Gaius panted as he struggled to keep up with the pace of their walk and the conversation. ‘But surely you’ll tell Claudius that Callistus was in on the cover-up too.’
‘He’s gambling, and correctly too in my opinion, that Claudius will just think that we’re trying to take Callistus down with us out of spite. After all, why would Callistus endanger himself by admitting such a thing to Claudius if he was a part of it?’
‘Then how can Callistus claim to have found this out?’
‘Does it matter? He can say anything he likes: that he overheard us talking about it or one of his agents did; even that he dreamt it. Before things got really bad between them, Narcissus and Messalina got rid of a mutual enemy by going to Claudius at different times saying that they had had a dream that this man was plotting to stab Claudius; the unfortunate man was executed the same day. Claudius sees conspiracies all around him and is always willing to believe whoever comes to him with news of treachery; witness his old friend Asiaticus fighting for his life tomorrow on trumped-up charges.’
‘So how will Narcissus forcing me to testify against Asiaticus make me safe?’ Sabinus asked as they reached the more populated, grand atrium of the palace.
Vespasian gave a weary sigh. ‘Because, brother, if Narcissus brings you forward as a witness to corroborate Messalina’s accusation then Callistus can’t successfully claim after the fact that you were really the guilty man; if he tries to then he’d be walking into a trap. Narcissus can say to Claudius that if Callistus knew that you were guilty all along then why didn’t he expose you at Asiaticus’ hearing? He’ll then remind Claudius privately that he had nothing to gain by seeing Asiaticus condemned; in fact, quite the reverse as he put himself in danger of Asiaticus exposing Poppaeus’ murder, which is something that Callistus knows nothing about. Claudius will believe that reasoning and Callistus will be exposed as a liar even though for once he’ll be telling the truth. It’s perfect; but Narcissus will only take that course if, during the hearing, he sees that Claudius believes Suillius’ accusations and thinks Asiaticus is guilty.
‘If, on the other hand, Claudius is sceptical then Narcissus will expose you; but he was lying when he said that would put him in danger, and Pallas was being disingenuous, to say the least, for not refuting that claim.’ He cast a sidelong glance at the Greek; a brief flicker in his eye told him that he had hit the mark. ‘Narcissus will say that Gaius came to him with the information; when he heard that Asiaticus was being falsely accused he couldn’t stand by and let him be found guilty for Sabinus’ crime that has brought shame on the family.’
Gaius looked at his nephew in alarm. ‘He can’t make me say that.’
‘Of course he can and you know it; it’ll be that or a trumped-up charge that will force your suicide. And you, Sabinus, will have no option but to admit to it.’
‘Bollocks I will.’
‘You will, brother, because you’ll be given the choice between committing suicide and your family keeping your property if you admit to the deed; or, if you deny it, execution and Clementina and the children becoming destitute. You know which one you’ll choose; you’ll have to admit to it and Messalina will have some explaining to do to her husband for bringing false charges against his old friend. So whatever happens, Narcissus is going to score a victory against one of his enemies. You almost have to admire him.’
Pallas gave a rare half-smile. ‘I can see you understand well how things are, Vespasian.’
‘I’m afraid that I’ve seen enough of your lives to know how sordid they really are, old friend.’
‘We have no choice now that we’ve risen so far and attracted so much envy; it’s that or death.’
‘If it comes to me facing death, Pallas,’ Sabinus muttered, ‘then I could still tell Claudius about the deal I had with you and your colleagues.’
Pallas shook his head. ‘I don’t think that you’ll want to do that.’
‘What would I have to lose?’
‘Nothing more than you would already, but Clementina and the children would also be joining you in the afterlife.’
Sabinus rounded on Pallas, grabbing the neck of his tunic. ‘You wouldn’t do that.’
Pallas gripped Sabinus’ fist and pulled it away. ‘I might not, Sabinus, but then again I might. However, you can be sure that Narcissus would without a thought, given the choice between his life and theirs.’
‘You scheming little cunts!’
Gaius pulled his nephew back. ‘That is not helpful, Sabinus.’
‘Helpful? I could be dead this time tomorrow.’
‘But you might not be and if you’re still breathing then Narcissus will never be able to hold Caligula’s assassination over you again; you’ll be free of it.’
Sabinus rubbed his temples, breathing deeply. ‘This is no way to live.’
‘Then leave Rome and go back to the estates.’
‘And do what, Uncle, wait and see whether next year’s wine is better than this year’s? No, I have to be in Rome.’
‘Then this is how you live. Come, I’ll walk you home to the Aventine. Vespasian, I assume that you’ll stay here.’
‘I will, Uncle; nothing that Flavia can do or say could be worse than the last half an hour.’
‘I think you’re right. Goodnight, Pallas; we appreciate your suggestion of the second course of action.’
Pallas inclined his head a fraction. ‘I’m truly sorry that it’s got so out of hand, Gaius, for old friendship’s sake.’
‘But has it really? I can’t remember a time that wasn’t fraught with danger.’ Gaius led Sabinus off across the atrium with his hand on his shoulder.
‘Could you show me to Flavia’s apartment, Pallas?’ Vespasian requested, watching them go. ‘I’ve no idea where it is.’
Pallas remained silent for a few moments, lost in his own thoughts, before turning away. ‘That will be one of the more pleasant tasks that I’ve performed today.’
Vespasian was alarmed to see two Praetorian Guardsmen on duty outside the door that Pallas led him to on the first floor of the palace. ‘What are they doing here?’
‘There’s no need to be concerned,’ Pallas assured him, switching to Greek; he signalled the guards to move aside. ‘They’re to keep intruders out, not to imprison people within.’ He knocked on the lacquered door, black with rectangular golden inlays.
Vespasian frowned, eying the two men suspiciously as they stared, unblinking, over his shoulders. A viewing slot opened and Pallas gave a quick order; the door opened.
‘I’ll leave you, my friend.’ Pallas held out his arm; Vespasian grasped it. ‘I’ll do whatever I can to ensure a good outcome for your family tomorrow. If it looks as if I’m doing otherwise just trust me because, as you are well aware, things are seldom as they seem.’
Vespasian released his grip, shaking his head; a rueful half-smile bent his lips as he held Pallas’ eye. ‘I don’t know how you keep up with all these machinations.’
‘The day I don’t will be my last; until then I enjoy the wealth and luxury that power and position bring whilst trying to ignore the third gift of those two fickle bitches.’
‘Fear?’
For the first time in their acquaintance Pallas let his mask slip; his eyes half closed and he sighed. ‘Constant.’ As quickly as it had disappeared the mask was redeployed; Pallas nodded a goodnight and walked away.
Vespasian turned to the open door, paused to compose himself and then walked through to meet the family that he had not seen for six years.
A gasp escaped Vespasian’s lips as he entered Flavia’s apartment and looked around.