Free Man of God by Debra Diaz

shop were accustomed
to seeing Paulus and had been told to let him look at his leisure;
they assumed he was someone important, perhaps an agent buying for
someone else. He was, as a matter of fact, interested in buying
another lyre for Rachel; she’d been taking lessons and the wooden
one she had was not as fine as these, which were made of tortoise
shell.
    He wondered if Omari were waiting for him in
the back of the shop, or if there had been no need for him to come
this time. Paulus hoped for the latter, though it would be good to
see him. He always felt better hearing that his mother and sister
were safe, and hadn’t been affected by Paulus’ “desertion”. So far
they had not been, though they had been questioned a few times.
Both Tiberius and Caligula had seemed convinced they knew nothing
of where Paulus was hiding. Someday Paulus would find a way to
visit them, but just now that would only put them in danger.
    Horatius caught his eye and pointed with his
chin toward the back of the shop. Paulus nodded and made his way to
the little room where orders were written down and accounts were
kept. Omari was not there. He saw a folded sheet of parchment lying
on a table with the name “Antonius” written on it. It looked
ominous, somehow; he broke the seal and began to read:
    Have been visited by F. Gaius seeking both
of you. F. says G. obsessed since hearing you were in Rome. Urges
you to leave. Houses being watched again but all are safe. I am
followed. Watched at banker’s bench and great risk to draw. Send
word to me if you need money, otherwise will not. Will pass this to
H. son and hope you receive. Good fortune to you.
    Paulus frowned and read the message again. F
would be Flavius, and Gaius was the emperor. Flavius wanted him to
leave Rome. Horatius’ son, who would have received it directly from
Omari in the street, had delivered the message. They would have
accomplished this, hopefully, without observation…even though Omari
was now being followed.
    And there would be no more money. This was
important but not critical; Paulus earned enough in wages to
support his family...but Rachel wouldn’t be getting a new lyre.
    He slid the parchment inside his tunic and
sat down in a chair. Should they leave Rome? Was this God’s way of
telling him? No, he didn’t believe that. His work here had barely
begun. And yet, to remain meant increasing jeopardy for his wife
and daughter…Should he tell Alysia? Yes, of course, for she must be
on her guard, now as never before.
    Horatius entered the room, short and rotund
with waves of abundant white hair.
    “Not bad news, I hope?”
    Paulus stood up. “No—but not good news
either, I’m afraid. Horatius, you have been a good and faithful
friend. I won’t be coming back here for a long while. I think you
will be quite safe to visit me, if you wish to do so, but I won’t
put you at risk by being seen here in your shop. Neither will Omari
come…unless, I suppose, there is some great need.”
    “What do you mean?” Horatius asked, his brow
furrowed.
    “The authorities who are searching for me
have increased their forces, and their determination. Omari is
being watched.”
    “I have told you, Antonius, that I am honored
to share any danger with you and your wife. How can I not do what I
know Jesus would have me do? I know in my mind and my heart that
whatever you have done to cause this, it was not with evil
intent.”
    “No, it was not.” Paulus placed his hand on
the other man’s shoulder. “But it was done, all the same, and
legally they have a right to question me. I want to spare my
family, Horatius, as long as I can. I thank you for your trust, and
everything you have done.”
    The shop-owner smiled. “There is a meeting at
your house tomorrow night. I will be there, and so will my son, and
his wife.”
    Paulus returned the smile. “Thank you,
Horatius. May the Lord bless and keep you.”
    “And you. I will pray that God will keep you
in his perfect