Rubella might have been cheerful. I was annoyed.
Helena Justina, would you care to explain to me exactly why you just did that?" Helena squared her shoulders. We were walking home. There was always a danger when we quarrelled in the street that one of us would walk away for ever. [Or at least until we thought the other party believed it might be for ever just enough to enable a reconciliation scene. We were both headstrong. Having two children, an adopted orphan and a dog at home complicated matters slightly. Before striding off with too much hauteur, someone had to look over their shoulder and make sure the other one was going to look after the family. Today I was being far too grown up for that. I wanted to stick around and make my presence felt.
You know why I did it, Falco." If I was Falco, that meant she was determined not to be impressed by the head-of-household bombast. Marcus was allowed more slack.
Pardon me; I left my personal priest at home today. Read me the auguries!"
Stop shouting."
When I shout, believe me lady, you will know all about it." People had turned to look at us. I certainly was not raising my voice any more than the occasion demanded. Helena kept walking. An interfering idiot stopped to ask the respectable stole-wrapped matron if that unpleasant man was bothering her. Helena said yes. Don't worry; he is my husband."
Oh sorry! Have you considered divorce?"
Frequently," said Helena. We walked on. I was biting my thumb. Too soon, we arrived at the entrance to the courtyard of our apartment. We stopped.
Explain now. We don't argue in front of the children."
Wrong, Falco. Anyway," said Helena in a tight voice, I think it's best if I decide what should happen with the children. I am the one they have to rely on to be here looking after them. I'll tell you why I went to the vigiles. Two reasons, really. One is that I genuinely feel Mutatus and Holconius are wrong not to involve the authorities. And then, what would have happened if I had just let you go and see them privately, Marcus? You know as well as I do, you would have taken on the issue, and you would have done it all alone. Aulus has sailed off, Quintus is crooning over his baby, you wouldn't have wanted to tell Petronius what you were up to, and so you would have dealt with the ransom demands. Am I right?" I said nothing. I tried to think up alternative courses of action I could pretend would have been my choice. None came to mind.
So once again, Falco, I would have had to live with the terror of you going off into danger, on your own, ignoring sense."
I never ignore sense."
You are ignoring it now."
No, I'm adapting. I've just had a shock today. I thought you and I were partners. We consulted on important issues."
You were not here. Just for once I did what / i wanted. And I chose to save you."
I really did not think I had to say this, Helena. don't interfere with my work!" That hurt her. I hated the sound of it myself. Now we really were quarrelling. I tried to soften it. Be reasonable. I've been going off alone on cases all the years that you have known me."
Seven," she said bleakly.
What?"
Seven years. That is how long I have known you. You could be dead in seven minutes if you make the wrong choice, in the wrong place, with nobody to back you up."
Don't make me feel too old to cope."
You are not too old. But you are no longer a lone informer, giving your soul to a mission. You are a family man with a full life, and you need to readjust." We glared at each other. There was no easy way out of this. Are those your grounds for divorce, Helena?"
No. I'm still thinking up the grounds. They will be much more colourful; I want a big splash in the Gazette."
Don't even try. I'm the man of the house. The divorce is mine; I deal with legal niceties."
Do what you like with the niceties," scoffed Helena offhandedly.
Don't forget / I deal with the accounts."
Oh, you may do, but don't expect an expensive settlement!" We were still glaring. I convinced myself there was a difference in the glare.
So. Are you going to buy my forgiveness now by telling me where they are staying?" When she failed to react, I nudged. Holconius and Mutatus."
How do you know that I know where they are?"
Helena Justina, you're the best partner I could have. You are efficient, far-sighted, and although you would deny it, bossy. You didn't mention this to Rubella, but I know, Helena, you will have asked for their address." She knew the address, and she told me. Then she denied she was bossy. I thanked her gravely. Be reassured, sweetheart. This is the first stage only; I am just exploring the situation. It will be perfectly safe. I'll go now. Do I get a kiss?" Helena shook her head, so I kissed her, very firmly. We looked at one another, then I left. I walked back to Helena. She was still standing where I had left her, in the shadow of the courtyard arch. She looked shaken. I sympathised; it was how I felt.
Come with me."
You don't need me for this."
No. But come anyway."
It's big of you to allow it."
That's right," I said. I tucked her hand in my arm and kept it there.
I'm getting old and easy to outwit; even so, I should still be able to manage talking to a pair of Gazette scribes. But this way, if I find myself in any danger, I can use you as a shield."