The Loyal Lieutenants Act Zero Scene Three

 

Act Zero

Scene Three.

 

Lucas Perry leaned on the wall there at the corner of the street. He was dressed in the dark suit and sported the official badge of his over the neck. He held the Tommy gun closed his chest, and waited for the signal. The coppers were there to assist him; twelve of them split into two groups of six personnels each. Group One was led by Sergeant Ouellet and the other was by the detective named Best.

Lucas saw the green signal and that means the coppers are going in. It was a workshop downtown; in the normal hours, it was supposed to be a vehicle workshop, but after dark, it was supposedly to be a transit point for the illegal wares. That came under Lucas’ jurisdiction.

“Captain, I got the place marked. It is ….” Earlier, Lucas looked at the captain.

“And so were the calls for the last three busts. And all we had was some drunks and a long list of complaints by the owners. The commissioner got the sauna treatment and myself, I was skewer over the fire place.”

“Listen, Captain. This one is legit. I have it looked over twice.” Lucas was insistent on the bust. He needed the numbers to report to his superior.

“Make it thrice and then I will authorise the bust.” The captain was drawing new boundary lines.

“Cap, you are to assist me in whatever capacity called …...” Lucas called on his authorisation.

“Fuck your capacity. This is my precinct and I call the shots.”

“Okay, you win, Cap” Lucas sighed. “I will just call my ……...”

“Fuck you, Lucas. Take the squad and put Best there. He is more of a black beauty in the office.”

It was all arranged and the coppers went in. They all have shotguns, Tommy guns, and truncheons. The first group went in the front entrance, the other group took the alley to the rear.

“Police!” The Sergeant hollered and then shot the lock on the door with the shotgun. He kicked at the damaged door, and was impacted by the gunfire from inside. The Sergeant was dead before he even hit the ground.

“Sargeant down.” The officer next to the kicked doorway aimed the Tommy gun and gave a long burst into the workshop.

“Tossing the grenade!” Another officer tossed the grenade inside. The explosion rocked the walls, and the officers rushed in with guns blazing. The other group had breached the rear entrance and was into the gunfight. It lasted five minutes before the ceasefire was called.

“One more alive.” The officer aimed the shotgun at the wounded guy lying on the ground. The officer took the shot and then said; “No one left.”

Lucas walked in and saw the massacre. It was like three guys against eleven officers. He had the place searched and found only stuffed dolls.

“Was it a bad call, Agent?” Lucas was asked by the captain. “The widow of the Sergeants wants to know/”

“No, Sir. It was a real call, and the info was right. The ones we shot were armed, and have …….”

“Loitering and public disorderly. None of them have any major records.” The captain shouted. “The guns were for hunting.”

“They shot the Sergeant first.” Lucas argued.

“After you asked him to break the lock. The officers told me that.” The captain was screaming then. “Why? And …… Damn you, Lucas. He did it and was shot dead.” The captain looked at Lucas.

“Where were you then?”

“I was across the street.”

“I am writing to our boss. You are hopeless. Your predecessor did a better job.” The captain looked down at the reports he was to read. “I will ask them to send a new guy.”

Lucas Perry was sent a letter of misconduct that day. He went to the drinking shop outside of Rome to ease his pains. He was met by Moses there.

“You told me that the liquor was there.” Lucas glared at Moses.

“I did and it was but the Muggles shipped it an hour earlier.” Moses seated next to Lucas explained the missing wares. “I could not get you. You had left the Precinct then.”

“Moses, if I ever find ……”

“Hey, Lucas. We are in it together. I get you the breaks you need, and you take care of my records.” Moses laid out the terms once more to Lucas. “It was a bad call yesterday, and my apologies the coppers lost the Sergeant. He was on the Muggles payroll.”

“Why did you think he shot the lock? He could have pry it open with the crowbar.” Moses looked at Lucas. “It was a sham to warn the inside”

“He went in first.” Lucas muttered.

“So, he did, and died for it. Maybe he was trying to get them to escape.” Moses sighed. “How would I know?”

“Hey, I am to go down south. Care to tag along? It may be interesting to you. And you get to go away for a few days.” Moses offered Lucas.

They left for Egypt and upon returning, Lucas got his feet wet in the cement. It was like a Bachelor party with the Groom to be sent off with the cement slab.

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Two Scene One Sub Scene Three

 

Act Two

Scene One

Sub-Scene Three

Pompey distrust

 

Enobarbus stepped into the office of Mr. Pompey. The latter was seated behind the huge desk carved from the oak tree. It was thick to stop a bullet anytime. Genous Pompey held a tall frame with the paunch in the belly, smoked Cuban cigars he was to get from the ships. He was dressed in the white suit with red tie. He was with three of his boys standing guard there on the corners. Pompey, Junior was there at the divan.

“Enobarbus, when was the last time we meet?” The ex-Triumvir smiled. Enobarbus approached the desk and stood there.

