They did not stop. That was just as well. Rhodope might be ecstatic, but Helena and I saw it differently.

Oh Juno! She looks in her element. Marcus, her poor father!"

I should have warned him to keep a guard on her."

If she was determined to run off, she would have escaped somehow."

You're the expert on young girls with dreams." I had always had the impression that Helena Justina, a shy and reserved young woman, had nonetheless led a wild imaginative life before I met her. She never confirmed it. Oh, I was scrupulously sensible, until I met that informer in Britain. The dark, dangerous one with that look in his eyes and the way with words… You have gone quiet, darling." She always understood me. I was smitten with fear about this adventure. Among the more mature female prisoners who were usually taken, Rhodope must have been a one-off. When he bedded her, however, Theopompus could never have been serious. Afterwards, we had been sure that only heartache awaited the besotted creature. Rhodope was not bad looking, but not good looking either. From what we had seen, she was a pale little character, completely inexperienced. She lacked the fire to ensnare a man of action, and yet she had too many romantic expectations to be suitable for the hard life led ashore by the worn-out womenfolk of pirates. The fact that Theopompus had gone back for the girl seemed out of character.

She offers easy pickings, though."

Yes. She was young, an easy lay who would not argue, making it awkward for her father to pursue a seducer afterwards."

I meant, she is the only child of a rich and loving widower," Helena remarked astutely. Theopompus can bleed Posidonius dry. The father knows it; I saw the dread in his expression when we talked to him. It is not just that his daughter has lost her virginity and is unlikely to agree to a good marriage while she's pining."

No, you are right. Posidonius has paid heavily to get her back once – and even if Theoponipus returns her to him this time, it is bound to involve cost."

The father is helpless, Marcus; he knows the girl is making a horrible mistake. If Theopompus is a real villain, he will string Rhodope along, maybe even marry her, then expect her papa to pay out a permanent retainer to save her being hurt."

Or worse."

Or worse," agreed Helena, shuddering. After a moment I confessed my real anxiety. I just hope Theopompus has not picked her up because Damagoras told him to."

You think that would be your fault." Helena loved me, but was an unsparing critic.

Admitted. I am scared that Damagoras was annoyed when he found out, from me, that Rhodope had named Theopompus. The old villain may want her put out of the way."

Want her killed, you mean?"

Let's hope not. Theopompus may just have been told to bring her into the clan where they can keep her quiet." Helena bent to Favonia, who was dragging at her skirts. Holding our daughter on her hip, she gave me a long look. Can't we believe the warm-hearted Damagoras has allowed a new tryst because he likes to see love triumph over adversity?"

What adversity?" I scoffed.

All right. A silly wretch has thrown herself at a lout who wastes cash on garish transport."

Helena, she is rich and ridiculous, but she's up against worse than she knows. And I don't just mean she's in danger of crying her eyes out when her cupid dumps her." Helena sighed. You must find her, Marcus. Go and see Petronius. At least tell her father where she is." That was my intention. I wanted to hear whether Posidonius already knew the whereabouts of the eloping couple. If he had been informed of their plans by Theopompus, then I could relax. That meant Theopompus was holding the girl now in order to rake off more of her father's fortune. The father had his troubles and for him they might be long-term ones, but at least the girl would stay alive. Since the contractor's house stood right alongside where I had been on watch, I abandoned my position, and rushed to see if Petronius was at home.

Oh look; now we have the whole set of dice!" Maia greeted me. I took it for affection. She let me kiss her cheek.

Who's here?"

Roll yourself into the second courtyard and you'll see." Petronius was talking to Marcus Rubella. They looked at ease, reaching up for grapes from a pergola and speaking in quiet voices. The tribune must be so intrigued by what I had told him of events at Ostia, he had come a day in advance of the rest of his detachment. As men talking together professionally about their unit, he and Petro both looked annoyed at seeing me.

Sorry to interrupt." They had the seats. Petro was in a woven chair that Maia normally used; her wool basket sat on the ground at his feet. Rubella had sprawled on a marble bench, with one leg along the full length of the seat. He did not move up. I stood. I was too impatient to wrangle about his manners, and merely told my tale.

I already knew the girl, Rhodope, was missing." Rubella stayed calm. The father came bellyaching at the patrol house. Relax, Falco. We are on to it."

Well I've told you she is in Ostia. No need to thank me," I sneered. He did not blink.

That's a bummer." Petronius was more forthcoming. He even pulled out a cushion from behind him and tossed it to me so I could sit on a low wall. She's put the whole operation at risk." So it was an operation" now, was it? Rubella in charge, and even Petronius Longus following his chiefs orders. I knew where that placed me.

The charioteer didn't stop at the gatehouse, Falco?"

Theopompus never looked at the place. That may have been to conceal the hideout, or he may just have been enjoying himself too much with his crazy driving."

And you believe this girl is at risk?" Rubella's tone was ponderous; he reminded me of Gaius Baebius. When I spelled out my fears that Damagoras would eliminate Rhodope, the tribune's interest was cursory. There has been no direct threat to her?"

No, there has been no threat. But what villain issues a statement of intent when he is about to snuff out a witness?" I knew what Rubella would say. Even Petronius would support him. We can keep a watching brief on the girl. But we can't go in and fetch her. There is too much at stake," warned Rubella bluntly.

Until we identify the others and position ourselves for a swoop, Rhodope cannot be my priority." Petronius Longus then gave me the fixed stare treatment. I know what you're thinking, Falco. Don't do it!" Rubella also jumped on me. Falco, I don't want you carrying out an independent mission. Leave the girl and her boyfriend strictly alone from now on, do you hear?"

We'll do the drama." Petro reinforced his words.

So what about the watch on the gatehouse?" I demanded.

Leave that to us," said Rubella. I stood up. Well thanks, both of you. I would like to say that if the girl dies, her blood is on your hands. Unfortunately, I can't let myself off so lightly. If she dies it will be my fault, my fault for having foolishly trusted the vigiles to defend law and order."

We are accountable to the whole community." Rubella's tone was so bland I could have pushed his teeth down his throat. I don't want to see the girl harmed, I don't want to explain that to her father."

You know the score, Marcus," Petronius said. She must take her chance." It was tough. That's the vigiles, for you. Rubella was making statements. I want to round up the entire gang and put a stop to this kidnapping, once and for all."

Once and for all" is political jargon, which makes it absolutely meaningless. As I took myself off from the contractor's house, who should I meet coming in but Brunnus, the Sixth's detachment leader.

What are you doing here, Brunnus?"

Marcus Rubella has arrived in Ostia. We have a meeting arranged, Falco. Handover and joint strategy discussion." Joint balls-up, more likely. After Rubella and Petronius had both expressed a wish to show up their colleagues in the Sixth, I could hardly believe this. Inter-cohort liaison? Whatever happened to rivalry?" Brunnus grinned happily. What rivalry, Falco?" He was an innocent. Rubella was probably picking his brains, prior to shafting him and his cohort. We have to interleave our efforts on some critical initiatives."