New Rome

27. The Deep Prison

Wylo and Ellie were woken up in the middle of the night by the call from the House of Red.

"Sejanus? You mean Strabo's son?" Wylo questioned in disbelief.

"I regret that I do." Alexand's voice was pompously formal. "The Imperator asks that you both remain silent on the subject and don't say anything to the press. He desires that the matter be as private as possible."

"This is horse shit!" Wylo protested, shaking her head.

"This story of events seems... unlikely," Ellie delicately rephrased. "Jay is close to our family. It is hard to believe that he would attack the Lady Julia."

They both heard Alexand's withering sigh.

"And yet it must be believed. I must bid you goodnight, I am very busy."

The connection ended. Ellie cocked a brow. That was a bold move from an employee, hanging up Livia's grandchildren. He wouldn't forget it. Wylo folded her arms.

"Jay would never attack a woman, how can they arrest him just like that?!" She ranted, marching briskly into the kitchen.

Ellie picked up a cloak off the side and smoothly settled it over her shoulders.

"Take care, your night clothes are very thin." He advised gently.

"You agree with me, don't you?" She asked, stopping and standing in front of him. Ellie stared down at her flushed upturned face.

"I do."

Wylo's shoulders relaxed slightly. It was a relief to know that she had Ellie on her side.

"We should go see him. We need to hear his side of the story."

"At first light, no one will allow us access to him tonight." Ellie reasoned.

"You're right." Wylo sank down on a stool.

"Can you sleep before then?" He asked. She shook her head.

"What are you doing?" She asked, seeing Ellie hunting through the cupboards.

"I'll make you a warm drink." He had his back to her as he rummaged. Wylo stared at him, her expression thoughtful. He was so incredibly caring. She rested her chin in her hand as she watched him. She really didn't deserve someone as lovely as him.

                 Sejanus was being held at The Deep, New Rome's newest Prison. Wylo tapped her foot impatiently as they struggled through security – each stage delayed by checks. Wylo didn't know how Ellie maintained his patience. He managed to smile politely at every guard, his face betraying not even a hint of irritation. Wylo heaved a dramatic sigh.

"Are they being deliberately incompetent?" She questioned waspishly.

"I don't think they are being incompetent," Ellie murmured softly. "I think this is the Imperator's doing." His expression was calm as he watched the guards whisper to one another. Sejanus was accused of raping the Imperator's granddaughter, he was probably the most high-profile convict in the place. Wylo slumped down in a chair beside him. "Why do you think Julia is claiming he attacked her?"

Wylo shrugged.

"Bonds of friendship never kindled between myself and my sister-in-law. I know nothing of her motivations. What about you?"