Blake’s breath caught in the back of his throat. He couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. Sitting in a large depression carved into the top of the marble pedestal was a dark metal disc. The object looked like an old canister, the type used for storing cine film. Stamped onto its top surface were numerous arcane symbols arranged in concentric circles. He reached out to pick up the object but then stopped his hand in mid-air.
His brow tensed with doubt, as thoughts of guilt surfaced in his mind. He had to do the right thing. He had to show Constantine his discovery. It would be hard enough to explain how he had opened up the secret compartment in the first place, let alone examined it without the appropriate permission from the Lodge.
Seconds later, Blake was moving quickly back across the floor in search of his host. Half-walking, half-running, Blake could almost feel the eyes of the past Grand Masters following his progress towards the door. As he approached the entrance doors to the Temple, he heard Constantine’s quiet voice in the corridor outside. Blake hovered at the door and listened.
‘Okay, I’m with him now,’ said Constantine. ‘He’s asking questions about Ross and Sabatini. He’s also asked about the Sirius alignment.’ Blake’s brow knitted in concentration as he strained to hear. ‘Don’t worry, Commissioner. It’s all under control.’
Had Blake heard right? Commissioner? He edged around the door and was met by the sight of Constantine some way off down the corridor with his back towards him. He was talking into his mobile which was clamped between shoulder and cheek.
‘I know what to do,’ said Constantine, slowly turning his body.
Blake thought he could see the hint of a shoulder holster under his jacket. Constantine smoothed it down with several reassuring strokes of the hand.
‘Yes, I understand,’ said Constantine. ‘Leave it to me, I won’t let you down.’
Constantine straightened himself and caught a glimpse of his face in an art deco mirror hanging from the wall of the corridor. He paused and admired his reflection. The old leadership was gone; it was time for new blood. With Commissioner Lewis being made Grand Master at tonight’s ceremony in Temple Number 1, he would at last be given access to the greatest secrets of the Craft. His mouth curled into the faintest of smiles. After straightening his tie in the mirror, Constantine set off towards Temple Number 1 and his waiting guest.