22
By the time they reached Vespasianus’ house, the morning was almost over. Shops were closing for the midday break and the sun beat down on the paving stones.
Before Argolicus could knock on the door, Nikolaos said, “Master, what do you know about Vespasianus other than that he is a magistrate?”
“He is the magistrate. Telling him about Donicus’ secret hoard is the next step. Then it’s up to him and the principals to make a decision.”
“Remember Rome. Don’t take him at face value. You tend to do that.”
“I remember Rome. Power is its own reward. People are people in Rome and here.” On the stones next to the door graffiti proclaimed, “What about us?” Argolicus knocked on the door.
The door swung open and the neatly dressed doorman raised an eyebrow. “The morning is over. The master has
