“Do I look to you like the sort of man who lacks the courageto stand for that which he believes in?” asked Delaney.
“No,” said Brutus. “you do not seem like such a man. Yetthat is not an answer.”
“Before I give you one.” Delaney said warily.” first tell mewhy you have chosen me, a stranger to you all, to reveal your thoughts to. Thatmeant taking a great risk. How do you know that I will not denounce you?”
“A fair question.” Cassius said. “And one deserving of an answer.First, we were favorably impressed with what you said last night. You spokeboldly and frankly, expressing thoughts similar to ours. A man such asyourself, strong, clear-thinking, forthright, did not seem to us like someonewho would be afraid to follow words with deeds.”
“There was a risk, of course, in sharing our thoughts withyou,” said Brutus, “but the risk was not so great as you imagine. You are, asyou have said, a stranger and a newcomer to Rome, whereas we are all men ofposition and influence. Them are no witnesses to testify to what has transpiredhere just now save for ourselves. If you were to inform on us-”
“Which would be rash, indeed.” interrupted Casca.
“If you were to inform on us.” continued Brutus. “it wouldbe merely your word against ours. And we are all in a position to make certainthat you could not pose a threat to us.”
“Make no mistake. Quintullus,” said Cassius, “we do not intendto threaten you. Brutus merely seeks to explain our reasoning.”
“Your reasoning seems sound, so far.” Delaney said.
“There is yet one more thing.” Cassius said. “Yourfriendship with Lucius Septimus, and the fact that you are staying in hishouse, means that you could be very useful to us. Septimus is close to Caesar,a frequent visitor to the palace. He has Caesar’s confidence. And you seem tohave his.”
“I see.” Delaney said. “And Trebonius is friends withAntony, who is also close to Caesar. I begin to understand your methods.”
“Yes, as you can see. Quintullus. we are careful men.” saidCassius. “We must see to it that not a thing is left to chance. There is muchat stake. The very fate of the republic, to say nothing of our lives.”
“Indeed.” Delaney said thoughtfully.
“So. What is your answer?” Cassius asked “Do you stand withus, or against us?”
“I stand for the republic.” said Delaney.
“Then you are with us?” Casca asked.
“If I am to be asked to risk my life.” Delaney said. “then Iwould be a fool to undertake that risk for nothing.”
Brutus frowned. “Is it payment that you seek?”
“I am not some assassin who works for hire. Brutus,” said Delaneywith an affronted tone. “I believe in the republic and I have come to Rome tobuild a life. But if I am to be instrumental in saving the republic, then Iwould like to have a hand in restoring it. as well.”
“And so you shall,” said Cassius. “We will need men ofability when the time comes. to prevent Rome from falling into chaos. Neverfear. Quintullus. you shall not fall by the wayside. At the very least, atribuneship could be arranged. What say you to that?”
“I think that I would like being a tribune.” Delaney saidwith a smile.
“Then it is settled.” said Cassius. “We shall meet again atmy home an hour before sunset. And we shall drink to the future of Rome!”
8
“This will do,” said Steiger, looking around at the smallapartment in the tenement block that Marshall owned.
“Are you sure about this. Creed?” Marshall asked. “You don’thave to stay here, you know. You’re perfectly welcome to remain at my place.”
“Am I?” Steiger said, giving him a hard look. His pale.blue-gray eyes were like cracked ice.
“Look. Creed, if it’s about last night-”
“Yeah that’s what it’s about,” said Steiger, an edge in hisvoice. “Why didn’t you kill me last night. John? What’s the matter. lose yournerve?”
Marshall hesitated only a fraction of a second. “What thehell are you talking about?”
“Come on, John, you think I can’t tell when I’ve beendrugged? You must’ve slipped me a Mickey in the wine. You had your chance. Whydidn’t you take it?”
Marshall looked as if he were going to protest again. butthen his shoulders sagged and he exhaled heavily. “All right. Look … I admitI thought about it. but when push came to shove, I–I simply couldn’t do it. Ijust couldn’t. You gotta understand. Creed, it wasn’t because I
“I must be slowing down,” said Steiger flatly. “I suppose Ishould’ve seen it coming. I just never expected it from you.”
There was an awkward pause. Marshall felt fear knotting hisstomach. He wanted to run, but he was afraid that if he did, he’d never make itto the door. Sweat stood out on his forehead.
“What are you going to do’?” he asked anxiously.
“Nothing, John,” said Steiger, turning away from him. Hestood at the window, looking out into the street. He sounded suddenly weary. “Youcaught me with my guard down and you had me, but you didn’t do it. I guess thatcounts for something:
“Creed,!.. Hell, I wish …” His voice trailed off.”Isimply don’t know what to say.”
“There’s nothing to be said.” Steiger replied in the sameflat tone. He shook his head. “You’ve changed, John. You used to be one of thebest. Now you’ve become a frightened little man.”
“Creed … try to understand. I didn’t want to do it. Andwhen it came right down to it. I-”
“Spare me, John. all right? Look. I appreciate the help you’vegiven me, but I don’t really need you anymore. Go back to your house and yourteenaged female slaves. Go live your fantasy. Don’t worry. I won’t turn you in.I don’t really give a damn about the Underground. Besides, you’re just notworth the trouble.”
Marshall looked down at the floor. “Creed, look.. I wasjust scared, that’s all. I didn’t know if you were going to-”
“I don’t really want to hear it. John, all right’?”
Marshall sighed. “Okay. Look … you can stay here as longas you like. Do what you have to do, I won’t come around and bother you. But ifthere’s anything you need, money or-”
“Get out. John,” said Steiger, without looking at him. “Justgo away. I don’t want to see you anymore. The minute you walk out that door. I’mgoing to forget that you exist.”
Marshall moistened his lips nervously and nodded. “Allright.” He felt enormously relieved. “For whatever it’s worth, Creed, I’m Indysorry things had to turn out this way.”
“So am I. John. So am I.”
“We’re making good progress,” Travers said, coming into theroom. “That was a messenger from Caesar. We’ve been invited to dine with himand Cleopatra at her house tomorrow night.” He glanced at Andre and grinned. “Cleopatramust have told him about how you managed to gain entry to her house. He said tobe sure my brother brings his clever and audacious wife.”
“Great,” said Lucas. “I’ve been wanting to have a lookinside that house. Good work. Andre. You got us in.”
“The invitation did not include you. I’m afraid,” Traverstold Delaney.
“That’s just as well,” Delaney said. “I’m supposed to meetwith the conspirators again tomorrow night.
“So then you’re in?” asked Travers.
“For what it’s worth, I guess I am.” Delaney replied. “Butif I didn’t know that these guys actually pulled it off. I’d say they were apretty sorry bunch of assassins. They seem to be all talk and no action. Lessthan two weeks to go before the Ides of March and they still haven’t really gota plan.”
