The Cleopatra Crisis tw-11

by Simon Hawke

  “That’s it?” asked Simmons skeptically.

  “That’s it.”

  “He must be getting soft.”

  “That’s funny,” Marshall replied dryly. “That’s almost thesame thing he said.”

  “You’re lucky. It looks as if no real damage was done. Allwe’ve got to do is keep him under surveillance and take him out at theappropriate time.”

  “You’d better tell your people to be careful,” Marshallsaid. “I wouldn’t count on Steiger getting soft. He just let me slide for oldtimes’ sake. He’s still the best damn field agent the T.I.A. ever had. If theyget too close, he’ll spot them.”

  “Don’t worry,” Simmons said. “I’m not about to underestimatehim. What concerns me now is that surveillance on you. They must have caught onto you somehow.”

  “Unless Steiger told them about me. I can’t see how,” saidMarshall. “Even after what’s happened, I don’t believe he’d do that. He’d haveto break his cover to blow the whistle on me.”

  “So what? I don’t see how it would jeopardize his mission ifhe revealed himself to the adjustment team.”

  Marshall shook his head. “No. he wouldn’t do that. I knowSteiger. He’s never been a team player. His whole purpose in being here is toprove to Forrester that the agency still needs the covert field section. He won’tlet the adjustment team know he’s here unless it’s absolutely necessary. Youhave to understand what drives him. he wants to go back to covert field work.

  Alone, in deep cover. Just the way his old mentor. Carnehan,always used to do it. The Mongoose and Steiger were cut from the same cloth.Both mavericks. Both in it for the thrill. Steiger’s going to do things his ownway. If the adjustment team stays in control of the situation, he’ll hold offand cover them. If they blow it, he’ll take Caesar out himself.”

  “Well, if Steiger hasn’t told them about you. then obviouslysomething you’ve done has put them on to you.”

  “I tell you. I haven’t done anything that would make them suspectI’m part of the Underground, much less the Network,” Marshall insisted.

  “Maybe not,” said Simmons. “otherwise I can’t see any reasonwhy they wouldn’t simply move in and apprehend you. But you must have donesomething to arouse their suspicion. Think. What have you done recently thatmight have drawn their attention to you?”

  Marshall shook his head. “I tell you. I can’t think ofanything!”

  You had to have done something.”

  Marshall shrugged helplessly.

  “Have you done anything different lately? Anything that wasout of your ordinary pattern of existence? Anything at all?”

  Marshall frowned. “The only thing I’ve done recently that I’venever done before was fix a chariot race.”

  Simmons frowned. “When?”

  “A couple of days ago. But I can’t see how they couldpossibly know about that.”

  “Why did you do that’”

  “It was Steiger’s idea. He knows I’ve had contact with MarcAntony and he wanted to use that contact to get next to Caesar. So he had mefix the race so he could take Antony for a bundle, which would give him thechance to play the gracious winner and entertain Antony and his friends on hiswinnings.”

  “And you haven’t done anything else out of the ordinary?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Then that must have been it. Somehow they figured out therace was fixed and that you fixed it.” I don’t get it,” Marshall said. “Even ifthey found that out, and I don’t see how the hell they could have, why shouldthat make them suspect me of anything other than being a crook?”

  “You’re not thinking. Marshall. They’re on the lookout forany pattern of events that could connect to Caesar. If you arranged for Steigerto win a conspicuous amount of money from Marc Antony and that led to Antonyintroducing him to Caesar, it was something that would obviously attract theirattention. Especially since Steiger came out of nowhere and suddenly he’sinteracting with key figures in this scenario.”

  “So that’s what that invitation from Septimus was all about!”said Marshall with sudden realization. “that’s why they asked me to bring thecharioteers! They wanted to have a chance to look us over!”

  “Who’s Septimus’?”

  “He’s an L.T.O. named Travers, who’s been assigned to Caesar,”Marshall explained. “Steiger warned me about him at the party. He wanted tomake sure I kept my distance from him and the adjustment team.”

