“The old religion? Nobody calls it that anymore, heck, hardly anyone calls it magus these days. The boy was raised as a human, the safest thing for him. Mark told me in confidence and I respected that,” Meyer said.

“Not bloody safe for him now. I wonder where Gabriel will take him?”

“How would I know?”

“And I don't like the idea of Wade leading the hunt for Grendal. I don't think a lunatic killing humans and alternates alike is really his area of expertise.”

“You still don't believe it's actually Grendal then? Survived the centuries only to return for his revenge on the world?” Meyer said, smiling.

“Don't be a wally. All I'm saying is maybe the investigation needs a little-” Ruth paused and a grin spread across her face, “assistance.”

From the corner of his eye, Meyer saw a man run up to Wade, trying to speak between laboured breaths. Having not made eye contact, this would be a strain to achieve, especially after all the energy he had expended. However, given the amount of mystery already enveloping the evening, knowledge was not to be snubbed. Meyer focused all his effort on the man, sweat trailing down his head as he did.

“In cogitatione tua.”

Meyer pushed his thoughts outwards, attempting to locate the man's consciousness, a blimp amongst the clouds. He found it, and as if popping the balloon, Meyer's own consciousness burst though into the man's mind. He came to a rest with a thud, scrabbling to remain hidden from the man whose thoughts raced around uncontrollably. Meyer moved through his thoughts until he found a place to hide and watch his private conversation with Wade. In reality, Ruth had begun to tug on his arm, asking if he was okay after suddenly falling into a trance like state. He dared not return to her now however, it was taking all of his energy just to remain in the man's consciousness.

“Mr Oswald. The police at Mark Fellows’ murder have found something. He left a message,” the man said to Wade.

“What sort of message?”

“A note sir, written... in his own blood.”

“You took the necessary actions?”

“We washed the message away well before DCI Stroud's team showed up.”

The man passed a piece of paper to Wade, who snatched it from his hand. Wade's eyes widened and his jaw clenched as he crumbled the paper in his hand and stuffed it into his jacket pocket. Meyer needed to find out what that message said, and quickly. He knew what was going to happen next.

“How did they remove the evidence?” Wade said.

“Yes, washed it away sir.”

Meyer turned and looked into the man's memories. Adrenaline was pulsing through the man's body which unfortunately made his thoughts as chaotic as could be, fragments of memories flashing in and out of existence like strobe lights.

“Idiot, how is that a way to dispose of blood when they will bring in forensics?”

“Sir, I-”

“Are you the only one to read this note?”

Meyer rushed between them, searching for one where the man wrote the note. Where was it?

“Yes, sir. Well, except for our man at the scene, but as I said-”

“Good.”

Meyer was too late. Like a steam train hurtling into a wall, Wade reached out and smashed through the man’s consciousness using his magus, obliterating his recent memories. Meyer drew his consciousness back to reality with a thump.

“Meyer, you okay?” Ruth asked anxiously.