“Some months back, Sir.” Enobarbus did not addressed him as Boss, for previously they were enemies. He was with Caesar.

“Yes, we were on the opposite sides. Did I shoot at you?” Pompey asked.

“I do not recall, Sir.” Enobarbus lied. There was one instance, he was shot at by Pompey when they tried to ambush Caesar.

“May you be right. I am not a bad shot and if I had shot you, I would not have missed.” Pompey laughed. “so, why are you here?”

“Sir, I …...”

“Did my wharf suffered a leak? Or someone jumped over?” Pompey was into his sarcasm mood.

“Sir, I was in the area, and saw the coppers.” Enobarbus was trying to get out. It was a mistake to come to the wharf alone, but since he did, he had to pay his respect to the boss there.

“The coppers? They are always here. I have paid them to patrol here.” Pompey laughed.

“The new agent was there.” Enobarbus moved the reason to the agent. “I thought …….”

“Mr. Ness. I know. You are not to think. I will do the thinking.” Pompey snapped out. “The new agent or whatever his rank is, is of no significance here. He can burrow deep here, but my boys would not tell him naught on the wares.”

“Yes, Sir.” Enobarbus affirmed the loyalty of the boys.

“Do you have any idea why Moses got himself killed here?” Pompey popped the question. “Do you think Caesar had him killed here to put the blame on me?”

“No, Sir. No, Sir.” Enobarbus replied in haste.

“I say yes.” Pompey roared out. “I never liked Moses. He was righteous and with his sermons, he made my wife scared of looking at me.”

“Me? A monster? I am not. I am Genous Pompey the Great.”

“Yes, Sir. I was at the wharf and ……” Enobarbus tried to explain his way out.

“A coincidence. I wondered ……. No, I was to say where you the last weeks?” Pompey asked.

“I was away, Sir.” Enobarbus was to tell the other that he was away on a task for Caesar.

“Coincidence and when you returned, the agent arrived.” Pompey looked at Enobarbus. “Do you know the dead agent? What his name?”

“Lucas Perry.” Enobarbus bit his lips then. He was in haste to say it. He knew the previous agent when they clashed over the shipments. Lucas was on the payroll of the Romans, among the few he took from. He was killed by the Muddles because he was also doing their work there. It was a case of bad planning. The rumours claimed that it was the middle eastern family that sold him out. Due to that, he was given cement shoes.

Not iced shoes.

“Mr. Perry was playing hooky with the Muddles and got caught.” Pompey sighed. “I did tell him not to work for the Muddles. He would not listen.”

“I have been advising the new boys on this, but they do not listen hard enough. The …… Wait, you did me a favour when you sent the two boys away from the warehouse issue. Who were they?”

“Yes, Sir. I did. It was ……. Caesar’s warehouse at downtown.” Enobarbus recalled that incident. The two boys were shipping in remains of the animals for the Tongs. It was exotic animals to later made into medicine.

“Caesar’s warehouse? I did not know we have or rather he has his own. I must confer with the Consuls on this.”

“No, Sir. It was our …… these were the smaller warehouses in downtown. Mostly ……” Enobarbus found himself loss for words.

“Yes, I know that. The ones where Caesar keeps the guns and what else. He does not trust me here.” Pompey smiled. “We do not trust each other at all.”

“Why are you here, Enobarbus?” Pompey asked again.

“I was passing by, Sir. May I leave now?”

“Yes, please do. I must not keep Caesar’s lieutenant from his tasks.” Pompey smiled. “Just tell Caesar that Moses slipped and fell into the sea.”

“And also, do tell Caesar. Moses was alive when he fell in. God told me that. God is with me inside.”

“Amen, Sir.” Enobarbus took his leave. He passed by the tall dark gentleman with the naked chest that was heading towards Pompey’s office. He turned to look at the figure.

“He is from Egypt. He is here to see the Boss.” One of Pompey’s boys told Enobarbus; an old friend who had to take sides but remain friends. “I heard he brought his Boss to see my Boss.”

“You know ……” Enobarbus was to ask.

“I do not know much but that guy was around here before. He knew Lucas Perry and once I saw him with Moses.” The other said.

“And do tell the new Lieutenant ……  what his name Mark …… Antony. He needs to watch his steps.”

The unidentified friend then realized he spoke too much. “I best not be talking to you.”

Enobarbus saw the one who spoke to him walked off. He was curious as to who was with Egypt. He heard of them, being the new gang down south east, but never seen them there at Rome. He must report to Caesar on this.

“Where to, Boss?” Enobarbus heard the one driving.

“The Muddles.”

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Two Scene One Sub Scene Two

 

Act Two

Scene One

Sub-Scene Two

Ness to Enobarbus, check.

 

Enobarbus sat in the vehicle watching the dockers walked back to their work areas. Those are Roman’s boys but their allegiance was to Genous Pompey, who at that moment was back in control at the wharf. Pompey was exiled there after Caesar defeated him. It was a brief war but the Romans settled their differences. Genius Pompey was given the wharf with monthly tributes to Rome, and he retained the influence of Rome.

