When asked by an overanxious journalist if there had been a tell-tale mark on Silver, like the ones reported by Monte Ferguson in the already-famous interview, the FME looked over at Stebbins, who gave him a go-ahead nod.

“We found the Roman numeral eight carved into his forehead,” said Jeffries.

The room buzzed again. Stebbins stepped forward and thanked the FME, then proceeded to read aloud the “official” findings.

“This is being deemed a suicide by Scotland Yard. Prior Silver had been the primary suspect in these murders. The forehead markings are consistent with similar ones found on seven previous victims. We also have confirmed that Silver was in New York City when the fourth and fifth murders were committed.”

Frankel couldn’t help but marvel how smoothly Grant’s superior had taken the reporter’s question and segued it into the definitive statement by the Yard stating Prior Silver’s guilt. It also reaffirmed Frankel’s self-knowledge that he didn’t have the patience or desire to walk such a political tightrope.

Then Stebbins opened up the floor for questions. For the next half hour, Frankel and Grant found themselves under siege as they had to face reprimands for Silver having outsmarted them right up till the moment he died. More than a few journalists wanted to know what their colleague Monte Ferguson had told them about his conversation with Prior Silver.

“We’ll let you know after we’ve talked to him,” answered Frankel, the first time it was asked.

The next time it came up, Grant took the microphone. “If any of you hear from him, you must contact us immediately or risk having charges brought against you for impeding an ongoing investigation.”

Frankel could tell Grant was doing the utmost to control his temper.

A journalist popped up in the back. “Are you saying the case isn’t closed?”

Stebbins stepped back in and repeated his claim they were no longer searching for a suspect; they were tying up loose ends.

“Detective Frankel?”

The NYPD detective was once again lost in his admiration of Stebbins’s tap dancing skills when he realized he was being called on specifically. “Yes?”

“Where does the New York Police Department stand on all this?”

Frankel hesitated. The day had been so crazy he hadn’t had time to check in with Lieutenant Harris back in Manhattan. But he knew NYPD would be thrilled at the thought of the Commandment Killer not darkening the five boroughs again.

“We stand by the conclusions reached by Scotland Yard,” Frankel said.

“Does that mean you’ll now be heading back to the States?”

“Not right away. I’m planning on staying to see some things through.”