  “Oh. that’s nice. Any other little details you convenientlyforgot to mention?” Simmons asked dryly.

  “I’m sorry. I meant to tell you about him, but-”

  “But you were too busy worrying about your own skin.”

  “Okay, so I’ve been under a lot of pressure. You think it’sbeen easy for me? Anyway, that must explain it. Septimus.. that is, Travers.knows who I am. I don’t mean who I really am. I mean he knows whoMarcian is. If they somehow tumbled to the fact that the race was fixed.Travers probably figured out that I was the only one in a position to do it.That must be why they’re having me watched. They can’t really know anything;they’re just not taking any chances. They’d never recognize Steiger with hisnew face and they don’t realize he’s here undercover. backing them up.”

  “Then it follows that they’d have him under surveillance,too,” said Simmons. “For all they know, he could be S.O.G. This is turning intoa regular Chinese fire drill. If he’s not careful, he’s only going to wind upinterfering with their mission.”

  “We can’t allow that to happen.” Marshall said. “A temporaldisruption would affect us all.”

  “You think I don’t know that?” Simmons snapped. “If he spotsthe surveillance they’ve put on him, he’s either going to figure out they’reworking at cross-purposes and break cover, or he’ll think it’s the S.O.G. andtake out whoever they’ve got watching him. Then they’ll be convinced that he’sthe opposition, and by the time they get everything straightened out, it couldbe too late.”

  “So what are we going to do?” asked Marshall.

  “I’m almost tempted to play them off against each other,”Simmons said. “It would really be something to make Steiger’s plan backfire onhim and have his own friends take him out for us. But with the S.O.G. around,that would be taking too much of a chance. We’re just going to have to getSteiger to break cover and start working with the others before he screwseverything up.”

  “But then he won’t be on his own anymore,” said Marshall. “Hewon’t be as vulnerable. If you try to move against him then, he’ll have theadjustment team to back him up.”

  “So we’ll simply wait until they’ve completed their adjustment.”Simmons said. “Then, if necessary, we’ll take them all out.”

  “You must be crazy,” Marshall said. “Going up against Steiger’sbad enough, but I’m not about to try to take on a whole adjustment team!”

  “No one’s asking you to.” said Simmons. “You let me worryabout that.”

  “Yeah? And suppose you blow it? They’ll he coming after me!Unh-unh. There’s no way I’m going to take that kind of chance. I’m the one who’sgot the most to lose here. You want to take out Steiger. fine, but you stayaway from that adjustment team!”

  “Or else what?” asked Simmons softly.

  “You just stay away from them, that’s all. I’m not about torisk everything that I’ve built up here just because you want to be a cowboy,Simmons. Remember, I’m the one who called you in. I’m the one who gave youSteiger on a platter. And I’m going to be the one to call the shots.”

  “I don’t think so.” Simmons said.

  He drew his laser and shot Marshall in the chest.

  9

  It was one of the most fascinating evenings Lucas had everspent. It was an intimate party, himself and Andre. Travers, Caesar andCleopatra. The Queen of Egypt had provided a sumptuous repast, seven coursesserved with excellent Greek wines. A trio of musicians played softly andunobtrusively throughout the meal on cithara, lyre. and pan pipe. There were nojuggler
s or acrobats or midget wrestlers, merely silent and attentive slaveswho brought them food and kept their goblets filled, under the watchful eye ofApollodorus.

  Caesar was relaxed and loquacious in Cleopatra’s presence.He was delighted to discover that “Marcus” was a student of his campaigns andthey spent long hours discussing his wars against the Helvetii and the Nervii,the invasion of Gaul by the German tribes, the campaigns against Vercingetorixand the Aedui and the civil war against Pompey. Lucas quickly realized whyTravers had such affection for the man and why Caesar’s soldiers had alwaysfelt such a fierce loyalty toward him. Caesar had an enormous amount ofcharisma. He was a man of strong personality. He was quick-witted, with a senseof humor, an unintimidating manner, and a way of knowing how to make peoplefeel comfortable around him. He was a fascinating and compellingconversationalist, but he also knew how to listen, an ability rarely found inmen with large egos. He conveyed a sense of tremendous forcefulness and drivethat was restrained. yet capable of being unleashed at any time. As Andre putit later. he was. quite simply. a very sexy man.