It was fine since then.

Enobarbus was told to investigate the murder of Moses; who was his senior but Moses died at the place which Caesar had little control over.

In Rome, the Romans are huge in the numbers and with so many Consuls, and more lieutenants, the previous Triumvir split the empire into three sections, and with each member controlling there. When Julius Caesar defeated Crassus and Genous Pompey, he ruled all the territories.

“Boss, the Parthians are leaving.” Enobarbus was told then. He had arrived in three vehicles with eleven boys; all armed. He was not taking any risk there.

“Boss, Pompey’s boys coming over.” Enobarbus was told. He got out of the vehicle with the boys covering the scene. The one who was approaching was Rushie Loren or ‘Rusty Dog.’ He was part French and whoever his father was.

“Mr. Enobarbus, Sir.” Rusty greeted the lieutenant. There were seven dockers next to Rusty; greased hands on their belts where the daggers were holstered at.

‘Good day, Rusty. I am here to enquire on Moses.”

“He was fished out there at Dock Three.” Rusty motioned to the spot where another T-Ford was parked. “The coppers are here today.”

Enobarbus looked over and recognized Best. He reckoned the other guy must be the new agent in Rome. Ten previous one was killed by the Muddles.

“Tell me about Moses’ death.”

“Not much. The boys were all working and it was a busy night. The Tongs have some heavy shipments in for their upcoming festival.” Rusty said. “The only sighting reported was a truck that was there, close to the edge and then left.”

“Any idea where the ice came from?” Enobarbus was curious, Cement over the feet or cement shoes was one way of the northern east gangs. It was done at Rome but rarely. In Rome, they prefer to send you to the arena, most times outnumbered like three to one, and the dead body was fed to the sharks or the hogs. It was clean and does not leave any traces.

“I do not know. We have many ice factories here. The ice could had come from the fisherman’s wharf, but it was the ice who floated the body towards the anchor. It bobbed on the surface and was seen by the sailors.” Rusty smiled. “If it was cement, he will be dancing on the sea bed.”

The fisherman wharf was managed by Pompey but the ships and barges there were the mix of Irish, Mexicans and Tongs with the barges docked there by Egypt. The warehouses were moistly owned by the Tongs who does the trades.

“Could the Tongs be involved?” Enobarbus was probing the scene.

“They could be but unlikely. The Tongs are business minded; murder is not their expertise here. Not so with ice. If they do ‘ice’ anyone, it will be the butcher house where they will chop up the body and served the hogs.” Rusty smiled. “Cement shoes are not their modes.”

“The Visigoths?” Enobarbus was asking. “Or the Parthian?”

‘Nay, Sir. Either of those two, it will be buried in the woods, missing the head. They will use that to play kick ball.” Rusty shook his head.

“The coppers?” Enobarbus knew of some coppers that were bent and do hire their guns out.

“I would not know. Coppers would not touch us, Romans. They know the score there.” Dusty smiled. “Out of town, perhaps. I hardly know Moses, and his dealings there. If they wanted him dead, it could be done.” Rusty was not deciding there.

“Maybe the ones who listened to his sermons.” Enobarbus was grabbing straws.

“Perhaps they may be the ones. Their wives or parents may have told them of their sins, and God was not pleased. Maybe Moses overstepped his words, and someone decided to send him to Hell.” Rusty was an atheist and believed in reincarnation. “When I die, I will just get kicked out back here to be Rusty again.”

“Quiet there. The coppers are coming over.” Enobarbus saw the approach of the duo. He always said the coppers walked like sheriffs on the walk-in town; shoulders back and hands on their waist belts. For the hitman’s it was always the gunslinger walk and roving eyes for any sudden movements.

“Romans, I hail thee.” Best was at his dry humour. “I brought you my …… Boss, Mr. Ness. He is ……”

“Good days, guys, I am Elliot Ness, Federal Agent.” Elliot offered his right hand after overtaking Best.

“Rusty Dog” Rusty took the hand. “This here is my ……. Enobarbus.”

“Eno……” Elliot could not catch the name properly.

“Call me Ernie.” Enobarbus offered his nickname.

“Thank you. I am new here and was visiting the …….” Elliot placed on the smile. “Port?”

“We prefer to call it the wharf. I was just here to see Rusty on the warehouses.” Enobarbus said. “We must be going then.”

“Sir, was Moses overseeing the warehouses?” Elliot snapped it out.

“I do not know any Moses who manages the warehouse, Mr. Ness.: The only Moses I knew was one who spoke of the Ten Commandments.” Rusty replied.

“Thou shalt not stir one foot to seek a foe.” Enobarbus said in turn. (Romeo and Juliet Act One Scene One)

“Pardon me. What was that?” Elliot looked at Enobarbus.

“I am late. I best be going.” Enobarbus got into the T-Ford and his boy drove him. The other vehicles followed on. Rusty took that as his reason to leave the scene.

