City of Devils: A Novel by Diana Bretherick

rapists commit their crimes because they are hungry?’
    His lips curled in disdain as he spoke. Some of the ideas he proposed sounded entirely plausible to James but he didn’t like to say so with Lombroso in his current mood. He was learning more of his character by the minute and, although he was clearly impatient with those who did not share his views, James still admired him. Such certainty in one’s own opinions seemed to him to be a quality worth emulating.
    DeClichy pursed his fleshy lips before answering. ‘It is perhaps more likely as a theory than being born to crime as one is born to be musical.’
    Madame Tarnovsky interceded. ‘Well now, Dr DeClichy, if I may say so, you are being a little hasty. If musical genius can be innate, then why cannot criminality?’
    Lombroso beamed at Madame Tarnovsky. ‘Exactly so, I could not have put it better myself.’
    Horton yawned openly. Lombroso looked at him severely. ‘I do apologise if we are boring you, Dr Horton.’
    ‘You’re not, Professor, although I’ve heard it all before. I was merely hoping for something a little more original this year.’
    James started to wonder what it was exactly that Horton did believe in as he seemed to be so disdainful about everything.
    ‘Dr Horton, remember you are a guest!’ Madame Tarnovsky said.
    ‘Don’t worry, I am used to such ignorance,’ Lombroso said. ‘I am more interested by what Horton means by original.’
    Horton stopped laughing and stared at him. ‘Well, for example, I’ve have not heard anyone say a thing about what we should do with these born criminals once we’ve identified them. Are we just to allow them to continue to breed and spread their criminal genes, as if their existence didn’t matter?’
    ‘Dr Horton! I thought that you agreed with me that there is no such thing as the born criminal!’ piped up DeClichy, his rickety chair rocking dangerously as he moved.
    ‘Perhaps, but I’m just playing devil’s advocate – oh, no sorry – that’s the professor’s role. How’s the family, by the way, Professor?’ Horton grinned archly. ‘Will they be joining us this evening?’
    Lombroso glowered at him. ‘They left for the country this morning, as it happens.’
    ‘That’s a shame. Still, it’s probably for the best, given the circumstances,’ declared Horton, winking at Lombroso who gave him a withering look in return.
    ‘What circumstances?’ asked Borelli. ‘Has something happened, Cesare?’
    Lombroso shook his head, briskly. ‘It’s nothing. I just needed solitude while the symposium is taking place.’
    Horton looked at him slyly. ‘Come, come now, it’s more than that. What about the murder?’
    Lombroso stared at him with ill-disguised dislike. ‘It has nothing whatsoever to do with that!’
    ‘Murder, what murder? You must tell us, Cesare!’ Borelli said, apparently concerned.
    Ottolenghi interceded in an effort to control the conversation. ‘A former subject of the professor’s was unfortunate enough to be the victim of a killer, that’s all. He was a criminal. What happened was hardly surprising, given the company he no doubt kept.’
    Horton shook his head. ‘My sources tell me Lombroso’s involvement is rather more than that.’
    ‘You seem remarkably well informed, Herr Doctor,’ Reiner commented.
    Horton tapped the side of his nose conspiratorially.
    ‘Come on, Horton, you can’t leave it there. What are you insinuating?’ Borelli said.
    Horton smirked. ‘I notice that the good professor hasn’t mentioned the bloody note.’
    ‘A bloody note? Oh, do tell us more, Cesare! It sounds intriguing!’ Madame Tarnovsky said eagerly.
    ‘What was on the note? How does it connect to you?’ Borelli asked.
    There was a pause. Lombroso wore a thunderous expression. He clearly didn’t want to talk about it and yet here he was being forced to discuss it at his own gathering.
    Horton interrupted. James noticed that his eyes were glinting with spite. ‘ A