Page 6 of Thawed Gladiator: Lucius
“Why?” Though honestly, when isn’t Sulla in a mood?
“Some woman in a red SUV has been parked outside our gate since dawn. Security cameras picked her up immediately.” He lunges forward, forcing me into a defensive position. “She’s got cameras and recording equipment—clearly another reporter trying to get footage of us.”
My sword wavers mid-strike. Raven. She came back. Bold move, parking outside our gates in broad daylight. Though nothing about her strikes me as predictable.
“Sulla’s about to run her off,” Quintus continues, “in his typically charming fashion. You know how he gets with the press. Well, you know how he gets with anybody.”
Reporters. My jaw tightens. Since awakening, journalists and documentary makers have circled like vultures, desperate for access, treating us as curiosities rather than men. They promise respect, understanding, dignity. Then they publish stories about “Ice Age Gladiators” and “Ancient Warriors in Modern Times” like we’re some carnival attraction.
My concentration wavers. Quintus notices immediately—he always does. But the woman seemed different last night. Her questions carried weight, not the breathless excitement of sensation-seekers. I hate to admit how much it stings to think I misjudged her.
“You know something about this woman.” Quintus’s observation cuts through my distraction like a blade through silk. The man reads people like scrolls. Always has.
“She was in the cemetery last night. Talking to the dead like they might answer back. Investigating ghosts. Or pretending to.”
Quintus pauses mid-movement, interest sharpening his weathered features. “Pretending?” He lowers his practice sword, giving me his full attention.
“Many modern people wear death imagery like costumes.” Bitterness creeps into my voice despite my efforts to remain neutral. “This one claims a near-death experience, speaks of validation, yet runs a podcast calledBeyond the Veil. Business built on death’s mystery.”
“And that troubles you.” Again, not a question. Quintus states facts like a general reviewing battlefield reports.
I don’t bother answering. He already knows. Training continues for another hour—bodies moving through the familiar dance of attack and defense, muscle memory bridging the centuries between arena sand and modern techniques. Physical exertion brings clarity. By the time we finish, my decision has crystallized.
The shower’s hot water—still a marvel after months in this century—washes away sweat but not certainty. If she’s here to turn us into entertainment, best to find that out before we let her any closer.
When I emerge, I hear voices rising in conflict near the compound’s main security station. Sulla stands with arms crossed. His perpetual scowl deepens as Laura attempts to moderate his approach.
“She’s been sitting there for hours,” Sulla argues, gesturing to the security monitors’ feed on his pad. It shows the red SUV. “It’s a security risk. I’m handling it my way.”
“Your way usually involves unnecessary intimidation,” Laura counters.
“We don’t need another incident with the press.”
The conversation halts as they notice my approach. Laura’s relief is evident.
“Lucius, perfect timing. There’s—”
“A woman in a red SUV at the gate. I know.”
Sulla’s eyes narrow suspiciously. “Flavius ran her plates. Registered to a Rosemary Vaughn. Paranormal podcaster. Another vulture looking for content.”
“I’ll handle it.” Both Laura and Sulla register surprise, though in markedly different ways. Laura’s eyebrows rise in question, while Sulla’s expression darkens with skepticism.
“You?” Sulla scoffs. “Since when do you volunteer for visitor duty?”
“We’ve met.” No need to explain.
“She’s my problem to address.”
“You know her?” Laura asks, curiosity evident in her tone.
A nod serves as confirmation.
“Fine,” Sulla relents with clear reluctance. “But if she causes problems, I’m stepping in.” He stalks away, tension evident in every line of his body.
“Are you certain about this?” Laura’s concern is genuine. She has become protective of all of us since the sanctuary’s founding. “I can have someone else accompany you if—”
“No need.”
