successful in eavesdropping, but he knew that would look odd. He’d chosen his spot and he had to stick to it.
Catching the eye of a passing serving boy, he ordered more wine and a plate of bread and cheese. The food would line his stomach, and stop him getting too pissed.
‘Well, well. If it isn’t our friend from the restaurant!’
Carbo’s heart sank as he looked up. He managed to pull a grin. ‘You found your way here then?’
‘Seems like it,’ said Felix with a belch, throwing himself down beside Carbo.
‘Where’s your friend?’
‘Gaius? He’s getting the drinks in. It was my job to find a seat. Gods — this place is bloody heaving!’ He leaned towards Carbo, filling the air with wine fumes. ‘Is your mate giving one of the whores a seeing-to?’
‘Yes.’ Carbo’s gaze flickered to the stairs, which were empty. Hurry up, Navio!
‘Where’d he get the money?’
Carbo thought frantically. ‘We pooled what we had and drew lots. Navio won. It wasn’t a huge amount, but he managed to talk one of the women around. The man has a golden tongue,’ he lied, cursing silently because he’d just blown any chance of sex, at least while Felix was around. He now had to act as if he had very little money.
‘Lucky bastard. I’d love to do the same, but that kind of cash only comes my way on payday. Not that I’m likely to be here the next time that comes around!’ He gave Carbo a knowing grimace. ‘There’s a big fight coming.’
‘I know. Here, have some of my wine while you’re waiting.’ He emptied the dregs from a used cup on the table and filled it to the brim.
‘I don’t mind if I do.’ Felix took a long swallow and smacked his lips with satisfaction. ‘It’s not bad. Better than the vinegar they were serving in the restaurant, eh?’
‘That wouldn’t be hard.’
‘Too true! Felix is the name, lad. What’s yours?’
‘Carbo.’
They nodded at each other in a friendly way. This is weird, thought Carbo. I might have to kill this man in the next few days. Or he me.
‘You look a likely sort. Why aren’t you in the legions?’
He shrugged. ‘I come from a farm. Working the land is all I’ve ever known.’
‘Farming? You can keep it. Too damn boring if you ask me! There’s far more adventure serving in the army.’ Felix’s face darkened. ‘Until the likes of Spartacus come along of course.’
‘Longinus will get the better of him, surely?’
‘The proconsul is not a worker of magic! He only has two legions. The Thracian has upwards of fifty thousand men. That’s poor odds by anyone’s standards.’
Carbo let his face go sour. ‘Is that it then? Longinus will be defeated, as the consuls were?’
It was as if Felix couldn’t help himself. ‘Despite what I said earlier, Longinus is a crafty old bird. He’s got a plan. One that should catch the son of a whore unawares.’
‘Oh?’ said Carbo offhandedly. Inside, his heart had begun to race.
Felix tapped the side of his nose. ‘It’s on a need-to-know basis.’
‘Of course.’ Hiding his fury, he poured more wine.
‘You’re a good man, Carbo, like me. To your health, and mine. To the death of Spartacus and every last one of his shitbag followers!’
‘I’ll drink to that,’ Carbo muttered.
Raised voices at the door diverted their attention. A group of legionaries in full battle dress had entered. Directed by an optio, they were splitting into pairs and moving through the room, studying the men at every table.
Carbo’s stomach did a nauseating somersault. What in the name of Hades do they want?
‘It’s the fucking watch,’ growled Felix.
‘Why are they here?’
‘The usual reason. They’ll be looking for soldiers who are out without a pass.’ He saw Carbo’s blank look and pulled a small wooden tablet from his purse. ‘We all have to have these to leave barracks. If you’re caught without one, it’s ten days in the clink.’
‘Ah.’ But Carbo’s disquiet returned the instant he saw a block-headed legionary talking to the colossus at the door. It was the same soldier who had been outside when he’d gone to the forum. This could be no coincidence. Carbo’s eyes slid to the stairs. Still no sign of Navio. Damn it!
A figure loomed over them.
‘Gaius! I thought you’d got lost.’ Felix jerked a thumb at Carbo. ‘This is the lad we met earlier. Carbo’s his name.’
Gaius let out a suspicious grunt as he took a seat beside Felix.
‘Hey, come on. He’s been sharing his wine with me.’
‘Hmmm. Where’s his friend?’
‘Screwing one of the whores.’
From the corner of his eye, Carbo could see a pair of legionaries drawing nearer. What made his heart nearly leap out of his chest, however, was the sight of the block-headed soldier weaving his way between the packed tables, studying each man’s face. It would only be moments before he reached them. He’s looking for me. Carbo knew it in his gut. He was about to stand when a full cup of wine was shoved in his face. ‘Get that down your gullet.’
‘Thanks.’ Carbo threw it back in one swallow.
‘Jupiter’s cock, you’ve got a thirst on you! Sure you don’t want to join the legions? You’d fit right in.’ Grinning, Felix poured him another.
Again Carbo made to leave, but his plate of bread and cheese arrived. He kept the serving boy as long as he could, fumbling around for the right coins and asking him where the toilets were. It was a waste of effort, because the moment the servant moved on, his place was taken by the block-headed legionary.
‘You’re looking in the wrong place, pal,’ said Felix, truculently waving his pass. ‘We’ve all got one of these. Why don’t you piss off back to the guardhouse and leave us in peace?’
‘Shut your mouth, soldier.’ The gimlet eyes did not waver from their path along the faces lining the bench.
Carbo buried his nose in his cup of wine, hoping against hope that he wouldn’t be noticed.
‘You. Look at me.’
Shit.
‘I’m talking to you, sewer rat!’
‘Back off, you prick,’ said Felix. ‘He’s a civvie.’
‘I want a word with him.’
‘Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?’ demanded Felix, getting to his feet.
‘Keep your damn nose out of this.’
‘He’s a friend of mine, cocksucker. Leave him alone.’
Carbo sensed Felix step forward and shove the block-headed man in the chest. What should he do?
‘You stupid bastard! I’ve been watching him all day. He and his mate are loaded down with gold coins. What are two pieces of shit doing with money like that? This one has also had a scribe write a letter to his parents, telling them he’s going on a long journey.’
‘Eh?’ said Felix stupidly, looking down at Carbo, whose throat had closed with fear. The prick must have seen Navio pull out his aureus and then followed me from here. He had no time to think further.
‘They’re damn spies. Spartacus’ spies!’
Carbo leaped up. He dashed the contents of his cup into the block-headed legionary’s face, and followed that by upending the table between them. The cursing soldier went down with crockery clattering all around. Throwing the bewildered Felix an apologetic look, Carbo sprinted towards the stairs. There was no chance of getting out of the front door, and he couldn’t abandon Navio.
‘Stop him! He’s a spy!’
A pair of legionaries moved into his path. Carbo jumped on to the nearest table, scattering cups of wine
