"Well, yes, technically, but I'm only an administrator. I conduct adept certification exams and I oversee

licensing requirements. I'm little more than a glorified college professor. I don't know the first thing about

conducting a murder investigation."

"Well, yes, technically, but I'm only an administrator. I conduct adept certification exams and I oversee

licensing requirements. I'm little more than a glorified college professor. I don't know the first thing about

conducting a murder investigation."

"But my duties at the college," said Ramirez. "I have my classes and—"

"Look, Professor," Loomis interrupted, "this is not an ordinary murder. This girl was killed in some sort

of ritual of black magic. We've never had a case of necromancy in Santa Fe before. I understand it's very

rare. I've only heard of one other case, in L.A. a few years back, and from what the papers said, it was a

real nightmare. I tried to get the details, but I wasn't allowed access to the official records. Only a Bureau

agent has clearance for that. And you're the local-Bureau agent, even if you are only an administrator.

You can get me the records of that case. And I need those records, Professor. I'm going to need all the

help I can get."

"I understand," said Ramirez, "but I'm not really qualified for something like this."

"Well, then get me someone whois qualified," said Loomis. "But until the Bureau can send out someone

who can take charge of this case, you're it. You're all I've got."

Ramirez nodded. "Yes, of course. I can see that. I'll help you in any way I can, at least until the Bureau

can send out a field agent."

"I appreciate that, Professor," Loomis said.

"What do you want me to do?"

"First thing I need for you to do is officially report this to the Bureau," Loomis replied. "I'm required to

go through channels, which means I'm reporting it to you and you've got to pass it on to Bureau

headquarters. Tell them we need some help on this, A.S.A.P. Next, I'm going to need the records of any

similar cases, especially that one in L.A."

"All right. Is there anything else?"

"I'll need access to your records at the college," Loomis said. "And to your local Bureau files, as well."

"I'm afraid those are confidential," said Ramirez.

"Look, Professor, this is a homicide investigation. One involving necromancy. That means whoever did

this has to be at least a wizard, am I correct?"

Ramirez pursed his lips and nodded.

"A warlock wouldn't be sufficiently advanced to cast a necromantic spell, am I right?"

"Yes, that's correct," Ramirez replied tensely. "Unless he were unusually gifted, but even so . . ." He

shook his head. "It would be highly unlikely. A warlock simply wouldn't have the necessary knowledge

or experience for . . . something like this."