The Loyal Lieutenants Act Eight Scene One Sub Scene Two

 

Act Eight

Scene One

Sub-Scene Two

It never rains but is poured by buckets.

 

Mark stepped into one of the two warehouses that was hit near the wharf. He got the reports on the casualties—five deaths and two wounded, it was. They were the staff of the warehouse, not even any of the Romans.

“Boss,” Enobarbus said, walking up to Mark.

“It was a brutal act. They were working the night shift, shifting the crates, and then there were shots. The shooters—I got a count of three—climbed in through the upper windows. They planned it well; on cue, they stepped out from the racks and fired on the staff having their break.”

“What was taken?” Mark asked.

“Nothing. It was not a burglary but a killing.”

“Has anyone heard their names? The way they talked or anything...”

“None. These shooters were masked.” Enobarbus had asked. “And Pompey is silent.”

“Unbelievable. There is a shootout at the warehouse, and he is not advised.” Mark shouted. “I am sure he knew or his boys would know. Find out more.”

“I will.” Enobarbus stepped away. He saw the arrival of Genus Pompey, dressed hastily, and was accompanied by three of his guards. He approached Mark.

“I heard and will tell you that none of this was under my watch.’ Pompey told Mark. “I do not hit my own warehouses.”

“Pompey, whatever she said. This was on your territory, and you...

“Do not accuse me, Mark Antony. I am your senior. Caesar will hear of this.” Pompey was upset.

“Caesar need not be disturbed. He is away, and we will take care of it.” Mark looked toward Pompey. He saw the arrival of Pompey, Junior. The latter was with his own guards.

“Dad, I just got news of it. Who are they?” Junior asked.

“We do not know. And Mark here is for the Romans, asking if we were involved. I told him no.”

“Mark Antony, we are not involved.” Junior stepped toward Mark. “Bark at your shadow.”

Mark ignored the duo and walked towards Enobarbus.

“Boss, they are pushing the blame?”

“We do not know who is responsible. Visigoths, Muddles, or even the Tongs. Set the boys on the task. Find out who.” Mark looked at the warehouse. “Get the final count, and check on...”

“Mark. Check on your friends, the Sicilians. They may be behind all of this.” Pompey called out.

Mark remained silent. He knew the Sicilians, and they were holding their territory. He thought of Caesar in Egypt. He knew the Sicilians were given a package by Egypt on a regular basis. It was a payoff to avoid any conflicts. Maybe Caesar had annoyed the Sicilians.

Mark looked at the departing father and son. He was holding his cards, saying that Pompey was involved in the shootout, but he needed evidence to hit them back. He could be wrong. Caesar had too many enemies.

Junior rode with his father in the T-Ford. The surprising part was that the father was driving while the guards were in the other vehicles tailing them.

“Junior, did you do the shooting?” Pompey was direct, with his finger gripping the steering wheel. “Did Brutus approach you?”

“No.” Junior replied to his father. “No to Brutus. I did not meet him. I met Cicero. It was a coordinated move of theirs, and it may...”

“Kill us both. Why are... Why did you not tell me?” Pompey asked. “Who else was involved?”

“You may not sanction it.” Junior was direct. “Ever since Crassus and yourself were humbled by Caesar, you have stayed away from conflict with them. Yes, we are all Romans, but you are more senior to Julius.”

“Silence, you insolent pup. I was... I backed down because I needed to consolidate my strength. I was negotiating with the others and was making plans till this happened.” Pompey was upset. “Why …….”

“Father, Cicero had the Visigoths and Parthians on the same side. If we do not line up, we will be next after Caesar.” Junior said. “Caesar is in Egypt to get them on board. We knew Egypt was keen to do so. Moses went there ahead of us with that Treasury agent. We were not given notice of it, but Mardian was generous enough to tell us. Moses was trying to wrestle Egypt into backing him, and Lucas was the greedy one. He wanted more of the rollbacks there.”

“And where did they end up?”

“Dead. Not entirely by us. Egypt had its own methods. The Muddles got the credit, but it did not matter. Moses’ death was... untold. But we know Egypt saw the potential of Rome, and the Pharaoh was here. He met Caesar to seal the alliance. He was under pressure from the Sicilians for more money, and his own power was in turmoil.”

“How come you know so much and have acted so...”

“Rashly, Father. I have my plans.” Junior smiled. “Cicero, the Pharoah, the Visigoths, and even Brutus are all...”

“Do not underestimate Brutus. He is a devious man. He will bury both of us.”

“I am aware. I have others in his club watching my back.” Junior smiled. “I will make you Caesar.”

“Not me, Junior. I am past the age to be one. You can have it.” Pompey told his son.