Diadromes scratched his bald spot as Cassius continued.
‘What if you’d had word that one of these spies was masquerading as a metalworker here in Berytus? Might you not order your men to search the premises where such an individual could be working?’
‘I might. And while they are there, my sergeants could also have a nose around, perhaps make a few arrests too?’
‘Which might yield something of use; but the real aim is to flush out our quarry. If the raids could be carried out early and simultaneously, the gang might have no choice but to quickly shift the coins and equipment, possibly out of the city.’
‘Right.’
‘Which probably means the docks or one of the three gates. Cosmas tells me there is no other easy method for carts to come and go. With all the sergeants busy looking for this imaginary spy, the gates could be left guarded by only a token force, perhaps just a few legionaries. We could even leave one – let’s say the eastern gate because it provides access to most other routes – guarded by only two; neither of them in fact local soldiers.’ Cassius gestured to himself and Indavara.
‘Ah. Yes, I see. A lot of manpower would be needed for the inspections. And I would have to obtain clearance from the magistrate, of course.’
‘Of course.’
‘He may not allow it. His primary concern is public order – incidents like today’s cannot be allowed.’
‘You will talk to him on my behalf, though?’ Considering what he had done for Diadromes in the last few days, Cassius wasn’t about to accept no for an answer. ‘Forgive me, but it might also be worth mentioning that capturing these people is very much in the magistrate’s interest. Marshal Marcellinus, Minister Sabinus and indeed the Emperor himself will be extremely grateful if we can put a stop to this counterfeiting.’
‘Understood, but if I am yet to be convinced that the gang is really here, Magistrate Pomponianus is almost certain that it is not.’
‘If we find nothing and make no further progress, at least the investigation might move on – away from Berytus. This outcome would also appeal to the magistrate, I imagine.’
‘You make some forceful arguments, Officer Crispian.’
‘I am dependent on your help, Deputy Magistrate, and time is very much of the essence.’
‘If we are able to go ahead – what about the day after tomorrow?’
‘That sounds fine.’
‘Exactly which premises need to be inspected?’
‘Anything with ovens or a full foundry. Two sergeants will be sufficient to carry out each check. Cosmas could then question them about anything suspicious without giving away the true reason for the search; it would be inadvisable for so many of the men to know where our real interest lies.’
‘Agreed. What if the gang do clear out via the port? It’s July – we have vessels coming and going all day.’
‘We don’t have the manpower to watch the docks and all the ships but I think if they do move out, it would be temporary. The gates are our best bet.’
‘I shall consult with the magistrate and get an answer to you by tomorrow. Cosmas can handle the details.’
‘Excellent. I thank you for your help.’
Diadromes came a little closer. ‘If I am able to secure this assistance, it would seem clear that each of us will have fulfilled our debt to each other. Do you agree, Officer Crispian?’
‘I do.’
Diadromes summoned Cosmas for a brief discussion about the plan then left. The usually cool sergeant seemed rather flustered; apparently the Gorgos investigation was progressing swiftly and though there had been no sightings of Greyboy, more arrests were imminent.
The outraged Norbanus Celer, meanwhile, had already communicated with Magistrate Pomponianus and now sergeants and legionaries were out on the streets hunting Ravilla and his band of ‘actors’.
Cosmas escorted Cassius and the others to the rear of the headquarters and opened the gate.
‘You there!’ demanded a loud voice.
A tall grey horse was trotting up the street, ridden by a centurion in full uniform complete with scarlet cloak and crested helmet. Behind him were two legionaries on horses several hands shorter.
‘Chief Centurion Nemetorius,’ whispered Cosmas before hurrying over to the officer.
‘Good day, sir.’
‘This criminal who assaulted Master Celer – apparently some of your sergeants have found him. The magistrate has asked me to take personal charge.’
‘Yes, Centurion.’
‘They will bring him here, won’t they?’
‘They will, sir, yes.’
To Cassius, Nemetorius seemed like a man very keen to be regarded as a member of the city’s elite. He certainly looked the part, what with the circular gold clasp for his cloak and the sleek horse, but there was a rather coarse edge to him, detectable not only in his voice.
‘I shall wait,’ he announced.
The two legionaries dismounted. One of them passed his reins to the other and ran over to steady Nemetorius’ horse while his superior descended. Once on the pavement, the centurion removed his helmet. Though his face was craggy and lined, his hair was thick and (suspiciously) dark.
Without a single glance at Cassius or the other two, Nemetorius took a flask from the side of his saddle, removed the stopper and drank. ‘Hope they won’t be long.’
‘Not sure, sir,’ said Cosmas. ‘I wasn’t even aware he’d been apprehended.’
Nemetorius snorted, turned to his men and aimed a dismissive thumb over his shoulder. ‘This lot.’
Cassius walked over to Cosmas. ‘We’ll be going.’
Cosmas matched his hushed tone. ‘Sir, we will need the centurion’s cooperation for the operation at the gates – especially if you two are to masquerade as legionaries. Diadromes will be contacting him of course but it might be wise to introduce yourself.’
Cassius didn’t particularly relish the prospect but the sergeant was right; if not for the need for secrecy, he would have already presented himself to the city’s senior military commander.
‘Very well.’ He pointed at his satchel, which Simo passed to him. Sticking out of one end was the spearhead.
Nemetorius had handed his helmet to the legionary watching his horse and was brushing something off his cloak. He looked up as Cosmas and Cassius approached.
‘Centurion, this is Officer Crispian.’
Cassius offered his forearm. ‘Imperial Security.’
Nemetorius waited a long time to reach out and greet him, which he did with unnecessary – but not unexpected – force. ‘A grain man in Berytus, eh? I was not informed.’
‘Apologies for not coming to see you sooner. I am working on a covert investigation for Marshal Marcellinus involving a counterfeiting gang. We believe they may be operating within the city.’
As Cosmas withdrew, Cassius pulled aside the top of his satchel so that the centurion could see the spearhead.
Nemetorius didn’t seem interested. ‘So how long have you been creeping around the city without my knowledge?’
Cassius decided not to use ‘sir’. Technically, Nemetorius did outrank him, but the older man wasn’t working directly on behalf of the Emperor’s deputy. Also, Cassius didn’t want to immediately give ground; he seemed like the type who would exploit it.
‘Several days.’
A smile played across Nemetorius’ face as he examined Cassius’s outfit. ‘What are you supposed to be?’
‘A merchant. I do not wish to advertise my presence here.’
‘Clearly. So I presume that you now need something from me?’
‘I’m afraid so.’
Cassius briefly outlined the plan. ‘I myself would like to pose as one of your officers and man the east gate.’
Nemetorius had been looking up at the cloudless sky while Cassius spoke. ‘Counterfeiters in Berytus? I don’t see it.’ Now he stared at the younger man. ‘Sure this isn’t all an elaborate ruse so that you can pretend to be a real soldier for a day?’
Cassius held the gaze of the dark-eyed centurion, though it was not easy. ‘I can assure you that Marshal Marcellinus and my superior Aulus Celatus Abascantius do not consider this a laughing matter.’