Chapter Eleven

After an all-night analysis, Harry Dresden confirms the victims were killed via thaumaturgy: a link using personal traces and a symbolic heart-rip powered by enormous energy. The feat seems nearly impossible for one wizard to do to two targets, implying either an exceptionally focused practitioner or a coordinated group ritual.

At the police station, a detained ThreeEye user breaks free and nearly falls down the stairs. Harry trips him, but the man, high on ThreeEye, stares past reality and proclaims he sees Harry’s mark from He Who Walks Behind. This rattles Harry: only true Third Sight should perceive that spiritual scar.

Harry reasons that ThreeEye may genuinely open mortals’ Third Eye, exposing them to terrifying, indelible visions and risking exposure of hidden beings—escalating citywide danger far beyond normal drugs.

In Murphy’s office, Harry explains the killing method, stressing the staggering power required, possible teamwork limits (no more than thirteen), and the role of focus. He rules out Bianca, saying her fear seemed genuine, and argues the murders were a message to Johnny Marcone, aligning with a brewing gang war between ThreeEye suppliers and conventional narcotics.

Harry concludes the ThreeEye manufacturer is likely the killer. Murphy agrees on the link but demands names of capable practitioners and refuses to bring Harry formally onto the case, citing the danger and his injuries. Pressed and exhausted, Harry’s head swims; he slides to the floor and blacks out.