Devastated, Cardinal Polletto confronted his mentor, but Cardinal Cipriani denied everything, and threatened to kill off the young bishop’s career if he pursued the matter any further. Young Cardinal Polletto shook with anger, not only at the words, but also at Cardinal Cipriani’s demeanor. His words threatened the young cleric’s career, and his eyes promised an end to his life. Cardinal Polletto told the story to Rosa.
The next day when he came to call on her, only the child remained.
Rosa was dead. Word came later that she had thrown herself from a cliff.
Rosa’s death was ruled a tragic accident. Cardinal Polletto sought remedy from inside the Vatican, but Cardinal Cipriani had covered his tracks. As far as the Church was concerned, there was no baby, no evidence, and a ruling that deemed Rosa’s death was an accident, so they saw no crime.
Cardinal Polletto decided to protect his family’s reputation, and kept the child a secret, hiding it with a family loyal to him, his last act of genuine kindness.
For months, Cardinal Polletto isolated himself from everyone and started drinking, his hate for the Church and God smoldering into all out disdain. He had decided to resign from the Church, when members of The Order of Asmodeus revealed themselves, providing him a new purpose for his life; the destruction of the Roman Catholic Church from within.
In him, The Order acquired a willing, more than capable servant. As his first order of business, Cardinal Polletto pretended to forgive Cardinal Cipriani, then chocked the life from him in a Roman alley, and tossed his body from the same cliff at Janiculum Hill, from which his sister had jumped.
Cardinal Polletto stared out at Chicago’s night lights, busy, full of life. The phone rang.
“Hello, it’s Father Sin.”
The cardinal checked his watch. The call was expected, an update on Samuel, but wasn’t due for another thirty minutes. Father Sin informed him that Samuel remained secure in Nettuna inside Torre Astura Tower, but Cardinal Polletto was not pleased to hear that Sister Bravo had told the boy about his father’s death.
“How did he take it?” asked the cardinal.
“It’s hard to tell with this boy,” answered Father Sin. “He’s learned to mask his emotions, but I’m sure it hit him hard.”
“Watch him closely. We don’t want to lose him again.”
“Yes, Your Eminence.”
“Is everything prepared for the ritual?”
“Almost,” answered Father Sin. “All of the male children you asked us to retrieve are on their way to Rome, twenty-five in total, as requested.”
“Good. Hold them in pairs at separate locations. In three weeks I’ll be in Rome, and we can complete the ceremony.” Father Sin acknowledged the order, but Cardinal Polletto sensed he had something more to add. “Is there anything else, Father? You seem a bit hesitant.”
“I am a bit anxious,” said the priest. “We have a new development.
Robert Veil and his partner are here in Rome. They questioned Father Tolbert.”
Cardinal Polletto sat silent. They’re getting too close. “Did he tell them anything?”
“He says he didn’t, but he was so shaken I’m sure they’re on to him.
We should rid ourselves of him right away.”
“No,” snapped the cardinal, “he’s a part of the plan. We’ll take care of him later.”
“How should we proceed with Veil and his partner? Would you like us to tail them?”
“Yes, find them but don’t just watch them.”
“Your Excellency?” asked Father Sin.
The cardinal looked out over the city. “Kill them.”
“Yes, Your Excellency. I’ll see to it myself.”
“That’s not wise,” said Cardinal Polletto. “We can’t risk exposure.
Use Rinaldo and Dianora, they’ll know what to do.” Father Sin again acknowledged the orders, but the cardinal could tell he was not happy. Cardinal Polletto sensed a presence in the room and turned around. Cardinal Maximilian.
The pecan skinned cardinal stood in the doorway, his knuckles elevated as if he were about to knock. “Cardinal Polletto, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were on the phone. It’s important,” said Cardinal Maximilian.
Cardinal Polletto said goodbye to Father Sin and abruptly hung up.
How long has he been standing there? What did he hear? He forced a smile. “No problem at all, James. Please, have a seat. What is this emergency?”
Cardinal Maximilian, calm, watched Cardinal Polletto intently. “I’ve just spoken to Bishop Prego.”
“The Pope’s secretary?”
“Yes, and the Holy Father wants us in Rome as soon as possible.
We’re to leave as soon as we can make arrangements to cover ourselves here.”
Cardinal Polletto didn’t like what he heard. “And what is the purpose for this meeting?”
“The Pope would like a group of us to meet and discuss the molestation charges rampaging across the United States. He wants us to come up with a plan of action. That’s all I was told.”
“Just the two of us?” asked Cardinal Polletto.
“No, there will be others, including Boston and New York cardinals, and a group of cardinals from several foreign countries. They can offer us advice on how they handle this issue.” Cardinal Polletto stood. “Well, then let’s not waste a minute,” he said. “I’ll make preparations right away.”
“Good,” said Cardinal Maximilian. “And please let Father Tolbert know that I’ll want speak to him while I’m in Rome, if there’s time.” Cardinal Polletto hesitated. “Certainly,” he finally answered.
“Anything else?”
Cardinal Maximilian walked to the door and turned. “Nothing I can think of, but if something comes up, you’ll be the first to know.” He smiled and closed the door softly.
Cardinal Polletto pounded his fist on the desk, picked up the phone and dialed. Sister Bravo answered. He filled her in on the details. “We’ll have to move things up,” he told her. “Get the other children to Rome right away.” He hung up without notice and dialed another number. This time, Alison Napier answered. “I’m leaving for Rome,” he said. “I want you to go to Florence and wait for my call.”
“What will I tell the FBI?” she asked.
“Tell them you need to recuperate. I’m sure everybody will understand. They can contact you if anything develops.” Which it won’t.
Alison agreed to be there.
The cardinal gathered his things and headed for the elevator.
Cardinal Maximilian had caught him off guard. A meeting at the Vatican, however discreet, would attract attention he didn’t need. We’re close to our greatest triumph, and I’m not about to let it slip away, even if I have to kill them all.
32
R obert barely noticed the picturesque countryside pass by as Father Kong snaked upward to Castelnuovo di Porto, a medieval hilltop village, 28 kilometers north of Rome.
Father Kong navigated the dark cobblestone streets quickly, and parked alongside a large villa overlooking the legendary Sabine Hills, barely visible in the darkness. Inside, were two additional members of Il Martello di Dio, Bishop Giovanni Ruini, tall and slender, with a wise face and stern, sharp eyes, and Father Sergio Sabastani, short and stout, with the worst teeth Robert had ever seen.
“Ciao,” said Thorne, greeting and hugging Ruini and Sabastani.
“Piaccio, e un piacere conoscerla.”
Both men smiled. “And we’re pleased to meet you too,” answered Bishop Ruini. “Please, have a seat.”
Robert greeted both men and sat down next to Thorne. Father Kong and Sister Isabella greeted their comrades as though they hadn’t seen each other in a long while. The display of affection reminded Robert of his relationship with Thorne and Donovan.
