"Can't lure you with some boar hunting?"

"Not my style." Even if it had been, the Empire was packed with more thrilling places to chase wildlife across ghastly terrain. Most of the other places were sunny and had cities. "Nor do I cherish a visionary wish to implant civilisation among the awe-struck British tribes."

Vespasian grinned. "Oh I've despatched a bunch of lawyers and philosophers to do that."

"I know, sir. They hadn't achieved much the last time you sent me north." I had plenty more to say about Britain. "As I recall, the pasty faced tribes had still not learned what to do with the sponge on the stick at public latrines. Where anybody had yet built any latrines." Goose-pimples ran across my arm. Without intending it, I added, "I was there during the Rebellion. That should be enough for anyone."

Vespasian shifted slightly on the bench. The Rebellion was down to Nero, but it still made all Romans shudder. "Well, somebody has to go, Falco."

I said nothing.

He tried frankness. "There is a monumental cock-up on a rather public project."

"Yes, sir. Frontinus let me into his confidence."

"Can't be worse than the troubles you sorted in the silver mines." So he did remember sending me to Britain previously. "A quick dash over there; audit the slapdash buggers; nail any frauds; then straight home. For you, it's a snip, Falco."

"Should be a snip for anyone then, Caesar; I'm no demigod. Why don't you send Anacrites?" I suggested nastily. I always liked to think Vespasian reined in the Chief Spy because he distrusted the man's abilities. "I am desolate to disappoint you, Caesar, though honoured by your faith in me-'

JJ

n"Don't blather. So you won't go?" sneered Vespasian.

"New baby," I offered as a let-out for both of us.

"Just the time to nip off."

"Regrettably, Helena Justina has a pact with me that if ever I travel, she comes too."