The story takes place about twelve years before the events of Murder in-absentia in Egretia, during 63 BCE in Rome (just after the events of Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor), and in 79 AD in Rome (A couple of years after Lindsey Davis' Nemesis). It offers a glimpse into how Felix became who he is. This story is fan-fiction. Gordianus the Finder is © Steven Saylor, Marcus Didius Falco is © Lindsey Davis. Both are used without permission but with much love and admiration.