“What did he say?” Best asked. “Thou ….”

“"To move is to stir and to be valiant is to stand." (Romeo and Juliet Act One Scene One.) Elliot said of Enobarbus; he is angry and left. He may have much to tell on Moses and leave like the King from the board space when check by the opponent’s pieces.

“Mr. Ness, pardon me. I am not a learned man.” Best smiled. “Do you think we can……. us to have a break.” Best walked back to the vehicle without waiting for Elliot’s reply.

“Do you know where Moses hang out mostly?” Elliot asked.

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Two Scene One Sub Scene One

 

Act Two

Scene One

Sub-Scene One

I did not do nothing as there was nothing

 

Elliot seated at the assigned desk flipped through the reports on the murder of Moses. There were no details for him to read. Most of the reports held only the news clipping of it; who was shot and when. It was all the standard bullet issued by the cops. There was no eye witness that came forth. He flipped through the other shootings, when it involved the gangs, there was no reports of eye witnesses or even the medical report; if there was only, it was brief.

“Mr Ness, you would not find ….” Best was seated across Elliot twirling the pencil with his right-hand fingers.

“I am sure they were eye witnesses. Why are they not reported here?”

“No one said anything. Seen anyone, and if there was any, it was only blood.” Best replied. “Rome is a good city, and with it the citizens here are all …...quaint at moments like this.”

“So, tell me where can I get such …… quaint moments explained to me?”

“We could try ……” Best smiled. “I am trying to assist here. Please do not push me to lose my pension.”

Later, Elliot was at the bath house where Issac was last seen. He walked to the bath are where Issac was shot. The place was a huge square pool of heated water and on that day, it was packed with five patrons having their baths.

“Hello, boys. This is Elliot Ness; Agent Ness is you want to address him. He is from ……... new in the city.” Best stepped forth to introduce the agent. The five patrons were immersed waist below but the sight of the bulging towels at the pool side spoke of their insecurity.

“Agent Ness, these are the Romans of Rome. There is Philo, Demetrius and …… I cannot recall the other names.” Best smiled. “Must be new. They are always getting new recruits to replace ……”

“Hey, Mr. Best. Better to hold your tongue.” The one identified as Philo called out.

“No offence meant, Mr. Philo.” Best smiled. “Agent Ness is here …...”

“I am here to investigate the death of Issac Sicario.” Elliot looked at the group. “Please continue your bath. I will remain standing here.”

“Hey, Agent. Issac was my brother. He is a good man. You need not get involved. We will handle it.” The one identified as Demetrius looked at the agent.

“I am not …...” Elliot saw the other climbed out, nude from the bath. Demetrius ignored Elliot and walked to the dressing room. Elliot took that as a rejection and left the bath area. He walked past the other areas, and then met the lady in charge of the bath house.

“Does the guests register their …….” Elliot was asking when he saw Demerius approached the lady. She saw him and nodded.

“We do not register any guests. They come, take their bath, and pay when they leave.” The lady told Elliot. She then left him there to leave with Demetrius. Elliot took to the vehicle with Best.

“Demetrius is a junior lieutenant with the Romans. That lady you spoke to is his lady.” Best cranked up the engine of the T-Ford. “Where to, Mr. Ness?”

The drive to the wharf was nearby and Elliot stood by the side where Moses’ body was found. It was like any wharf where the large ships docked there. There were also the barges that took the loads off the ships off the wharf. The wharf was lined up with overheard cranes and the port’s staff namely the stevedores were everywhere. The other groups were the dockers; the ones who will do the secondary loading to the wagons that will be loaded before the coal engine trams dragged it to the warehouses.

It was organized chaos there; everyone was on their feet and yet the movements were coordinated. A crate or two will get dropped off the wagon and tempers will flare, but the seniors will diffuse the scene. During the flare up, daggers and hooks will be displayed as weapons.

“Put away the weapons. The coppers are here.” The head of the dockers intervened. He pointed to them the T-Fort parked at the wharf.

“We are not afraid of the coppers.’ The opposing gang challenged the dockers.

“Yea, I know you Parthians well but this is my wharf. When you are here, you follow my orders.” The head of the dockers cursed at the other gang. “In Mesopotamia, you can call the orders, but over here, I am the commander.”

“Put away the weapons, boys.” The head of the dockers told his boys. “What was issue here?”

“We for the clearance permits and your boy here said otherwise.” The Parthian leader handed the permit. The other read the permit and nodded.

“He is cleared. Let him have his wares.”

“Bloody chino.” That name calling by one of the dockers flared the dispute. The head stood in between to quell the mess.

“Let it reast, Tariq. I will discipline my boy” The head turned towards his own boys. “Tariq is no Chino. One more word from you, and I will have you fed to the sharks.”

The flare was turned off. The two gangs went their ways and all was silent in a manner of speech at the wharf.

