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“The Domino’s apprentices were, we should assume, recruited as Alicia was. With promises of toppling the social hierarchy. We are a part of that—we are powerful people, who make more powerful people.”
“The Masters’ Admiralty does a lot of good,” James said. “And I don’t mean charity. I mean protecting art and history. Maintaining some structure and stability as governments rise and fall.”
Nyx inclined her head. “Nevertheless, we benefit from the stratification of social classes.”
There was an uncomfortable silence. Josephine still hadn’t returned. “The serial killers, he recruited with promises of protection and resources so they could indulge. Those who aren’t highly intelligent killers were able to evade capture because of his planning and support.”
“They were recruited the way we all were,” Karl said. “Join us and you’ll get access, resources, and protection. In exchange, you are loyal and obey.” Karl’s voice went husky with remembered pain. “You kidnap who I tell you to. Torture them when I tell you to.”
“It almost happened again,” Hugo said, shooting a glance at James. Did the Englishman know he and his wife Sophia had been the target of an attempted kidnapping?
James looked grim. “Arthur told us yesterday, and I told them before you joined the meeting.”
Hugo nodded, glad he didn’t have to be the bearer of such news.
“And the Bellator Dei. We haven’t spoken to any of them, but we should continue to assume they are a religious group, with a moral opposition to us because of the trinity marriage.”
“A good summary—” James began.
“But you’re not done,” Cecilia cut off her cousin, peering into the laptop camera. “What are you trying to say, Nyx?”
“I believe we are dealing with a high-functioning psychopath.”
“Of course this guy is nuts,” James said.
“No.” Nyx shook her head. “I believe we are looking at a true psychopath. Most people have a moral core that does not deviate. The formation of that moral core is different for everyone, and changes over time. But a core belief system is a key aspect of a person’s personality. The mastermind has no core belief. It is why he’s able to manipulate and command such a diverse group of followers. He has the loyalty and trust of both religious fanatics and socialists.”
“I see what you’re getting at,” James said. “We’re not just dealing with someone smart and evil. We’re dealing with someone smart and amoral.”
“He will be charming,” Nyx said. “Arrogant. Unable to experience true remorse or guilt, but able to mimic appropriate social responses. We won’t know his feelings are fake.”
“Charming, arrogant, intelligent,” Cecilia said. “That describes a lot of the vice admirals and admirals.”
“Seven admirals, nine vice admirals, nine security ministers,” James mused. “Can we eliminate the women? Alicia used a male pronoun.”
“We should not,” Nyx said. “And why only seven admirals? There are nine.”
James blinked at her. “I’m married to one of them, and Karl is married to the other.”
Nyx turned her face away from the camera, and Hugo saw her jaw clench, her throat work as she swallowed.
“We eliminate those two. It’s still seven admirals,” Cecilia said.
Nyx had turned back to the camera. “Being a skilled lover, as a form of manipulation, would be consistent with his psychopathy.” Her voice was calm.
“Arthur isn’t the mastermind,” James declared.
“Neither is Antonio,” Karl growled.
Josephine returned, face pale. She held a large book in her arms. Because she was coming up behind them, Hugo saw her before the others did. “Josephine?” he asked.
“Varangian.” She dropped down into her chair, hugging the open book to her chest. “I found it, but I’m wrong. It’s not…it’s not him.”
“Who, Josephine?” James demanded.
She laid the book on the table. “The Varangian Guard was an elite unit in the Byzantine army from the tenth to fourteenth centuries. They were personal guards to the Byzantine Emperor.”
Cecilia straightened. “Like the Spartan Guard. You think it’s one of them.”