  Lucas was constantly aware of Apollodorus throughout theevening. And of Caesar’s Egyptian bodyguard. Most of them were stationedoutside, but there were four of them present during the meal, two on eitherside of each entrance to the room. Their eyes never left the party at thetable. Several times, Lucas caught Apollodorus staring at him intently. Hesmiled at him, but got no response. Apollodorus remained impassive. Caesarnoticed Lucas glancing at the guards and gave Lucas and Travers the openingthat they’d been waiting for.

  “A grim-looking bunch, are they not?” said Caesar. “I amsorry if they make you feel uncomfortable. Apollodorus. tell them to take theirposts outside. I very much doubt that I will be set upon in here.” Apollodorushesitated a fraction of a second, then moved to comply with Caesar’s order.

  “Do they go with you everywhere?” asked Lucas.

  “Everywhere.” said Caesar wearily. if I would let them. Ithink they would sleep at the foot of my bed. Cleopatra means to protect myimperial person from murderous shopkeepers and senators.”

  “You joke.” said Cleopatra somberly. “but you have manyenemies. There are men in Rome who resent your power over them. You should nottreat such things so lightly.”

  “Should I concern myself with a handful of malcontented senatorswhen all the rest of Rome supports me?” Caesar replied.

  “It takes but one determined man armed with a sword or daggerto end a life.” said Cleopatra.

  “I have survived many determined men armed with swords anddaggers.” Caesar replied. He turned to the others. “You see, we have had thisargument before. Cleopatra acts as if we are still in the palace of thePtolemys, where assassins lurk in every shadowed corner and intrigues abound.”

  “There are intrigues in Rome, as well,” she said. “I onlywant to keep you safe.”

  Caesar smiled. “I am as safe in Rome as I would be in themidst of my legions. The people love me.”

  “The people are cattle.” Cleopatra replied scornfully. “Theyalways have been. Their affections can be bought, as you well know, since youhave spent so much to purchase them yourself. It is not the people you shouldfear, but those who stand to gain the most if you were to be removed frompower.”

  “If I were to be removed from power, who is there who couldtake my place?” asked Caesar. “Antony? Perhaps, if he were to settle down andbe more serious. But he is one of my dearest and most trusted friends and hedoes not wish to become serious. He would require a guiding influence, mostprobably a woman, but there is no woman in Rome strong enough to hold him inhis traces. Save yourself, perhaps,” added Caesar with a smile. “Antony wouldbe no match for you. But I hardly think we need to worry about Antony. He is mystaunch supporter. Who else, then? Cicero? he is an old man and much moresuited to making speeches criticizing those who are in power than to rulehimself. And though Cicero might still cherish dreams of the republic, he hasno real ambition. Cassius. perhaps? An oracle once warned me to beware of mennamed Cassius, Casca. and Brutus. You remember. Lucius. you were there.”

  “I remember that night well; said Travers, nodding. “Thenyou will remember the oracle also said that a man could change his destiny.”said Caesar. “I took his words to heart and I have taken firm control of mine.I know that Cassius and his friends bear me no love. I do not underestimatethem, but they would be incapable of ruling in my place. They would only fallto arguing amongst themselves. I have heard rumors that they plot against inc.but these are but the idle whisperings of malcontented men. They would be foolsto think the people would forgive them if they moved against me.”

  “With your bodyguard around you,” Cleopatra said, “theywould never dare.”

  “They would not dare in any case.” said Caesar. “But withyour Egyptians at my side, it makes my enemies believe I fear them and thatonly serves to bolster their opinion of their own importance.”

  “Caesar has a point,” said Travers. “Though we know it isnot true, there are those in Rome who believe that Caesar has become distancedfrom the people. An Egyptian bodyguard cannot help but contribute to thatfeeling,”

  There, you see?” said Caesar. “Have I not said the same myself?”