“Do not stand too close to the side, Mr, Ness. You might fall in to the water.” Best called out soon after. “They would not pull you out.”

Elliot stood there finding himself close to the edge, He stepped back and then looked at the ships. The wharf was operational throughout the day and night. He reckoned it was impossible that no one saw Moses been pushed off there.

“When was Moses found?”

“I do not know. I did not read the report. However, I heard that ship anchor dragged him up. Apparently, his body was stuck there, and when the anchor……”

“I get the picture.” Elliot nodded. “Who is overseeing the wharf?” 

“Genous Pompey. He is …… Roman, and …….” Best was muttering.

“I would like to see him.” Elliot asked. “Where is he?”

“I would not know. I need to ask.” Best then saw the approaching three T-Fort vehicles. He could smell trouble from a mile away.

‘The Romans are here.”

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Zero Scene Two

 

Act Zero

Scene Two.

 

“Exodus 19:3-25 NLT. Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians.” Ol’Moses words resonated into Cicero’s ears when he stood at the church yard. He was dressed in his Sunday’ best; the striped three-suit and dark shoes, with the fedora on his head. He told his mistress that he wanted to appear normal on Sunday; ‘I do not want God to see me differently on that morning’. God did not for he looked at other folks at church, or maybe he had not his three bodyguards standing nearby. His mistress was not there on Sunday. She tried to avoid being seen with him on that sacred yard.

“Thank you, Ol’ Moses. That were godly word for the flock.” The priest shook the other with his hands.

“I am only speaking Giod’s words.” Ol’Moses smiled. “From the good Book.”

Moses saw Cicero at the corner and excused himself to meet the deposed boss.

“Good day, Moses.” Cicero smiled.

“It is still morning. And it will be a better day for all of us.” Moses smiled. He looked around for any of Caesar’s boys; there were a few but they would not whisper to Caesar on him meeting Cicero. No other lieutenants; they would not want to come there for listening to Ol’Moses as a prophet or messiah.

“Moses, how was your journey?”

“Fruitful like the apples at Eden, and lots of Eve.” Ol’Moses smiled. “I saw the most beautiful creature this side of the continent. She is …...”

“I am not interested in her. How was the discussion?” Cicero pushed the issue. He saw Moses’ family waiting for him.

“I laid the subject to their King, and he will meet …… Caesar.” Moses leaned over. “Why do you …...”

“Egypt is insignificant here. I want Caesar distracted to there. When he is not in Rome, I can move my pawns here.” Cicero smiled.

“I understand.” Moses nodded. He liked Cicero more than Julius, but he is a lowly lieutenant in the ranks. Above him were Agrippa and Menas.

“Boss, Brutus asking for you.” Moses then declared his loyalty.

“Does he not come to Church?” Cicero asked.

“Not this one. He is at Tenth Avenue.”  Cicero did not bother to reply to Moses, and walked away.

Two weeks later, Moses was at the funeral of Issac. The medical report said he died of a heart ailment’ but Moses knew better. He was close to Issac for they came from the same neighbourhood. He was at the house when Issac’ widow called in. He was there first and went into the bedroom where Issac was lying in bed.

“He was screaming and then went quiet. I do not know who to call then.” The widow, Janey was all tears still dressed in her night robe. He knew the couple well; attended their wedding and watched them lived there at the house provided by Caesar. Janey was twelve years older but Issac held the need for motherly love more than sex. He lost his mother when young and looked to Moses like his elder brother. They were close but relations did not matter at Rome.

“Call the others. Bring the doctor too.” Moses told Janey. When she left him alone with the dead husband, Moses looked to the dresser. The newly opened prescription bottle was there. He picked and pocket it. He took out another bottle from his other pocket; half full and left it there.

The doctor wrote the death certificate as sudden death by ailment of the heart. It was a closed case, and reported to Caesar. Janey was given a pension and continued to live at the house. Two days later, a gunman walked into the pharmacy downtown and shot the clerk there. It was all a clean operation.

“Take the ticket and leave on the bus at Berth Five.” Moses handed the ticket to the bronze-skinned man, dressed in the casual shirt and dark jacket with matching pants.

“And my thanks to Mr. Mardian.”

The Loyal Lieutenants Act One Scene Two Sub Scene Two

 

Act One

Scene Two

Sub-Scene Two

Fulvia

 

Lady Fulvia, who held a goddess influence in Rome, was the daughter of an influential founder member of the Romans. She was a model for negotiation of power, married at an early age to one of the earlier members of the Romans, Clodius. She held the reins of power behind her husband. He died prematurely, and she married another, Curio.

Cicero, her second husband and close associate of Curio, needed the consolidation of power and accused Fulvia of adultery. Fulvia was seen in the company of a younger man named Mark Antony. He approached Caesar to state his concern. Mark Antony was sent to the Sicilians, and that ended the assumed affair.

It was not so.

