The Hammer of God v-2 Read online

  Robert didn’t wait to hear the answer. He and Thorne left the building and jumped in back of a waiting car. Father Kong and Sister Isabella, both in street clothes, looked back at them.

  “How did it go?” asked Sister Isabella.

  Robert looked out at Vatican City. “Let’s go,” he said. “Father Tolbert’s still alive, for now.”

  31

  E veryone at the diocese had gone home for the night. Only a small cleaning crew milled about the building, tending to overflowing wastepaper baskets, carpets that needed vacuuming, and wood that longed to be polished. Alone in his office, Cardinal Polletto contemplated the final preparations to ensure Samuel’s authenticity as The Order’s savior, known to most of the ecumenical world as the Anti-Christ, a term the cardinal detested.

  Following in footsteps of those who led The Order before him, Cardinal Polletto had kept a keen eye out for any world development, scientific or otherwise, that would pave the way for the birth of the son of the King of Tyrus. Since the formation of The Order of Asmodeus, a fervent search for the one who would rule the earth had proved itself an arduous task, with a number of children being put through a ritual designed to substantiate them as The Order’s king.

  To be judged as the one foretold in The Order’s ancient writings, the first, and most important, test was a death challenge no child had ever lived through. Since 1853, when The Order came into being, the ritual had been executed twenty-five times. Each time they were left empty handed.

  On the day of the ritual, every member of The Order would assemble at a designated location somewhere in Italy. The children being tested, gathered up from around the world, would be bound, gagged and laid inside small, black coffins. After a brief ceremony and the blood sacrifice of the child’s host, each child would be dumped into the sea.

  The Chosen One would survive unscathed. If more than one survived, they would be taken to a secure location for further observation and training. When the child they were looking for separated himself, he would be crowned king, and the remaining children, along with every member of The Order, would serve him with unquestioned allegiance.

  The Order hadn’t performed the ritual for almost two decades, when cloning and genetic engineering made a giant leap with the birth of Dolly, the first cloned sheep, in Australia. Not long after that, Cardinal Polletto was bathed in a vision, and knew the time had come. Their God, their savior, had made a way.

  The cardinal petitioned The Order’s ruling counsel to allow him to commission the first cloned human being, and bring into the world the one they had awaited for generations. The petition was unanimously accepted, and after numerous false starts and failures, four of the most renowned genetic scientists in the world created the impossible in a hidden compound just below the Himalayas; a human clone, and quite possibly, a leader who would forever change the world.

  Cardinal Polletto leaned back and closed his eyes, remembering the day he came to The Order as a young, disillusioned priest back in Italy.

  Four decades earlier, he’d trusted his childhood mentor and family priest, Father Orland Cipriani, back at Our Lady of Bracciano in Bracciano, Italy, where he grew up. The rugged, handsome, compassionate priest fascinated a young impressionably Giovanni Sarto Jonas, Cardinal Polletto’s given name, with stories of world travel and adventure.

  Cardinal Polletto, who worked the fishing boats with his father catching eels in Lago di Bracciano, for which the town was named, could think of nothing else but serving the Church as Father Cipriani did, and spent every waking moment planning his move into the priesthood.

  Against his father’s wishes, but to the delight of his mother, with whom he shared a deep affection for the Holy See, Cardinal Polletto set off for college to study philosophy and Latin in Milano. He received the tonsure, a partially shaved head, a patch on the crown, from then a promoted Bishop Cipriani, and a scholarship to the Diocese of Treviso in the seminary of Padua, where he finished his classical, philosophical and theological studies with distinction.

  Soon after he finished school, Cardinal Polletto, now ordained, served as Chaplin at a small parish just outside Sardinia for nine years, having assumed most of the functions of parish priest, as the pastor was old and an invalid. Cardinal Polletto spent much of his time studying canon law, and quickly ascended to the office of Bishop, with his mentor now carrying the crown Cardinal Cipriani.

  During those days, Cardinal Polletto’s closest friend was his younger sister, Rosa, with whom he shared and confided everything. Their love for one another was without question the deepest a brother and sister could share, and he would’ve gladly given his life for her without question. Through his many trials while ascending the priesthood, Rosa stood behind him as a strong driving force, encouraging and supportive.

  Then Rosa came to him pregnant. Cardinal Polletto was quick to forgive and support. For months he kept her hidden in Nettuna, a small village outside of Rome, where he was then stationed. Rosa didn’t offer, and he never asked about the father. After the baby was born, she confessed to him that the father of the son she’d brought into the world was, to his dismay, