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(now at the Temple of Ceres); he was discovered lying bloody and unconscious by his colleague Phaedrus (ditto). Phaedrus raised the alarm. At first it was thought only that a display of fine silver had gone missing. Then Amaranta, Mucia’s attendant, went in to wake her mistress and tell her what had happened. She discovered the bodies.
    The stolen silver, a wine service, was itemised for me by Polycarpus at my request. He dictated a list, which I wrote down, wondering if he was illiterate. I had expected him to bring a written inventory.
    He described four sets of double-handled drinking goblets, two to each set, in different sizes; four patterned beakers in two sizes; two trays; eight small round drinks coasters with little tripod goats’ feet; assorted jugs, two with hinged lids; a large and a small strainer, pointed and pierced; two ladles; a very large wine-mixing bowl.
    The items had been collected over time, but were all of high quality and fine design. This bullion had stood on a display cabinet in the summer dining room; it had remained here to be used in the wedding feast, or it would have been safely parcelled up and sent away for the couple’s intended summer in Campania.
    ‘Were any other valuables in the house?’
    ‘Not really. All the sculpture and vases had been sent to the villa. Our mistress had her jewellery in the bedroom. That was not taken.’
    ‘Did they even look at it?’
    ‘No, the casket appeared untouched.’
    ‘What have you done with it?’
    ‘Given for safe keeping to the executors.’
    ‘I shall need to be introduced to them.’
    It seemed the robbers knew exactly what they were looking for – the silver − and where it would be. They may also have gone to the bedroom in order to find the jewellery, only giving up that idea in panic after the murders. ‘So, let me just get this straight,’ I said, not looking up from my note tablet. ‘You were intending to send the silverware to the summer villa after your master and mistress left? First the cups and jugs were used at the feast, after which things were presumably washed up in the kitchen … so, Polycarpus, why was this silverware replaced on the display shelf, rather than packed up ready to go?’
    ‘The hour was too late. I felt whacked; we were all exhausted after the wedding.’ Polycarpus spoke defensively, looking as if he was unused to having his actions queried. ‘I had it taken out of the kitchen because the staff were on loan and I wasn’t prepared to trust them. Then the most discreet thing to do at that time of night was quietly store it as normal. The master and mistress were to go by litter to the city gates at first light and pick up wheeled transport there. I myself would come in to pack any final items, then we had a cart ordered for drive time.’
    In Rome, apart from some exceptions, carts are banned in the day in order to ease congestion. What Polycarpus said sounded reasonable.
    ‘Were you going to Campania?’
    ‘Er, no. There is another steward at the villa. I would have the summer to myself.’ Was there a flicker of feeling when he said that?
    ‘And the slaves who had stayed here after the wedding – were they meant to travel south?’
    ‘They were expecting to go with the last baggage cart.’ Polycarpus seemed to hesitate, though he carried on. ‘Then I was to close up the house.’
    ‘What about Myla, who was on the verge of producing?’
    ‘Not her. Arrangements had been made.’
    ‘So the house would be locked up during the summer. And if these thieves knew about the silver, they may have realised that night was their last chance to grab it for a long time?’
    Polycarpus sighed. ‘Presumably … And before you ask, no, I was never aware of any of our staff talking to outsiders about our valuables. Nor had I seen anyone suspicious watching the house.’
    ‘The vigiles asked you those questions?’ It was their usual approach. As an approach it often works, though as any vigiles enquirer