Private Message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

As you may have seen, today I've had a message from Alcaeus Covington of Mysteries, out of the blue asking me whether I owned a copy of Parlington's Cestus, and if so, whether he could borrow it. In light of what you, Lucius, and Selwyn have been investigating about Mysteries, I find this interesting: I cannot imagine I am the only source for the book in the whole Protectorate, and I cannot help but wonder if this is coincidence.

I've invited him to drop by after brunch on Sunday. I've an appointment with Minerva, Saturday afternoon -- come by for supper, after, and stay the night so you are there Sunday morning? I can't say why, but my instincts are tingling.