We were next. There was a shift in the atmosphere; word had it this was a race to watch. Famia said big money was riding on Ferox. The champion did look special-that high-stepping gait, the powerful build, and the deep-purple sheen on his wonderful coat. He looked like a horse who knew this was his great day. As I watched Bryon mounting their jockey, he and I exchanged a good-mannered nod. It was then that I noticed someone, someone not studying Ferox but intently scanning the crowd which was inspecting him. Someone looking for Pertinax, without a doubt. I muttered to Famia, 'Just seen a girl I know-' Then I slipped through the crowd while my brother-in-law was still grumbling how he would have thought that on this one occasion I could leave the women be…
'Tullia!'
'Falco.'
'I was looking for you yesterday.'
'I was looking for Barnabas.'
'Will you see him again?'
'Depends on his horse,' the barmaid said dourly. 'He thinks he has a winner-but he left his bets with me!'
I drew Tullia by the arm right across the Cattle Market Forum to the shade and quiet beside that little round temple with the Corinthian columns. I had never been in it or noticed who its divinity was, but its neat structure had always appealed to me. Unlike the more brash temples further from the river, this lacked the usual swarm of seedy trade and seemed an improper place to be propositioning a big-eyed young girl in her sparkly-hemmed holiday gown.
'I have something to suggest to you, Tullia.'
'If it's filthy, don't bother!' she whipped back warily.
'Had enough of men? Then how would you like to make a great deal of money for yourself?'
Tullia assured me she would like that very much. 'What money, Falco?'
If I said half a million she would not believe me. 'A lot. It should go to Barnabas. But I reckon you deserve it more…'
So did Tullia. 'How do I get it, Falco?'
I smiled quietly. Then I explained to the barmaid how she could help me corner Pertinax, and obtain for herself a fortune that was as pretty as her face.
'Yes!' she said. I love a girl who does not hesitate.