Vestige
a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence: A few columns were the last vestiges of a Greek temple.
a surviving evidence or remainder of some condition, practice, etc.: These superstitions are vestiges of an ancient religion.
Nefarious
extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous: a nefarious plot.
Espionage
The act of spying
Trenchant
incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit.
Motif
a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work
Allusion
a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication: The novel’s title is an allusion to Shakespeare.
Peril
exposure to injury, loss, or destruction; grave risk; jeopardy; danger: They faced the peril of falling rocks.
Cajole
to persuade by flattery or promises; wheedle; coax.
Lurid
gruesome; horrible; revolting: the lurid details of an accident.
glaringly vivid or sensational; shocking: the lurid tales of pulp magazines.
Deplorable
causing or being a subject for grief or regret; lamentable: the deplorable death of a friend.
Perverse
turned away from or rejecting what is right, good, or proper; wicked or corrupt.
Coup
a highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.
Scrupulous
having scruples; having or showing a strict regard for what one considers right; principled.
punctiliously or minutely careful, precise, or exact: a scrupulous performance.
Ordeal
any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.