Scipio’s head is attached to a kind of fleshy wedge, like a carved wine stopper. I don’t pull it out, even though some part of me is fascinated by the idea, the way a part of me is always fascinated by high cliffs and poisons. The edges of the wound are clean, but they have been disturbed, as if someone has rummaged in him. I’ve heard of secret couriers swallowing messages. Is that what this is about? Is the Chamber a side issue, and the murder a simple bit of espionage?