*******
Almost home, he saw Petros’ parents being ushered in the street door. Not sure what was happening, he entered through the nearer courtyard door. Hurrying through the peristyle, he put the heavy basket in the alcove with a sigh of relief. As he straightened up, he heard his mother comforting Petros’ mother.
Three strangers, workmen of some kind, were coming down the stairs, and he could hear his great-grandfather’s voice thanking them.
The workmen bowed their heads respectfully as they passed him on their way out.
His interest piqued, Benjamin wondered what was going on, and what Petros’ parents wanted. He walked into the foyer where they stood talking with his mother.
When she saw him, Petros’ mother hurried over to him. “Benjamin, do you know where our son is? Have you seen h
