“The cardinal says he overheard Cardinal Polletto say everything was in order at Bracciano,” said Father Kong.
Bracciano. The word caused Robert’s heart to thump hard against his chest. “And he thinks that’s where they’re keeping Samuel?” he asked.
“What does it matter?” asked Thorne. “It’s the best we’ve got, so let’s go with it.”
Father Kong pulled up information about Bracciano on the computer, complete with a layout of the castle there. “This is probably where they’re keeping him. It’s large, and will probably be heavily guarded, but we have an advantage.” Robert pulled a chair up next to the priest.
“These castles were designed, not only to keep enemies out, but to allow those inside a way of escape in case they were trapped for long periods of time,” said Father Kong. “Underneath Bracciano castle are several entrances accessible only under water.”
“Good,” said Robert. “Then let’s get everybody ready for a full assault. Thorne and I will approach the castle under water. When we’ve confirmed that Samuel is there, we’ll hit them hard and heavy.”
“And what happens after we get the boys?” asked Father Kong.
“Thorne and I will connect with Alison Napier, and take all of them to the American Embassy, where they’ll be safe,” said Robert.
Father Kong stood. “Cardinal Maximilian would like a chance to talk to the boys first.”
“He can have the other two, but Samuel’s going home,” snapped Robert. “And don’t give me that Anti-Christ rap, ‘cause I’m not going to hear it.”
“It’s the reason The Order took the boys, and why we’ve sacrificed so much to get them back.”
“Do you really believe Samuel is the Anti-Christ? That’s crazy.”
“Is it, Mr. Veil? How can you be so sure?”
“For the sake of argument,” said Thorne. “Let’s assume Samuel is who you say he is. If that’s true, there’s nothing you can do to stop it. So why try?”
Father Kong stood in silence. “I can’t answer that, but I do know I believe it’s only right that we get to talk with all of the boys together, before you take Samuel away. It’s only right for all of us, including Sister Isabella.”
Robert felt a stab. He didn’t believe what Father Kong was saying, but couldn’t deny the commitment and sacrifice. Why would they give so much if they didn’t believe it was true?
“Okay,” Robert finally said, “you can talk with the boy, but he’s going home with us regardless of what you think.” Father Kong bowed his head in ascent.
“So, how do we get this party started?” asked Thorne.
“I’m sure Cardinal Polletto knows about Rinaldo by now, and he’ll be prepared,” said Father Kong.
“Fine, but we’re taking my people along with us,” said Robert.
“I’ll send out a scout team to survey Bracciano,” said Father Kong.
“Get an idea of what we’re up against.”
Robert laid out his guns on the dining room table. “Good, when they call back, I’ll determine how many men we need.”
“We should keep it small,” said Thorne. “A large group will give us away.”
“Agreed,” added Father Kong. “We have God and the element of surprise on our side.”
“I feel ya, Padre, but I want fully automatic weapons for everybody who wants one, just in case,” said Robert. Father Kong just stared.
“Look, Father, I know how you feel, but it’s necessary.”
“It’s not that,” said the priest. “I just thank God for you and Miss Thorne, and Cardinal Maximilian wanted you to know that you have his blessings, and that he’ll be praying.”
Robert smiled. “Amen. Now let’s get it together. I want us ready to go in twenty-four hours.”
There was a knock at the door. One of Father Kong’s people opened it, and in walked another member of the Hammer of God, followed by a welcome surprise, Detective Nelson Reynolds.
“I understand there are a few asses that need my attention,” the detective said, smiling at Thorne, who walked over and gave him a big hug and kiss, then introduced him to everyone in the room.
“I thought we could use a little extra help,” said Thorne. “So I called Detective Reynolds a week ago and asked him to take a little vacation.” The detective smiled. “Hey, I can use the rest.” Father Kong walked over and shook the detective’s hand. “Welcome to Rome. We’re happy to have your assistance. If these two are vouching for you, then we’re happy to extend our trust.” Detective Reynolds bowed his head in respect and thanked the priest for his kindness.
Robert stepped forward and stuck out his hand. “Good to see you, big boy. I feel better already,” he said. Detective Reynolds shook Robert’s hand then pulled him in for a hug.
Thorne grabbed the detective’s bags. “Your room’s here in the back.
I’ll bring you up to date on the details.” The detective and Thorne disappeared to the back. Robert went back to cleaning his guns. Just a little while longer, Samuel. We’re going to win.
61
B lindfolded, his hands tied behind his back, Father Tolbert lay on his side, motionless and calm. He heard the door unlock and someone enter, which he presumed was Father Ortega from the mix of sweat and cheap cologne, an unforgettable signature of the unholy henchman, not easy to forget. Father Ortega put a cup up to Father Tolbert’s mouth, and he swallowed the ice-cold water in several thankful gulps. During the whole time, Father Ortega said nothing, even after Father Tolbert thanked him. The priest gently laid him back down on the hard, cold, stone floor, and relocked the door on his way out, leaving Father Tolbert alone with his nightmares.
Father Tolbert rolled over on his back and brought his heels up to his buttocks. His mind took him back to a childhood devoid and empty, the impetus of a sickness that had transformed him into a monster he couldn’t control. A beast that feasted on the childhoods of those he envied and coveted.
He thought joining the priesthood would help drive away the ferocious cravings for young boys, but it didn’t. Instead, the monster grew, nurtured by unfettered access to lambs ripe for slaughter, handed over to him by those who were supposed to shepherd the flock, not leave them abandoned and vulnerable.
The names and faces of countless children pushed their way into Father Tolbert’s head, jumping, playing, wallowing in innocence that he, as a priest, should have protected and fought for. Edwin, Anthony, Paul, Charles! Each child, some round-faced, some slim with black hair, some blond with green eyes, brown and blue, all stood before him in the shadows of his mind, all wanting to understand, all wanting to know why.
“I’m sorry,” Father Tolbert moaned. “Please forgive me, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Each boy waded in the shallow river of Father Tolbert’s remembrance, heads down, eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry!
I’m sorry! Please, help me Lord, I’m sorry!” he screamed.
The boys in his head kept walking, the river rising until each child disappeared and drowned, their bodies floating on a surface of liquid black.
Father Tolbert rolled over, threw up, and cried in his vomit. It’s right that I suffer! Right that I die! Please, oh Lord, take away the pain with death!
Finally, a lone boy stood before him. Samuel.
When the gargoyle inside him turned its sights to Samuel Napier, a child full of life, and eager to fulfill it, Father Tolbert tried to do away with his demons, and confessed his sins to Cardinal Polletto. Counseling was suggested and attended, to no avail. In fact, the monster seemed to gain strength. Soon, Father Tolbert could only watch the demonic animal inside him hunt, kill and destroy.
Samuel stood on the bank of the black river, watching Father Tolbert with empty, sad eyes, then he looked over at the children floating dead in the water.
“Samuel, please forgive me! I love you! I didn’t mean to hurt you!” said Father Tolbert.
Samuel turned and walked down into the river, parting the sea of lifeless children floating on the blackness, until he too disappeared.
Moments later, he walked out of the water on the other side of the shore, but was different, more mature
