I should have known better than to believe that Atticus would even notice my waving of arms and calling of his name to get his attention. Whenever there was a good-looking woman with the slightest scent of naughtiness about her, Atticus seemed to have the nose for it.
He had of course noticed immediately the table of women, and had made his way in their direction. But then the door opened once again and this woman nearly flung herself forward in order to get out of the drenching she was receiving from outside.
Atticus a first glanced, and then turned completely around to look at her.
As the woman made her way toward the bar, I thought Atticus would soon step in the puddle of drool that was quickly becoming a reality at his feet. It was time to save my friend from a fate worse than death...His lover! If she ever found out...I heard once she had gutted an old rival for the affections of the man who later became her first husband.
"Atticus, over here."
I made my way over to where he was and grabbed his arm.
"Atticus, come over by the fire, I have information on that slave."
"Slave, what slave?" He looked blankly at me.
"That run-a-way slave. You know, the one thats paying this months rent."
"Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah. First let me buy the ladies a drink. Come on Claudius, lets have some fun."
"No thanks, not today. I've got to get home, and if you want to be alive tomorrow, you'll do the same. Now come on."
"Bar-Keep! Two more of that filth you pass off as wine."
The bar-keep grunted rather than spoke and nodded. Gawd, he was ugly. Heard he was an ex-gladiator. It must be true. A face only a crowd or mother would love.