There were rumours that Mark returned to Rome unannounced and met Fulvia during her marriage to Curio. It was all unfounded. Curio died in battle, and Fulvia was free. She then got the nickname Gaia the Goddess; you end up in her bed and then buried in earth.

Cicero was relentless in discrediting Fulvia, but she still retained the support of gangs formerly ruled by her first husband, Clodius. Unknown to many, she was involved with Mark as well as some others. Life without a lover was lonely. She was elated that Mark was back.

Fulvia did marry Mark then.

“We will have our own children.” Mark breathed into Fulvia’s left ear.

“Are you sure you want one?” Fulvia had said. “I thought we agreed to no children.”

Fulvia had her own two sons from her previous marriage to Curio and thereafter did not want the burden of it with Mark.

“Yes, we did. But I would not mind one of my own.” Mark smoothed the lady he married with more kisses. He had returned that day, and with the buildup of lust, he had to make love to his wife.

“Hold on, darling. We have spent too much time in bed.” Fulvia pulled herself away. “You had been released twice in the last hour.”

“I did, as it had been a long time since we slept in bed.” Mark turned to his left side. “The Sicilians are a good host, but I was not to be caught with my pants down.”

“I am sure there are other ladies there.” Fulvia got out of bed and stretched her body to ease the cramps. It was a sight to behold, for ‘Gaia’ does not only hold the power over men but also the beauty of Venus there.

“There were, but I was not keen.” Mark sighed. “I was constantly on alert for any actions. When I was in bed... alone, I slept with my gun under the blanket.”

“You do. I knew that gun of yours well. It grew when touched.” Fulvia had put on the silk gown and then reached for a non-filtered cigarette.

“I was not referring to Mickey. I have my real gun there in case any assassin walks in.” Mark smiled. “It was an uneasy stay there.”

“Why are you back?” Fulvia asked. “Was it to do me a one-night stand and then leave again?”

“I am back for good. The Sicilian deal is agreed.” Mark smiled. “I have reported to Caesar. Now will you come back to bed?”

“No. I am not. I need to rest now.” Fulvia smiled. “You could handle yourself.”

“I want you. I need you. We can get the child. You had two with... Mark pleaded then. Fulvia tossed a tantrum at him.

“We discussed this before, Mark. I am not keen on having another child. We agreed on it.” Fulvia snapped at him.

“I am sorry. I did not...” Mark apologised.

“Find yourself a mother who holds the huge breasts of milk.” Fulvia was upset. “I am...”

“You are fine, darling.” Mark rushed to hold the lady he married. “I love you.”

“I know. And I know you wanted one of your own, but I am not ready.” Fulvia sighed. “Not in Rome.”

Fulvia walked to the bidet and released the load that was in her. She saw Mark had gotten out of bed and wrapped himself in a towel. He was to get the cold shower then. It was his therapy for the rejection. She sat there and thought of children. It is not easy to be a mother when your children are always at risk of being killed or maimed by your enemies. Clodius and Curio had their share of enemies, and so does Mark. She saw the threats they would pose to her.

“Cicero, do not ever threaten my children.” Fulvia had shouted at each other when they last met at the mansion.

Cicero, the short, stubby figure, looked at the lady called the Goddess. They met there at the request of Julius Caesar, who tried to pacify the conflict.

“I am nobody’s slut either.” Fulvia raised her voice. She was not afraid of Caesar there.

“I am the children's godfather." Why would I hurt then?” Cicero defended himself. “I was just asking that the children spend the summer with me at...”

“They are mine. They will stay with their mother.” Fulvia looked at Caesar. “Caesar, call him off my family or I will...”

“Shoot me? You are mad. I …...” Cicero sneered at the lady.

“As you had told rumours of me and Merk Antony, I was faithful to my husband. When he died, I mourned for his death.”

“A short period it was, and then you wed Mark Antony.” Cicero cut in. “If …….”

“Stop it now!” Julius Caesar called out in rage. “Both of you are to stop.”

“I have decided to send Mark Antony to the Sicilians. He was to rebuild our trust there. He will leave tomorrow.” Caesar made his call and then looked at Cicero. “You will not go near Fulvia’s children or harass her.”

“Caesar, I...” On rare occasions, Cicero, the great orator among the Romans, was at a loss for words. He was also their advocate in the judicial courts to argue any accusations.

“My mind is made up. Fulvia will stay at Mark’s place. Cicero, you will not come near her or the children. You will reside outside of Rome.” Julius spoke to the advocate.

“Caesar, I have my duties to...”

“They shall find another advocate then.” Caesar told the other. “Get your things and leave in a week.”

Caesar was not to be ignored. Cicero left the mansion then.

“Fulvia, I valued my days with Clodius and Curio. And, Cicero. They are good men.” Caesar looked at the lady. “Your anger made me force my hand onto the advocate. I may not know why, but one day I will be damned by your kindness. Leave here and...”

“I loved my husbands. I will attend to my family, which now includes Mark Antony.” Fulvia bowed to Caesar. “I will leave now.”

