“They clanged the bell as bold as brass, barged past the porter, burst through the house, pulled me out to a carrying chair and raced down the street! When we got to the Forum the crowds slowed them, so I jumped out and ran away.”

They had threatened her enough to keep her quiet, though clearly not enough to quash her spirit.

“Any idea where they were taking you?”

She said not.

“Now don’t be worried!” I reassured her. “Tell me, how old are you?”

She was sixteen. O Jupiter!

“Married?”

“Do I look like a person who is married?” She looked like a person who soon should be!

“Papa any plans? Perhaps he has his eye on some well-bred army officer, home from Syria or Spain?”

She seemed interested in the concept, but shook her head. I could see one good reason for kidnapping this beauty. I improved on my trustworthy look. “Any of papa’s friends been ogling you too keenly? Has your mother introduced you to any spruce young sons of her childhood friends?”

“I haven’t a mother,” she interrupted calmly.

There was a pause while I wondered at her odd way of putting it. Most people would say “My mother’s dead,” or whatever. I worked out that her noble mama was in excellent health, probably found in bed with a footman and divorced in disgrace.

“Excuse me—professional question—any special admirer your family knows nothing about?”

Suddenly she burst into giggles. “Oh do stop being so silly! There’s nobody like that!”

“You’re a very attractive young lady!” I insisted, adding quickly, “Though of course you’re safe with me.”

“I see!” she remarked. This time those huge brown eyes suddenly danced in high spirits. I realized with astonishment that I was being teased.

Some of it was bluff. She had been badly frightened and now she was trying to be brave. The braver she was, the sweeter she looked. Her beautiful eyes were gazing into mine, brimming with mischief and causing serious troubles of my own…

Just in time, footfalls dragged to a halt outside, then my door was battered with that casual arrogance that could only mean a visit from the law.

IV

The law settled his breathing-rate after the stairs.

“Do come in,” I said mildly. “It’s not locked.”

He was in. He collapsed at the other end of my bench. “Have a seat,” I offered.

“Falco, you villain! This is an improvement.” He gave me a slow grin. Petronius Longus, patrol captain of the Aventine watch. A big, placid, sleepy-looking man with a face people trusted—probably because it gave so little away.