  “My concern is only for your safety,” Cleopatra said. “Imerely wish to keep you out of danger.”

  “Perhaps you overestimate the danger,” Lucas said. I, forone, find it difficult to believe that a general who was victorious in so manybattles and who defeated no less a commander than Pompey the Great need fearfor his safety in the streets of Rome.”

  Cleopatra shot him an angry look. “In battle. Caesar was surroundedby his legions. In Rome, he is surrounded only by bitter, jealous, andambitious men. Is the Emperor not entitled to protection? Does he not have theright, the privilege, to maintain a bodyguard? Or would you have him travelabout the city without a retinue, like any common citizen?”

  No one expects the Emperor to act like a common citizen.”said Travers placatingly. “but perhaps the common citizens would take it betterif the Emperor’s retinue was Roman, rather than Egyptian. Please understand, Imean no insult, but there has been talk that Egypt has far too much influencewith Caesar.”

  “You mean to say that I have too much influence,” said Cleopatraangrily. “You disappoint me, Lucius. I should have thought that you, of allpeople, would be above listening to common gossip

  “I am sorry. I did not intend to make you angry.” Traverssaid, “but the truth is that it is more than common gossip. You should knowthat I would be the last to speak ill of you in any way, but there are those inRome who do not know you as I do and who believe you have little respect forRoman freedoms and traditions. They see an Egyptian guard protecting Caesar andit makes them feel uneasy that their Emperor chooses to surround himself withthe soldiers of a foreign queen. It is a matter of appearances.”

  “Why should Caesar care about appearances?” she replied hotly.“He is the Emperor! It is not for common men to question his decisions!”

  “It is not for common men to question kings,” said Traversgently, “but Rome will not be governed by a king.”

  “Enough.” said Caesar. who had been listening to their exchangewith a frown. “Let us not end this evening with an argument. I have alwaysvalued your opinion. Lucius, and I have had similar thoughts myself. But I amnot convinced most Romans feel this way. The people of Rome know that myconcern is only for their welfare. Still. I do not wish to give the appearancethat I am fearful for my safety.” He held up his hand, forestalling Cleopatra’sresponse. “I will give the matter careful thought. But we shall speak no moreof this tonight”

  The streets were dark when they left Cleopatra’s house andstarted on their walk hack to Travers’ villa, a short distance away. Their waywas lit by two slaves bearing torches and another five slaves accompanied themas their armed retinue. The streets of Rome were dangerous at night. They spokein Greek, a language that would not be unusual for educated Romans to conversein and one which none of
Travers’ household slaves would understand.

  “What did you think of Cleopatra?” Andre asked.

  “If she’s a fake, then she’s a good one.” Lucas replied. “I’minclined to believe she’s genuine. I think Apollodorus is definitely the one towatch.”

  “Caesar’s guards all looked very capable to me,” Delaneysaid. “Alert, high level of fitness, taller than average … they could easilybe our men.”

  “Caesar seemed very ambivalent about having them around,”said Lucas. “What do think. Travers?”

  Travers sighed. “I think there’s a good chance he maydismiss them. unless Cleopatra manages to change his mind. The question is,what will we do if he doesn’t?”

  “Well have to make sure he does,” said Lucas. “An attempt onCleopatra’s life would convince him that there are people in Rome who fear herinfluence on him and conspire to assassinate her. He’d believe the threat toher was greater than any threat to himself and assign his Egyptian guard toprotect her. That would get them out of our way.”

  “It might work, but it would be dangerous.” said Travers.

  “We knew that going in,” Delaney said. “But we’ve only got alittle over a week left. We can’t afford to waste any more time.”

  They turned into a quiet side street.

  “The best way to get inside would be through the gardens atthe back of the house,” said Lucas. We go in wearing masks and we knock out theguards. We don’t want to kill any of them, at least not until we’re sure aboutthem. The thing is. we want to get close. but not too close. We need to makeenough of a commotion to arouse the guards inside the house, so that-”