Chapter Twenty-one

In Monica Sells’s kitchen, Harry presses for the truth. Monica admits Victor Sells—her husband and Jennifer Stanton’s brother-in-law—killed Jennifer. She recounts Victor’s frustration, discovery of magic, and escalating instability: anger sparking phenomena, locking himself in the attic, and dosing her with ThreeEye that exposed his monstrous obsession.

Monica describes Victor’s hunger for power and his realization that strong emotions, especially lust, amplified his magic. He recruited the wealthy Beckitts by promising vengeance on Marcone, built rituals fueled by sex and fear, and began producing ThreeEye with help from contacts Jennifer and Linda provided, including a man tied to Marcone. Victor then summoned demons and grew darker, eyeing even his children, terrifying Monica.

When Jennifer threatened to expose him to police and Marcone unless he let Monica leave, Victor killed Jennifer (and Tommy) via thaumaturgy. Distraught, Monica came to Harry hoping to stop further murders and protect her children. Harry departs, briefly speaking with Jenny Sells, who asks if he will help their mother and, if necessary, kill Victor; Harry promises to do everything he can.

In a cab, Harry rejects going to the police or the White Council due to timing, jurisdiction, and suspicion against him. He resolves to confront Victor at the lake house without violating the Laws of Magic. Seeking an edge, he realizes Victor’s scorpion talisman at his office can serve as a link to turn Victor’s power against him.

Harry calls the station; Carmichael says Murphy is at Harry’s office with a warrant. Harry calls the office and warns Murphy not to open his desk, but she pushes on. The talisman activates—clicks, gunshots, a scream—and the line goes dead. Harry orders the cabbie to speed to his office.