The Alexandrian Embassy Read Online Free Page A

concerned frown, ‘you sound as if you’re in danger of becoming an upright and outraged citizen. It makes absolute sense to let him carry on undisturbed: if he disappeared who would take his place and how long would it take us to find out? And, actually, would it just be one person? Tatianus guards his trade very jealously so that anyone who encroaches on his business normally finds themselves the victim of their own merchandise. He polices it very nicely for us; rather like your crossroads fraternities are tolerated because you keep the crime down in your areas even though you’re a bunch of criminals yourselves. It’s a most peculiar paradox.’
    â€˜Now, sir, you’re not being entirely fair.’
    â€˜Really? Well, if you say so.’ Gaius looked amused as they passed into Caesar’s Forum where the Urban Prefect could be petitioned in the shadow of an equestrian statue of the onetime dictator. He pointed to Lentullus at his desk perusing a scroll. ‘We could go and tell the Prefect all about Tatianus now and he would just laugh. If it wasn’t for Tatianus he would have no idea of how much weaponry was in the city and who possessed it so that every so often he can send the Urban Cohorts round and have a collection.’
    Magnus’ mind was reeling as they came out into the Forum Romanum where Cassandros and Tigran were forced to begin using their staves to clear a passage through the morning crowds. ‘You mean that Tatianus tells the Prefect about every shipment he brings in?’
    â€˜Of course not; how could we trust him? No, that would be a silly idea; he’s completely unaware of our interest in him. Much simpler just to find out who’s in his pay and then threaten nasty mishaps to their loved ones if they so much as forget one item that comes through. At the moment Tatianus seems to be using a certain Urban Cohort centurion who’s part of the Capena Gate detail.’
    â€˜Who happens to be on duty on the Ides.’
    â€˜Ah! So that’s when your shipment is coming in, is it?’
    â€˜Now, I didn’t say that I had purchased anything, sir. I just said … well. I didn’t really say anything, did I?’
    â€˜No matter, Magnus; but you can be sure that the Urban Prefect will know about anything illegal that does come through the Capena Gate tomorrow within an hour of its arrival. Then he has only to watch who comes and goes from Tatianus’ house to have an idea as to where the shipment is destined.’
    â€˜Pluto’s slack sack!’ Magnus realised the seriousness of his position should he take possession of his order. ‘And then depending on what it is he will act accordingly; is that how it goes?’
    â€˜Very much like that, Magnus.’
    â€˜So if I were to go to his house soon after a very illicit item comes in, I could expect a visit from the Urban Cohorts and have some serious explaining to do.’
    â€˜Precisely; and even I would find it hard to assist you in that situation. Has that helped you?’
    â€˜Thank you, sir; that is interesting. Naturally I’ll keep this to myself.’
    â€˜Magnus, the day that either of us betrays a confidence will, I’m sure, be the last day of our very mutually beneficial relationship.’
    They stopped at the base of the Senate House steps and Gaius bade farewell to the majority of his clients as all around other senators did likewise. He then gave instructions to the few clients he had asked to remain behind concerning the lobbying favours he needed them to carry out for him that morning in the Forum. Once he had dismissed them he turned his attention back to Magnus. ‘Vespasian will be in contact when he returns to the city, probably tomorrow, provided Caligula doesn’t decide to dispense his bizarre forms of imperial justice at every town along the Appian Way. Hopefully he can persuade the Emperor to see the Alexandrian embassy soon and