The waiter moved out of earshot, and Calvin replied, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I had lunch with my cousin and his friends a short while ago. I’ve been…”—he searched for an appropriate word—“…seeing the other brother’s ex-girlfriend. He was killed tragically. I’m not sure if my supervisor told you? An accident—a few months ago.” Calvin’s words were deliberately couched to sound tentative, but his cool gray-blue eyes were fixed on his breakfast companion. He wanted to gauge his reaction to this particular news item. He wondered if someone from the faculty might have known, and been responsible for, the break-in to the family home at such an opportune time.

Seeing her brains out, thought Walters; but he looked gravely at his companion. He scanned Calvin’s face, and nodded. “Yes, Guy did tell me. I heard all about it. Most unfortunate. You can’t ask him any questions.”

The breakfast arrived, and Calvin continued, “No. But his former girlfriend was upset about their break, and told me a lot about the family. She needed an ear.” He was waiting to reveal something he knew would interest his mentor, who was listening more than politely. He didn’t hurry, and finished an egg before continuing. “Interesting…at lunch, I learned the brother now has the key. I’ve seen it. He’s not sure about the paperwork that goes with it. It’s very odd. I tried to tell Siân—the girlfriend—about the problems of not following the heritage. If it’s not passed down the female bloodline. The family knew nothing of the Dee connection. The father thought it was a lot of superstition, or something to be ashamed of. It worries me that they’ve disregarded the dictum.” Calvin talked freely, realizing FW was listening to every word. “I have to say I was almost expecting a disaster. My mother was clear that it would break the chain. I believe it had something to do with his death—just the kind of bad luck she would have anticipated.” He was still fishing slightly, but caught no response. “They wouldn’t understand. They don’t seem to respect these powerful ideas. If God curses something, it is cursed; if an angel does so, the effect is the same.” He looked up at his audience. “Things have been more strained between Siân and myself now. But I’m still seeing her.”

I bet you are, Walters thought. Having seen her himself, he was vitally aware of her charms.