Ten for Dying

Chapter Forty-eight

Isis flushed with anger. “I know nothing about the theft of this relic you’re looking for. If I did know anything, I’d tell you. For a small donation for my girls’ welfare, of course.”

“Of course,” Felix agreed. They were sitting on a cushioned couch in her office, her inner sanctum, not as elaborately furnished as in the past, but still retaining memories of luxury. He had grown fond of this room in the days when he had happier business to conduct. He was fond of Isis as well. He regretted having to pressure his old friend. Her color looked unhealthy. But what could he do? She was dealing in relics. She had managed to get herself tangled up in the whole mess. “You need to tell me about your recent visitor now. I may not be able to talk with you again.”

Felix had returned to the refuge by back streets, uncomfortably aware that by now Narses would be probing every corner of the city for him, a vulture seeking the last, tender organ inside a stripped carcass. As he and Isis spoke, he half-listened for the imperious pounding on the door that would tell him he was discovered by a predatory beak.

She stared at him with a stony expression. “I don’t touch true relics, Felix. My girls do sell mementoes. Yes, we realize that some may not be what they should be. We might even create a few in this house. The church owns many frauds. I am told there are four of Peter’s fishing nets in one particular church, which seems a great many for a poor man, and so many leg bones attributed to Paul that he must have been a spider. Where is the harm if the buyer is convinced what he has purchased is what he believes it to be? His faith makes it holy. And is it not faith by which we are saved?”

“I’d say it is faith by which we are lost, when we put it in lies and liars, Isis. Peteiros claims he was the only one dealing in these relics, stealing them from under the priest’s nose. Frankly I have no faith in that statement.”

Isis glowered at him. “He told me he had sought me out on behalf of Basilius. Do you think I would have dealt with him otherwise? And he deals with me because he realizes I can exercise discretion, thanks to my previous calling.”

“Yet Basilius denied any involvement. Are you certain Peteiros comes here under his orders?”

“Certainly. Have I ever lied to you?”

That was the question, wasn’t it? How did Felix know if she, or anyone else for that matter, was lying to him?

“But could it be that Peteiros was lying to you about the priest being involved to convince you to cooperate? Have you ever dealt with Basilius in person?”

Isis looked cross. “No, but it isn’t surprising. He wouldn’t want to be seen with me.”

“Can you swear to me you know nothing about the missing relic, Isis? All I care about is getting it back. If you can help me it would be best for you to do so. The emperor is sure to find out eventually who was involved, unless I can hand it over to him first.”

“I understand, Felix, but I know nothing about this shroud.” Isis’ tone turned wistful. “If I actually had the such a valuable relic, do you suppose I would still be here? I know my business. I would have already sold it to the highest bidder, appointed a successor to run my refuge, and been on my way back to Egypt to live in luxury the rest of my life.”

“Supposing the relic was not authentic, you mean? You just told me you don’t deal in authentic relics. You don’t think it is the actual shroud of the Virgin?”

“Fortunately I have no reason to give it any thought.”

“I wish I could say the same, Isis. Your mentioning Egypt reminds me that there was that scarab left on Theodora’s tomb the night of the robbery.”

Isis made a gesture of contempt. “I am not the only person from Egypt living in the city. Besides that what about those who collect such interesting artifacts?”

“That’s all very well, Isis, but-”

“Have some wine, Felix. You look overheated. You can think things out more clearly if you cool down.”

Felix pushed up his sleeves and reached for the cup she offered. Isis leaned forward, then sat back and stared. The ruddy color drained from her face as quickly as the sunset blush fades from a marble statue.

“May the gods protect you, Felix! Those patches on your skin…I saw them in Egypt.” She leapt off the couch and backed away. “You must leave immediately!”

He stood. “What is it?”

She cringed and backed further away. Her features trembled and twisted into an expression of horror and revulsion. “I’ll have to engage a doctor to examine everyone in the house tomorrow. My girls! You’ve killed them! You’ve brought leprosy into my refuge!”