Diadromes looked at Cosmas, who was standing on the other side of the tower. ‘What’s security like at night?’
‘Not sure, sir. There will certainly be a guard or two on the main gate, perhaps more inside.’
‘They might transport the coins after hours,’ said Cassius, ‘but I doubt they do any actual production. There’s the noise for one, plus they can’t use the chimney unless the forge is working upstairs.’
‘What was the manager’s name?’ asked Diadromes.
‘Bathyllos,’ answered Cosmas.
‘Don’t know him. What about the owner?’
‘I’m looking into it,’ replied the sergeant.
‘Subtly, please,’ said Cassius. ‘We can assume that Bathyllos is in on it and perhaps his employers too. If they hear of our interest-’
‘We must be careful in any case,’ said Diadromes. ‘I agree it is all damned suspicious but we cannot be sure.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Cassius, ‘if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few weeks it’s not to get ahead of myself.’
Diadromes said, ‘As if there isn’t enough going on at the moment. A criminal scheme between the gang and the factory, that’s one thing. But if one or more of our notable citizens is also involved it will become quite the scandal.’ He tapped a knuckle on the corner of the table.
‘It’s getting late,’ said Cassius. ‘I must compose my report for Pomponianus. Should I disclose everything?’
Diadromes considered this for a moment. ‘You must. If he has an opinion he can offer it before you take any decisive action. Just observation for now, agreed?’
‘Agreed.’
The deputy magistrate took his cape from a chair. ‘Speaking of the magistrate, I now have the delightful prospect of a late dinner with him, my fellow deputies and the chief centurion.’
‘Ah.’ What Cassius had seen of Diadromes’s role as deputy magistrate confirmed his long-standing theory that the burdens of such a post outweighed the benefits.
‘Something tells me I won’t have much of an appetite,’ added the Syrian. ‘I must persuade them not to kill five of the city’s sons.’
‘I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that would be extremely counterproductive,’ said Cassius.
Indavara spoke up. ‘They wouldn’t, would they?’
‘Hopefully not,’ said Diadromes. ‘But the governor and the centurion have grown increasingly close, and increasingly convinced that there is only one method of response to unrest. But I have allies too. We will do what we can.’
‘You can’t allow it,’ said Indavara. ‘It’s not right.’
‘My friend, I wish it were that simple.’
Once Diadromes had left, Cassius told Simo to get started on dinner; Cosmas would eat with them, then they would get over to the factory and begin their second night-time vigil.
While Indavara helped the Gaul and the sergeant went to find a messenger, Cassius adjourned to his room to write a brief summation of the day’s progress for Pomponianus. Once it was done, he rolled up the page and made a rough seal with some candlewax; just enough to prevent anyone at the magistrate’s office getting curious. He was almost to the stairs when he paused and glanced back at his figurines.
Great and honoured gods, I thank you.
They were not so lucky with an observation point this time. The factory was surrounded by similarly large buildings and, like most of them, guarded by a pair of sentries. As they passed the gate, Cassius saw the two men squatting below a lamp playing dice.
They walked on – occasionally drawing suspicious glances from other guards – and eventually reached the square at the end of the street. They halted beside another looming statue not far from some beggars singing an indecipherable song. Cassius looked back. He had been so focused on his performance earlier in the day that he’d taken little notice of the surrounding area. ‘No alleys or side streets close enough?’
‘Not that would provide a decent view of the front,’ said Cosmas.
‘The rear?’
‘It’s right next to a warehouse, separated by an alley. No good for observation but there is a small gate – shall I go and check if it’s guarded?’
‘Please.’
As Cosmas jogged away, Cassius turned to Indavara, no more than a dark shape beside him. ‘You’re still quiet. What is it – this girl?’
The bodyguard sniffed.
‘Come on, what have I told you before about bottling everything up? It might help you to talk about it, even with me. I promise to be pleasant.’
‘She is a slave.’
‘I see.’
‘I think they mistreat her. She tried to run away.’
‘And you will save her, I suppose?’ Cassius instantly regretted his tone, if not the sentiment.
‘Is that you being pleasant?’
‘Sorry. Realistic. Look, I can understand it. You wouldn’t be the first. Rushing to a poor maid’s rescue, it’s … attractive.’
‘Attractive?’
‘You know what I mean. But unless you have the money to pay off her owners – and we both know you don’t – there is little you can do. And frankly, any suggestion that you could would give the girl false hope.’
‘She has no one.’
‘Isn’t she with the Christians? Can’t they help?’
‘They say she should obey her master.’
‘Well, I don’t often agree with them but they are right. She must learn to make the best of it; she has no other choice.’
‘She could run.’
‘And what then? A girl, alone in the world? That is no solution.’
‘So I can do nothing?’
‘We will be moving on soon. There’s no sense in getting caught up in all this.’
‘You don’t understand.’
Cassius reckoned he was probably right about that. Neither of them said anything more until Cosmas returned.
‘No guard at the back. Strong gate and lock, though. Over the wall’s probably the best way in.’
‘Well, we have some experience in that field.’
‘The warehouse?’ asked the sergeant.
‘The warehouse.’
‘Dead quiet,’ added Cosmas. ‘Doesn’t look like there’s going to be much happening tonight.’
‘Unfortunately, we still need to watch the place.’
Cosmas let out a long breath.
‘You’ve done enough, these last few days,’ said Cassius. ‘Go and get some sleep.’
‘Are you sure, sir?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘I won’t deny I could use a bit of shut-eye. Goodnight.’
‘Goodnight,’ said Cassius as the sergeant set off across the square.
‘Why don’t you go too?’ said Indavara.
‘What?’
‘It doesn’t take two of us to watch the place. At least you can get some rest. I won’t sleep anyway.’
Cassius appreciated the offer but he feared the prospect of journeying alone across the city.
Indavara said, ‘If you hurry up, Cosmas can see you back to the tower.’
‘You’re sure?’
‘I’m sure. Go.’
After their discussion, Cassius wasn’t all that happy about leaving him but Indavara was a man of his word; if he said he’d stay and watch, he would.
‘Very well. Thank you. But about this girl – you won’t do anything silly, will you?’
‘See you back at the tower in the morning.’
Cassius could no longer hear Cosmas’s footsteps. He ran past the statue and across the square.
XXX
Dear Fortuna, goddess most high, help me. Please, please help me.
Indavara wandered through the fruit market, head lolling, eyes heavy.
The hours of night had passed slowly. He had ended up slumped against the bottom of the statue, watching the factory, his mind elsewhere. He’d decided to listen to Corbulo, to forget Mahalie. He’d reminded himself of who paid him, of the oath he’d taken to the army. He felt great pride about moving the investigation forward and was determined to see it through with Corbulo. That was more important.
But his resolve hadn’t lasted long. He could not forget her. If he found her, he could help. He just knew it.