and Samuel. He wanted to tell Agent Baxter more, but again remembered his promise to Cardinal Maximilian.
“It’s just as we said, nothing more or less,” said Robert.
Exasperated, Agent Baxter leaned back in the chair and rubbed his eyes. “Okay,” he said. “But don’t expect help from me if you need it.
The door’s closed until you decide to let us in on what you know.”
“We still want to see Alison,” said Robert.
“She doesn’t want to see anyone, and that’s final.” Robert opened his mouth to speak, but the door to the den opened.
Alison, sullen, eyes red, walked inside, two agents behind her, tissue in her hand. Robert jumped to his feet and quickly moved to her side, and put an arm around her shoulder.
“Alison, I’m so sorry. I really am.”
Alison’s eyes welled up and she bit her bottom lip. “Thank you, Robert,” she finally eked out. “I know how close you two were.” Robert led Alison to the chair he’d been sitting in and knelt by her side. “Is there anything I can do? Anything? Just name it.” Alison forced a smile, and looked up at Agent Baxter. “Can you give us a few minutes? I’d like to talk to Robert and Thorne alone.” Agent Baxter, obviously not pleased, signaled for his men to leave.
“Not a problem,” he told Alison, through a forced smile. “We’ll be outside if you need us.”
Robert moved to the chair across from Alison. Thorne sat next to her on the arm of the chair.
“You holding up okay, honey?” asked Thorne, rubbing Alison’s shoulder, stroking her hair.
“Barely,” Alison whispered. “I can’t believe I’ve lost both of them.” She covered her face with both hands and cried.
Robert’s eyes watered, his breath shortened, and his fists clenched tight. He looked up at his partner, who showed no emotion, only concern.
“We’re here for you,” said Thorne. “And we’re doing everything we can to find Samuel.”
Alison blew her nose. “What am I going to do? Without Donovan, I’m lost.” She broke back down and cried again. “First my baby, now my husband. Lord, please help me.”
Throne knelt down and hugged Alison. Robert wanted to kill somebody for all the pain and loss, and knew before it was all over, he would.
It took awhile for Alison to calm down. Robert paced the room while Thorne consoled her. When it seemed she’d gathered herself, Robert sat back down. “Alison, is there anything you can tell us that will help us find Samuel? Anything you’ve heard from the FBI, something Donovan may have shared?”
Alison stared out the window. “We received a note saying we’d never see Samuel again,” she said, choking, coughing.
Thorne went to get her a glass of water from a pitcher on the table.
“Agent Baxter told us,” said Robert, walking over to comfort her.
“Did he tell you the paper the note was written on came from Italy?” Robert hesitated. “No, he didn’t mention that.” Alison glanced back at the den door, as though making sure no one was listening. “They said the paper blend was consistent with a type manufactured overseas, specifically in several factories outside Rome, but that doesn’t mean Samuel’s there. They said it could mean whoever took him somehow got paper made there.” She lowered her head and rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what it means.” Robert looked over at Thorne. It means a trip to Rome. “Don’t worry,” he told her, “we’re in this with you. We’ll find Samuel. I promise.”
Alison smiled. “I trust you, Robert. I know you will. So did Donovan, but for some reason he didn’t want you involved.” Robert considered telling her that Samuel was cloned, but thought better of it. “That’s all in the past now. Let’s move on from here.” Thorne returned with the glass of water. “We’ve got company,” she said, looking back toward the door. Cardinal Polletto and Father Ortega walked inside.
“Alison, my child,” gushed the cardinal, “I rushed over as soon as I heard.” He hurried over to Alison and gave her an extended hug.
Alison broke down again, this time harder, asking why she’d been hit with so heavy a burden, over and over again.
The cardinal stroked her hair. “There, there, my child, don’t worry, God is with us. He’ll sustain you.”
Robert seethed. He saw Thorne clench her fists. Father Ortega watched them closely. Robert thought he detected a faint smile on the thick-necked priest’s lips, which raised his temperature further.
Cardinal Polletto walked over and put a hand on Robert’s shoulder.
“I know Donovan was a very close friend of yours, Mr. Veil, and I understand the tragic loss of such friendship. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and please know the Church is here for you.” With every inch in him, Robert suppressed his need to snap the cardinal’s neck. “Thank you, Your Eminence. Your concern is appreciated.”
Cardinal Polletto looked over at Thorne, opened his mouth, but thought better of it, obviously reading the warning in her eyes.
Alison stood. “Thank you all so much. This has been more than I can bear. It’s good to have friends who…” Her eyes rolled upward.
Robert ran over in time to catch her limp body, carried her over to the couch, and gently laid her down. Frantic, the cardinal rushed over to help. Father Ortega stayed in place, observing.
“I’ll get a cold towel,” said Thorne. When she opened the door, Agent Baxter and two agents rushed inside.
“Is she okay?” asked Agent Baxter, genuinely concerned.
“It’s the stress,” answered Robert. “She fainted, and I think she’s dehydrated.”
Thorne returned quickly with a fresh pitcher of water and a wet towel. Robert gently placed the folded towel on her forehead, and after a few minutes, Alison regained consciousness.
“What happened?”
“You passed out, my child,” said Cardinal Polletto. “But everything’s going to be okay. Father Ortega, call Doctor Bennings and tell him to come over. Make sure he knows it’s for me.” Father Ortega immediately pulled out a cell phone and dialed.
“That’s not necessary,” said Alison. “I’m okay.”
“Better safe than regretful,” said the cardinal.
“I just need to get to my own bed,” said Alison, her voice cracking.
“Dr. Bennings is on her way,” said Father Ortega.
Cardinal Polletto smiled. “Good, then let’s get Lady Napier to her room, where she can rest.”
Robert helped Alison to her feet. Father Ortega lent a shoulder.
Agent Baxter moved Robert away and took her other arm. Alison began to cry again.
“I think she needs her rest,” said Cardinal Polletto, watching Alison disappear out the door. “We’ll keep you informed, and let you know if there are any changes or developments.”
Robert walked over to the cardinal, stopping closer than what would be considered respectful. “We stopped by your house after the accident.”
“Yes, I know,” answered Cardinal Polletto. “I was in prayer, moved to pray actually. Who knew a friend was near death as I talked with God.
It’s always a mystery how He works.”
Robert took a step closer and peered into the cardinal’s eyes. “Thank you for everything you’ve done here, Cardinal. It won’t be forgotten.” Robert marched out of the room and stormed outside. Thorne slammed the door behind them. They jumped in the car and sped away, Thorne behind the wheel.
“We’re being followed,” said Thorne, turning at the first corner she came to, gunning the engine.
Robert pulled his gun. “Let them catch up,” he said. “Slow down enough for me to hop out.”
Thorne took the next left, increased her speed, then abruptly slowed down. The car behind them jammed on the brakes. Robert rolled out low to the ground and came up pointing his gun at the driver’s head. Father Kong.
Robert holstered his weapon. The priest jumped out and ran over.
Thorne got out and joined them.
“Sorry I startled you,” said Father Kong. “Cardinal Maximilian wants you to come to the airport immediately. You leave for Rome, tonight.”
