The Emperor's Silver: Agent of Rome 5 Read Online Free Page A

an … incident last night.’
    Abascantius took up the tale. ‘Three intruders attacked Corbulo in his home. He and the bodyguard fought them off but all three were killed and we’ve little to go on.’
    ‘By Mars. You all right, Corbulo?’
    ‘Yes, sir. Thank you.’
    Marcellinus waved a hand at them. ‘Put your helmets down you two – parade’s over.’
    Abascantius and Cassius carefully placed them on a nearby chair.
    ‘Well, Aulus, what are we going to do about this? We can’t have valued officers fearing for their lives in their own homes. Presumably you’re investigating?’
    ‘Of course, sir. But as I mentioned, there’s not a great deal of evidence to help us. The attack may be connected to Corbulo’s dealings with the Tanukh so it might be advisable to get him out of the province for the moment. I think it would be best for him to accompany the …’
    Marcellinus wasn’t listening. Glycia had leaned across the corner of the table and whispered something to him.
    ‘That’s a thought,’ said the marshal, before addressing the two agents. ‘We have a rather troubling situation developing. It involves counterfeit currency. An alarming number of high-quality fake denarii have turned up across the eastern provinces, particularly Syria. We’ve always had a problem in the West but the Emperor doesn’t want the same thing here and is keen to nip it in the bud. The treasury don’t seem to be making much progress – a fresh pair of eyes might be useful. Obviously, you’ve got a bit about you, Corbulo. How’s his investigative work, Aulus?’
    ‘Fair, sir. But to be honest I think he would serve the Emperor best in Egypt. That is where we face the greatest danger, after all.’
    Marcellinus flexed his toes again. ‘Mmm. I suppose counterfeiting’s not really within the Service’s remit.’
    Taking on fraudsters sounded a lot safer than hunting down rebels in far-away Egypt. Judging by what Marcellinus had said, he evidently wasn’t aware of Cassius’s involvement in the recovery of the Persian Banner. Cassius decided to take a calculated risk.
    ‘I do enjoy investigative work, sir,’ he volunteered. ‘One operation last year was particularly satisfying.’
    He could already feel Abascantius bristling.
    ‘Go on,’ said Marcellinus.
    ‘I’m not sure I should—’
    ‘You shouldn’t,’ said Abascantius sharply.
    Marcellinus looked annoyed. ‘Tell me.’
    Abascantius walked over to the marshal, bent close to him and whispered. Marcellinus listened keenly and seemed impressed.
    On his way back, Abascantius fixed Cassius with an irate glare.
    ‘Well,’ said the marshal. ‘That was another outstanding piece of work. I had no idea, Corbulo. Aulus, you really must try not to hog all the glory for yourself in future. That settles it.’
    Marcellinus turned to Glycia. ‘Where would we send Corbulo to get started?’
    Cassius didn’t dare look at his superior but he was already wondering whether the negative consequences of his gambit might outweigh the positive.
    ‘The imperial mint at Tripolis,’ said Glycia. ‘That’s where the treasury have started the investigation. Not far, is it?’
    ‘About a week away,’ replied Abascantius, making a valiant attempt to hide his anger.
    ‘Good,’ said Marcellinus. ‘Glycia can give you the details later, Corbulo. You should leave right away so I expect you’ll want to make some preparations tonight.’
    ‘Yes, sir. Thank you.’
    ‘Right, then, we must discuss Egypt – Aulus, come and have a seat. I’ve an hour or two before I meet with Governor Calvinus.’
    As Abascantius walked over, Cassius took a step towards the marshal; he knew he might never again get such an opportunity in his entire life. ‘Sir.’
    ‘What is it?’
    ‘I have found that during such investigations it is most helpful to be armed with letters of reference. Such missives from Master Abascantius, Chief Pulcher and Prefect Venator have served me very well in the