Fulvia left Caesar without saying another word. She had stayed away from Caesar and the mansion since then, but her work on the boys, which included Mark Antony's, was never completed. She drew the territories of her husband and will not tolerate any intruders.

Cicero left Rome, but his anger with Fulvia did not. 

 

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act One Scene Two Sub Scene One

 

Act One

Scene Two

Sub-Scene One

Enobarbus

 

The figure walked in after the departure of the lieutenants and Consul. Enobarbus held a firm frame then, with aa wide shoulder, aa thick swath of dark hair, and a thin moustache that he trimmed daily on his upper lip. He was dressed like any other; he wore a striped blue suit and held the fedora in his left hand.

“Sit, Enobarbus.” Caesar offered the middle-aged junior lieutenant.

“Thanks, Caesar.” Enobarbus took the seat, which was two seats from Mark Antony. He had heard of Mark Antony but never met him. met him. Or they may have in some battles, but with the bullets whizzing past the ears, it was pardonable not to remember who was nearby.

“I read the reports of you handling the warehouses. You got the inventories right and the boys sorted out.” Enobarbus did and shipped out two of the boys in the crates to the high sea on a one-way journey. They were on the take from the Parthians.

“Enobarbus, meet Mark Antony.” Caesar introduced them then. “I want you to assist Mark on the cases of the murders. He is only back in Rome.”

“Murder cases? Caesar, I am not an expert.” Mark raised his protest.

“Enobarbus is an ex-cop and joined us after some issues with his captain. He was previously with the Vice Section and busted some good operations.” Caesar spoke of Enobarbus past. “He will be your sniff dog.”

“Do we have any issues here, Enobarbus?” Caesar asked.

“No, Caesar. I will do my best.”

“You do that. Sniff out what the cops are doing with the cases. I am sure they have some leads, or suspects, or whatever; just get it done.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Enobarbus looked at Mark. “Pleasure to be of service to you, Boss.”

“Caesar, if I may be excused, excused, I want to see my family.” Mark stood up. “It had been some......”

“Go. I will need to speak to Enobarbus on other matters.”

“Thank you, Caesar.” Mark took his leave.

“Enobarbus, while you are there, lean on the captain by the name Elliot Ness. That new guy is from Florida and is part of the Treasury Team. I was advised that he was told to assist in the murder case of Moses. He is paired up with Best. You know the ‘Best’ guy??”

“We started together as a team, but since I left for Vice, we lost touch.” Enobarbus said.

“He was in crime, and he never asked you for favours? Like a free filly.” Caesar looked at Enobarbus. The latter knew better than to tell a lie to Caesar. He had ears and eyes everywhere.

“He was cleaned there. He did do some takes on opium.”

“Yes, I recalled. Skinny wag they called him, but he is a mean fighter.” Caesar smiled. “Get him some sticks from the tongs. And when you are there, check on Tiger Wong. He may know something we do not have.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Enobarbus nodded.

“Enobarbus, this is a favour of mine. Watch over Mark Antony. He is a tough guy, but being too far away from Rome may have dulled his reflexes. Watch over him well. He is my cousin.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Enobarbus nodded again.

“And I am expecting a delegate from Egypt. I heard you had some dealings with them.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Enobarbus nodded. “There was a dispute over some missing crates. We sorted it out later.”

“Who did you deal with?”

“Mr. Mardian was his name. Young dark frame with a mean attitude.” Enobarbus said. “We almost drew guns.”

“You did?” Caesar asked.

“Nope. He was outgunned and decided that diplomacy was better. We recovered the crates, and he shipped them by those barges to Egypt.”

“Do you know Mardian is not a Medjay. They are the Pharoah’s’ personal guards. Mardian reports to the half=-sister, Lady Cleop.” Enobarbus told Caesar.

“Mardian? He is a mean bastard, as I was told. He does not have any balls on him.” Caesar smiled. “I made him tougher.”

“Eunuch, Caesar?” Enobarbus was curious. “I did not see below the belt.”

“I know you will not. You are an eagle, always on top.” Caesar smiled. “Go good on the murders, and I will send you to Egypt soon.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Enobarbus nodded. “Am I assigned to Mark Antony?”

“Yes. Do you have any beef with him?’

“No, Caesar. I knew him by reputation. I served with him, but he may not recall a younger version of me.”

“Do your best. He is a good man.” Caesar looked at the others. “Find out who is killing our boys.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Enobarbus smiled,

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act One Scene One Sub Scene Three

 

Act One

Scene One

Sub-Scene Three

Elliot Ness

 

“Elliot Ness, aa Federal Agent.” Elliot displayed his credentials to the coroner when he arrived at the morgue. He disliked the sight of dead bodies. He was once sent to visit one of the centres where they stored the unclaimed bodies. The staff there maintains the corpses as samples for their understanding of the dead bodies or just to harvest the organs for the medical school. For many, that practice was named the body farm.

