart.”

  “Best brace yourself, because it gets worse. That piece of work who just left is apparently set to succeed him. I need to ask you something and it’s important that you tell me the truth. Were you and Milo anywhere near Cyprus’s house before you got the ring?”

  “No,” he said. “Of course not. I would’ve told you if we were.”

  “You’re certain?”

  “Positive. We haven’t been anywhere near up that way in weeks.”

  I nodded. “Then the investigating officers are most likely working off an anonymous tip. It may have even been called in by Wilhelm himself.”

  Tobin frowned. “Why would he do that?

  “Several reasons. None of them good. Could be he’s covering for whoever’s behind their disappearance. Or, worse, covering his own tracks.

  “You think he…”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know yet. Either way, we need to keep you out of sight. If the scene was as bad as he made it seem, the cops are most likely looking to bring you in. They won’t be gentle about it.”

  Tobin swallowed. “What do we do?”

  I drew in a breath and considered it. “Depends on how Milo is faring. Have we heard anything?”

  He nodded. “I called as soon as we got back. Dr. Hami said it’s too early to declare him out of the woods, but he seems to have stabilized.”

  “Good. Then he can stay in my apartment for the time being.”

  “And me?”

  “We need to keep you out of sight. No more moving around the city. You’re either here or you’re with me or Warman. Understand?”

  “Sure. No problem.”

  “This is serious, Tobin. If you get picked up, the police will take the ring as evidence. I’ll try to get you out, but if homicide is trying to pin you for murder, it’s not likely I’ll be able to do much. The chances of a judge granting bond on that sort of thing are next to zero.”

  “I’m not worried about me,” he said. “But we need to protect the ring at all costs. The wraiths are still out there.”

  “That’s not all we have to worry about.” I motioned with the manilla folder. “According to Wilhelm, the ring is owned by Harvard University. One phone call on their end, and the department will turn it over without a fight. From there, the chances of us ever finding it again are slim to none.”

  Tobin’s mouth tightened into a thin line. “I don’t fancy leaving it anywhere, but do you think we should stash it some place?”

  “If I could think of a safe place, I’d consider it. But we can’t leave it here, and we certainly can’t risk bringing it into the police station. My apartment is off the table as well. Besides, if Penhaligon is correct, this is all going to be over within two days.”

  “Less than that now.”

  “Right,” I said. “Point is, either we’ll get the ring to the top of Hancock Tower, or else…”

  “A malevolent entity is going to come ripping up through the earth and destroy the entire city?”

  “Right,” I said, drawing out the word. “It, uh, sounds kind of silly when you say it aloud.”

  “Sorry,” he said. “For what it’s worth it sounds silly to me too. But we’re still going forward, right?”

  “Yeah, we are.” I drew in a breath and let it out in a whoosh. “For now, we keep the ring close and keep you out of sight as much as possible. Got it?”

  “Got it.”

  “Good. Now let’s get inside and get everyone gathered in the conference room. We need to come up with a plan, and we don’t have a lot of time.”

  The Plan. Thursday, August 6th 2145hrs.

  “Alright, folks,” I said. “Time to look alive.”

  We’d gathered in the conference room. I’d been the last one through the door and ended up sitting at the head of the table. Warman and Tobin were seated to my left, Alberad and Auggy on my right. Easton had positioned himself at the opposite end of the table, facing me directly.

  Easton, Auggy and I had eaten at the diner before heading over, but Warman had sent out for pizza and seen to it that Tobin and Alberad were fed, a fact for which I was grateful. The empty pizza boxes were stacked on Robbie’s desk, along with a couple of two liter soda bottles that we’d divvied up using red plastic cups.

  There were no other members of Blue Moon in attendance. At this hour, I knew the office would be empty, which is why I’d decided to hold our meeting here in the first place.

  Don’t get me wrong, I was intensely proud of our division. And I trusted those I worked with. Even Robbie, in his own way. Pongo, Tootsie, Cambrie, and Lt. Kermit were loyal to our cause, and I knew that, had I asked it of them, they would have shown up here without complaint.

  But I didn’t ask.

  Not because I didn’t want their help. I did. But this case wasn’t like the others. It was more caustic. People were in danger, and I was operating on questionable, and in some cases not so questionable, legal grounds. If this went badly, I didn’t want them involved any more than necessary. Plausible deniability can go a long way in cases like this. It might not keep them from being fired if the division was disbanded, but it should be enough to keep them out of jail.

  Which is where I’d be if this went south.

  It was a sobering thought, one that carried a lot of weight, at least until I glanced over at Tobin. That’s when the reality of what we were doing became clear.

  I might end up in prison, but he’d never get there. More likely, he’d end up in the ground, buried in an unmarked grave, likely with Milo beside him. The image stoked a fire within me, one that singed my chest and made me clench my jaw.

  No way that was happening.

  Not while I had the power to do something about it.

  “We all know why we’re here,” I said. “We’ve got a little over a day, maybe less, to get that ring inside the Hancock Tower. If we fail—” My voice trailed off, and I shook my head, “Look, folks, we all have our beliefs. Me, I’m what you consider a pragmatist. I’ve gone up against a lot of spooks, and there’s only been one or two that I couldn’t explain. But this isn’t about me. It’s about other people.” I glanced around the room, forcing myself to meet everyone’s gazes. “There are people in this city. Bad people. And they believe. They believe so strongly in the ring’s power that they’re willing to do truly awful things. And they don’t care if innocent people get hurt, just so long as they get what they’re after.” My mouth tightened, and I pressed my fist down onto the table. “I mean to make sure they don’t get their way. And normally I wouldn’t advocate stepping outside the law, but in this case, I don’t see where we have any other choice. We play by the book, we’re going to run out of time, and people are going to get hurt. And I won’t allow that to happen.”

  “Heck yeah,” said Auggy. “I only understood about half of what you said, but I’ll tell you what, I am fired up.”

  Easton sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Remind me why he’s here again?”

  “Because we need to get inside the tower. And the door is guarded by special sensors designed to scan for botanical compounds. Only way they open is if we have the right keys. We’ve got two. The Great Elm and the Liberty Tree. All we’re missing is the White Oak.”

  “But that tree is gone,” Alberad said. “Penhaligon said that it was felled by British cannon fire.”

  “Yeah,” I said. “But we know where the last sample is.”

  “And where is that?” Warman asked.