Summary

An apprehensive Yuri meets with Erich Stolov, who informs him that he is sympathetic to his disobedience of the Talamasca but that Yuri and Lightner must return home at once because Lasher poses great danger to them. Though they argue for a while, Yuri ultimately agrees to help Stolov bring Lightner home. On the way to the Mayfair house, he has the driver stop and by him a gun.

In New Orleans, the Mayfair family has launched a swift private investigation to locate the whereabouts and appearance of Lasher. They have managed to identify a man who flew from New Orleans to Houston on Ash Wednesday that matches his description. Samuel Larkin, meanwhile, has gone missing. After a day of watching these proceedings play out, Mona takes Pierce with her to the First Street house, where Michael and some other Mayfairs are presiding...