“Anything wrong, Leonidas?” Albus peered up at me as I scowled.
“You’ve heard that Ajax and Rufus have been killed?” I asked bluntly.
“Of course,” Albus said before Volteius could answer. “It’s all over Rome.”
“That equipment was made for them.” I set my mouth in a grim line. “For their deaths.”
Volteius lost his frown, his lips parting in disbelief. Albus stared at me in shock.
“Then the man who picked them up,” Albus said in a near whisper. “He was the killer?”
“Possibly,” I said. “Or worked for him.”
“Minerva save us.” Albus gulped, but he quivered with excitement. “We talked to a murderer.”
“He seemed quiet enough.” Volteius’s answer was gruff. “As you say, Leonidas, he probably was only running the errand. Might not have known what his master had in mind. But he claimed he’d been sent by Aemilianus.”
“He lied. Aemil would never kill his own men.”
Volteius’s voice turned hard. “I had no idea. Remember that. Nothing to do with the business. I thought I was working for Aemilianus, same as ever.” He glared at Gallus, as though Gallus might run to fetch a magistrate at once.
Volteius was right to worry. If any believed he was a conspirator in the murder, he would be condemned with them.
“You acted in good faith.” I spoke slowly and clearly for all to hear. “No one could blame you.”
“See that they don’t,” Volteius barked. “Now, away with you. I have many more commissions to fulfill.”
He snatched the stylus from behind his ear and bent over the etching again, but I noted that his hand shook, and he could not make a mark.
Albus gestured for us to follow him out. “Have I helped?” he asked me, eyes shining.
“You did.” I resisted the urge to pat him on the head like a dog. “Thank you.”
“If I see the man again, I’ll send word right away,” he promised.
“If you see him again, hide from him,” I said in alarm. “I don’t want him cleaning up after himself.”
Albus nodded gravely at my warning, and I hoped he heeded it. He ushered us out the gate and closed it behind us but did not lock it.
“Where will you go now?” Gallus asked in curiosity.
I did not know what I should do next. Scour the city for a large man with dark hair and a big nose? That would be a long and arduous task.
Cassia emerged from under her cloak. “The ludus,” she said. “Ask Aemilianus if he truly did order the armor. If so, then it was stolen from him for the purpose.”
“Excellent idea.” Gallus rubbed his hands together, his toga flapping. “In that case, I will leave you to it. As I once told you, gladiatorial combat makes me shudder, and I might go weak if I stood near an entire pack of gladiators at once. Good day, Leonidas. Young Cassia. Do not forget my question about joining me on the building team for the warehouse. My door is always open to you.”
Gallus ebulliently headed off in the direction of the nearest bridge to lead him back to the heart of Rome. Once he was gone, lost in the crowds, Cassia and I turned our steps toward the ludus. I sensed she wanted to ask me about Gallus’s offer, and I kept a swift pace to prevent her.
As we approached the ludus’ gate, Septimius on guard once again, heavy footsteps sounded behind us.
“Get out of my way, Leonidas.”
The missing Regulus abruptly shoved himself past me and stormed in through the gate that Septimius hurriedly opened for him.
Chapter 14
Ibarreled inside after Regulus, Cassia directly behind me. Regulus halted on the walkway next to the practice field where gladiators trained despite the rain. He insolently stretched his arms and yawned.
