Whatever pomade that corpse had, I want some!" We collected up the sobbing girl, bringing the flautist for his own protection. With Helena and Albia at our heels, we raced from the funeral area. We passed a side turning, out of which stepped some vigiles. Petro shouted an order. They tackled our pursuers; though they were heavily outnumbered, it gave us space. We almost reached the end of the necropolis before heavy footsteps came pounding after us. Quick, in here Petro pushed us all inside an open tomb and with his shoulder shoved the door closed. Five of us gasped a bit, then sat down on the floor in darkness. I did a quick recount from memory. Six of us. As we struggled for breath, I gasped quietly, Lucius, my boy; that may be the most stupid thing you have ever done." He was fired up to silliness. Wonder who lives here?" Helena Justina found my hand and held it. And I thought you were irresponsible."
What's your name, son?" murmured Petro to the flautist.
Chaeron."
Well, Chaeron lad, I'd just like to say, before we get hauled out, finely chopped, and turned into soup by a nasty gang of pirates, well done." The flautist giggled. Nobody tried the door. We could hear nothing from outside. Petro decided that meant they could not hear us either.
Now young Rhodope," he chivvied, firmly addressing the invisible cause of our discomfort, we may be here some time. While we are stuck, I shall ask you some questions."
I want to ask one." Rhodope had spirit. Abandoning the hysterics, she reverted to her stubborn streak. Was my Theopompus really killed by his own people?"
Yes."
Why?"
Because Petronius could be very soft-hearted, with girls. He fell in love with you. Cotys will have been annoyed that Theopompus had endangered the group."
