“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.”