“This is a dead man, early forties, shot in the chest and head.” The head of medical then explained. “He was dead when the bullet pierced his heart. The head shot was post-mortem.”

For the record, twenty-five of the thirty-three officers who visited the morgue puked there on the floor. Elliot was in listed at the twenties.

“You may use the paper there to wipe your mouth.” The coroner told Elliot after he puked.

“Thank you, Doctor...” Elliot read the name tag: McDaffy, Edward. The doctor saw Elliot reading his name.

“Daffy. It was given to me by to me by my grandmother. She reckoned if my dad is Duffy, then I may be Daffy.” The coroner smiled. “Family issues.”

“Mr. Ness, I am the doctor here.” Doctor Daffy smiled. “It says there.”

“I am...” Elliot was ignored.

“My mother was from Dover, and my father was Scots. He died in the war. He was part of the British Expeditionary Forces ( (BEF, sent to Ypres. He was the lucky one to be killed early. His body was sent home and I was just out of medical school."  The so--named doctor smiled.

“I was assigned to this morgue when we ran out of coroners. Guess the tutors liked the way I gutted the specimens. My mother taught me that at home. Anyway, most of the others were sent to the front to be real doctors. Anyway, I am happier here. I get to talk to my patients loudly. None of them complained when I removed their organs or amputated a limb.”

“I have seen the conditions of their livers. It was a good task you are stopping them from them from smuggling in the liquor.” The coroner looked at Elliot. “There is a dark mass of decay there.”

By then, Elliot was out of the door to puke outside. When he returned, he was offered a glass of whiskey.

“Nothing but the best from the Highlands.” The doctor cleared his glass in one gulp. “Sorry, we ran out of glasses. The laboratory was kind enough kind enough to loan me the beakers here.”

Elliot managed to make it to the wash basin before he threw up his earlier meal.

“Could not hold your drink, huh? Ness? Is that Scottish by origin?” The doctor asked.

“Norwegian. My parents are Norwegian.” Elliot smiled. “We moved to this continent before I was born.”

“God Morgen. (Good morning in Norwegian.) I have a Norwegian neighbour. His name was Karl. He was formerly a surgeon but lost his feel for the fingers. He told me it was not Aquavit, their national drink, but his tendons were frayed from many hours of surgery.” The coroner sighed. “Actually, it was his nerves. He had performed badly in the later years.”

“Well, Doctor ……” Elliot wanted to get the task done and be off but the coroner was still talking.

...(https://hsc.unm.edu/omi/about/faq/coroner.html #:~:text=In%20some%20jurisdictions%2C%20the%20coroner,and%20violent%20causes%20of%20death.)

“Why are you here?” The coroner may be absent--minded at times.

“I am assigned to the case of the dead man named Moses.” Elliot moved the subject at hand.

“Moses? Yes, I knew Moses well, and it is sad to read about him.” The coroner looked at Elliot.

“I was referring to Sorlini ‘Moses’ Anton.” Elliot wanted to see the report.

“Yes, I know him. He delivers the sermon after the pastor does his part.” The coroner smiled. “His sermons were like a baptism of fire.”

“Where is...?” Elliot was asking about the report again.

“Moses over there, on Mount Sinai. I named my tables by the names of the mountains. That is Fuji, and that is the Andes, and....... Mr. Ness, do you need another drink?”

Elliot was over the wash basin then. He saw the dead body of Moses, with the chest cavity opened. His legs below the knees were amputated.

“One sad thing about the dead is that is that they do not throw up their contents. I must extract it out by hand...... olives and pesto......” That comment by the doctor made Elliot throw up more.

“Do you know that based on your diet, along with hydration, levels of exercise and stress, and other factors, that will determine how much you could poop??” The doctor continued. “That guy was not so much. He …….”

“Can I have the report, please, doctor?” Elliot wanted to make his exit.

“On the table. The brown envelope.” The doctor motioned to the table. “He ……”

Elliot was out of the morgue by then. Later, Elliot was nursing the cup of thick black coffee while reading the coroner’s report.

“Boss, I could have told you that a dead body was not a great sight. I once saw a bloated corpse..

“Shut up, Mr. Best. I am reading the report here.” Elliot took offense to the comments. The report was detailed and the victim had died of the wounds in the heart and liver. The other wounds were not fatal. Other than that, the victim was walking dead with a sick liver and heart.

“Guess he was due soon.” Elliot sighed. He then looked towards Best.

“Who had grudges with the Romans?”

“Rome? They are better known as Rome. Whoever said he was from the Romans isis from the yesteryears.” Best looked at the agent.

“The papers I read on the train. He was one of the lieutenants of the Romans... Rome.”

“Well, then I asked for the papers then. I would not know. Rome operates a huge organization with many businesses and allies, as well as many more competitors. He could be anyone there.”

Elliot got up to walk to the vehicle.

“Where to, boss?”

“To my hotel.” Elliot had enough of his first day in Rome.