What do you have to say for yourself?’ Titus stared straight ahead at a point behind the General’s head. He dare not risk staring the fat slob in the eye for fear that Sextus would see the contempt lurking there. ‘I am guilty of no such crime, sir.’ ‘Truly? That’s not what Maximus here tells me.’ The General indicated his aide-de-camp with a languid gesture. ‘He seems to think you have been derelict in your duties, perhaps disloyal, possibly even dishonest. Is that not so, Maximus?’ ‘Sir! I have reason to believe Centurion Titus Valens has abused, and continues to abuse, your property.’ Titus’s brow furrowed with confusion. ‘This is a false claim! I have no property belonging to the General in my possession.’ ‘Really?’ said Sextus, a slimy smile spread slowly across his face. ‘I do believe you are mistaken, Centurion. I entrusted into your care a valuable piece of my property.’ He nodded once in Xanthe’s direction. ‘Did I not ask you to prepare my property for its introduction at the Games once we reached Rome?’ ‘Yes, sir,’ Titus barked.
