Read Online Pompeii: City on Fire by T. L. Higley - Free Book Online

conventional, threat of violence.
    Each of these merchants contributed to Maius's coffers, and in return he protected them from any of that violence that might somehow find them. Over the years his wealth grew, and his influence with it. He had been one of two duoviri for sixteen years, and his elected position assured that he could not be prosecuted for any crime of which he might be accused. Not that anyone would have the audacity to accuse him. And the wealth and power left him free to pursue his other . . . interests. Interests more secretive than lucrative.
    This particular merchant, the largest butcher in Pompeii, held an interest beyond monetary for Maius. He was brother to one of the two aediles, the other leading politicians who held the city's purse strings. And Maius had learned that like a bloated water skin, pressure applied here at the butcher's counter could result in movement elsewhere in the city. Namely, in the basilica, where financial decisions were made.
    The butcher saw him approach and was all wide-mouthed smile and extended hands. Maius ignored the proffered hunk of crusty bread, disinterested in the salted meat that would follow. The calls of merchants and the buzz of shoppers filled the Macellum, and Maius leaned in close to deliver a few words of what he called encouragement. The butcher's face turned sallow and he scraped at the blood trapped under his fingernails.
    "Father!" The word sang out over the noise of the market, but Maius would have known it in any pitch. He turned from the butcher, his message conveyed, and spread his arms to his precious Nigidia.
    The girl pranced across the Macellum, reminding him of one of the horses that performed in the arena games he sponsored. Her dark hair threatened to escape its gold combs and tumble to the fine silk of her stola and her unusual blue eyes sparkled. "Nigidia, my pet."
    She kissed his cheek, then pouted. "You said there would be a delivery from Rome today." Her voice elevated yet another few pitches and her sulky frown was meant to manipulate.
    He traced the line of her aquiline nose, so like his own. Except for the strangely-blue eyes, she was his daughter, from looks to tactics. He stroked her arm. "I shall have the heads of those who caused any delay, my dear."
    She grunted, and Maius understood her impatience. He had an insatiable hunger for luxuries himself. This is why I must remain in power. It was for his family, all that he did. The wealth he accumulated and the way in which he accomplished it. All for them.
    The nagging pinch of guilt that occasionally plagued him had no power today, thankfully. Nigidia's presence calmed and pleased him as it always could.
    The girl threaded her arm through his own and led him away from the butcher's shop. "Camilla says that I do not deserve any more silk from Rome."
    Maius patted her hand on his arm. "Your tutor forgets that young girls must be beautiful if they are to make good matches." They strolled toward the fabrics, Nigidia leading the way, and Gracchus following. Maius pictured his daughter's stern tutor, pointing her disapproving finger at the lovely Nigidia. Another woman, Cato's sister Portia, strayed across his thoughts. He had seen her again last night and she lingered in his memory like an unplucked cluster of grapes, like an untasted jar of wine, like a—
    "Do not speak of marriage to me, Father. I cannot bear to think of being separated from you."
    Maius breathed away thoughts of Portia and focused on his daughter. "Who speaks of separation, my pet? A good marriage expands our family, it does not sever it."
    They had arrived at the central tholos, and stared down into the pool, churning with black scales and watery eyes.
    "My lord," Gracchus rasped behind him.
    "What is it?" Maius had a laughable vision of throttling his advisor until his eyes bulged like the fish in the pool.
    "There are some here to see you."
    Nigidia released his arm and melted away, attuned as always to the needs of