CHAPTER 16
Longinus’ notes, the gods be thanked, hadn’t been tampered with. His secret formulae were still safe. In spite of this reassurance, he had spent a fitful night’s sleep, which was very unlike him. Longinus always did everything properly, and this philosophy extended to sleeping. So on the morning after the baths, he was feeling less than his usual, composed self.
He poured himself a generous measure of port (there was no ailment that couldn’t be cured with a little port), and threw himself down on the blue velvet chair in the weapons room. He sipped his port and observed his poisons. The thought that they might somehow have been compromised was simply intolerable, but his sleepless night had brought him to a very disturbing conclusion.
Provided that the girl was correct in her
