Max nodded. “In the papers. They did say there were a couple of suicides,” Max said. “Something about a mistake in a mission in Africa.”
“The first death was initially believed to be a suicide or even merely an accident. But the bodies have continued to mount, and we’re now considering that first one a homicide. Five generals in a shockingly short amount of time. Last night, General Lancer was found in his study with an apparent gunshot to the head.”
Max leaned forward. “It does seem unlikely the first isn’t connected to these others,” he said.
“General Reasoner was the one killed in the fire. We assume now he was our first. Then General Carrington had his throat slit, and Lancer was shot in the head,” Justin said.
“What of the other two?” Max asked.
Justin leaned back and wiped a hand over his face. “Killed tonight in a carriage just outside London. Mercer and Clyde. They were together, presumably heading to a meeting of some sort, though it’s unknown whom the two of them would be meeting together. Under normal circumstances, an army officer would not meet with one from the navy. And it was well known that they didn’t care for each other.” Justin shook his head. “Makes no sense. They were ambushed. The driver is missing. We’re still trying to find him, but…”
“Perhaps the driver shot them and then stole their valuables,” Max said.
Justin exhaled slowly and then came to his feet. “It was the first thing we checked. Both men had substantial amounts of money on them and were still wearing their jewelry.”
“Those two men together.” Max whistled. “The highest-ranking military officer and a naval officer.”
“I know. We know with certainty that their deaths are connected to the other three. We found a damned note.” Justin leaned forward, bracing his arms on Max’s desk. “Notwritten by either victim.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I really shouldn’t discuss these matters with a civilian, but I need your expertise.”
He pulled the parchment out of his pocket and dropped it onto Max’s desk. As Max reached for the note, Justin slammed his own hand down onto it. “If you tell anyone I showed these to you, I’ll shoot you.”
“Get in line,” Max said with a chuckle.
“The other letter didn’t make much sense. We suspect there might have been one with Carrington, but perhaps his wife took it. She found the body. We’ve sent an officer over to discuss the matter with her.”
Justin handed Max the note across the desk. Max unfolded the parchment, then scanned the florid lines.
“Bastard wants us to print this inTheTimes,” Justin said. “The language is so peculiar. ‘Seven rings of Atlantis,’” Justin quoted. “What the hell does that have to do with our military?”
Max looked up from the letter. “This is why you came to me?” Max asked.
“Yes. Everyone at the Yard thinks the killer is delusional or something. I figured if anyone knew anything it would be you.”
Max linked his fingers and rested his hands atop his abdomen. “Seven rings of Atlantis,” Max repeated.
“That’s familiar to you,” Justin said with a broad smile. “I knew it would be.”
“Yes, I recognize it.” Max nodded slowly. “But I don’t know why anyone would use it.”
“What is it?” Justin asked.
Max pointed over his shoulder to the map framed on the wall. “It’s from the map. It took me years to locate all the inscriptions and to complete the necessary research to make some sense of it. It’s the ancient prophecy woven through the map’s illustrations that predicted the destruction of Atlantis.”
“That does not help me, Max. I can’t go back to the Yard and tell them it’s a prophecy.”
“Wasa prophecy,” Max corrected. “That’s beside the point.” Max shook his head. “Clearly someone has a message they want to get out. You said they want you to print it in the newspaper. What would be the point of that?”
“I’m guessing that stems solely from arrogance,” Justin said. “But it does appear to be an actual message to someone.”
“I might know who to ask.” No one had inquired about his map in years, and suddenly it happened twice in two days. Max didn’t believe in coincidences. He looked down at the note again and pointed to the top. “This is addressed to the ‘guardian.’ I’ve never come across mention of that in any of my research.”
“I suspect it to be her majesty. Which brings me to yet another favor. I want to see if she has heard anything and to perhaps warn her that it might be time to increase her security. For herself and for her officers.”
Max raised his eyebrows.
“I need to get in to see the queen, and there’s nothing about my status that will get me an audience with her,” Justin explained. “Third sons who work for the Metropolitan Police are not too high on the list when it comes to the monarchy.”
“I haven’t seen her majesty in quite a while, but she always seemed rather fond of me,” Max said with a grin.