Chapter Nine
I LOOKED UP QUICKLY. "MADELINE HUNTER? Is that Director Hunter, the woman in charge of the Directorate?"
She nodded and closed the book. "I believe so. Why?"
"Did she merely look at the register, or did she access the curse?"
"She asked about the specific details of the curse, but she did not ask for more than that." Helena studied me for a moment, then added, "We would not have allowed her to view the curse anyway. Too many of the older vampires have a working knowledge of magic, and this spell can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Besides, she is not a member of any coven."
"Would you have given her access if she had been?"
She smiled politely. "If she were a member of a coven, she would be a full practitioner, so yes, of course."
"Does that mean the more dangerous spells are not under strict control?"
"Of course not. All witches must make their own decision, and it is up to them to suffer the consequences should they take the wrong path."
I nodded thoughtfully. "The other woman—Deborah Selwin—I gather she is a coven member?"
"Yes."
"Can I ask which coven? I really need to talk to her if possible."
A small smile touched her lips. "Director Hunter asked much the same question."
"And did she get the same answer?"
"Of course. Selwin is a member of the Frankston coven. They meet weekly, as well as at the time of the full moon."