Such a shame.” Benjamin made a sound of mocking sympathy. “Was she anything like the one you were holding in thrall in Prague? A fascinating creature.”
Matthew swung his head around, automatically checking that I was safe.
“You always said I was the black sheep of the family, but we’re more alike than you want to admit,” Benjamin continued. “I’ve even come to share your appreciation for the company of witches.”
I felt the change in the air as the rage surged through Matthew’s veins. My skin prickled, and a dull throbbing started in my left thumb.
“Nothing you do interests me,” Matthew said coldly.
“Not even if it involves the Book of Life?” Benjamin waited for a few moments. “I know you’re looking for it. Does it have some relevance to your research? Difficult subject, genetics.”
“What do you want?” Matthew asked.
“Your attention.” Benjamin laughed.
Matthew fell silent once more.
“You’re not often at a loss for words, Matthew,” Benjamin said. “Happily, it’s your turn to listen. At last I’ve found a way to destroy you and the rest of the de Clermonts. Neither the Book of Life nor your pathetic vision of science can help you now.”
“I’m going to enjoy making a liar out of you,” Matthew promised.
“Oh, I don’t think so.” Benjamin’s voice dropped, as though he were imparting a great secret. “You see, I know what the witches discovered all those years ago. Do you?”
Matthew’s eyes locked on mine.
“I’ll be in touch,” Benjamin said. The line went dead.
“Call the lab,” I said urgently, thinking only of Miriam.
Matthew’s fingers raced to make the call.
“It’s about time you phoned, Matthew. Exactly what am I supposed to be looking for in your DNA?
Marcus said to look for reproductive markers. What is that supposed to mean?” Miriam sounded sharp, annoyed, and utterly like herself. “Your in-box is overflowing, and I’m due a vacation, by the way.”
“Are you safe?” Matthew’s voice was hoarse.
“Yes. Why?”
“Do you know where your phone is?” Matthew asked.
“No. I left it somewhere today. A shop, probably. I’m sure whoever has it will call me.”
“He called me instead.” Matthew swore. “Benjamin has your phone, Miriam.”
The line went silent.
“Your Benjamin?” Miriam asked, horrified. “I thought he was dead.”
“Alas, he’s not,” Fernando said with real regret.
“Fernando?” His name came out of Miriam’s mouth with a whoosh of relief.
“Sim, Miriam. Tudo bem contigo?” Fernando asked gently.
“Thank God you’re there. Yes, yes, I’m fine.” Miriam’s voice shook, but she made a valiant effort to control it. “When was the last time anyone heard from Benjamin?”
“More than a century ago,” Baldwin said. “And yet Matthew has been home for only a few weeks, and Benjamin has already found a way to contact him.”
“That means Benjamin has been watching and waiting for him,” Miriam whispered. “Oh, God.”
“Was there anything about our research on your phone, Miriam?” Matthew asked. “Stored e-mails?
Data?”
“No. You know I delete my e-mails after I read them.” She paused. “My address book. Benjamin has your phone numbers now.”
“We’ll get new ones,” Matthew said briskly. “Don’t go home. Stay with Amira at the Old Lodge. I don’t want either of you alone. Benjamin mentioned Amira by name.” Matthew hesitated. “Jason, too.”
Miriam sucked in her breath. “Bertrand’s son?”
“It’s all right, Miriam,” Matthew said, trying to be soothing. I was glad she couldn’t see the expression in his eyes. “Benjamin noticed he’d called you a few times, that’s all.”
“Jason’s picture is in my photos. Now Benjamin will be able to recognize him!” Miriam said, clearly rattled. “Jason is all that I have left of my mate, Matthew. If anything were to happen to him—”
“I’ll make sure Jason is aware of the danger.” Matthew looked to Gallowglass, who immediately picked up his phone.
“Jace?” Gallowglass murmured as he left the room, shutting the door softly behind him.
“Why has Benjamin reappeared now?” Miriam asked numbly.
“I don’t know.” Matthew looked in my direction. “He knew about Emily’s death and mentioned our genetics research and the Book of Life.”
I could sense some crucial piece in a larger puzzle fall into place.
“Benjamin was in Prague in 1591,” I said slowly. “That must be where Benjamin heard about the Book of Life. Emperor Rudolf had it.”
Matthew gave me a warning look. When he spoke, his tone had turned brisk. “Don’t worry, Miriam. We’ll figure out what Benjamin’s after, I promise.” Matthew urged Miriam to be careful and told her he’d call her once we reached Oxford. After he hung up, the silence was deafening.
Gallowglass slipped back into the room. “Jace hasn’t seen anything out of the