They all four looked at the body, their senses only then picking up the odour of death, and in concert they covered their noses as they approached the table lit only by a sliver of moon.
Catus could not see the body for the four men blocked the way as they pulled back the sheet.
“So it’s true,” Fabianus said with a hint of relief in his voice.
“Good riddance!” said Orban.
“Well,” added Turnus. “This really is the best gift for Saturnalia, isn’t it?” he laughed. “What are you doing?” he asked Cassius who was leaning over the body.
Cassius, by far the most brazen of the four, had reached down and plucked something from the dead person’s mouth. He held up a gold aureus in triumph. “Aha! My own share of the plunder!” he joked.
“The boatman won’t have his share if you take that,” Orban sa
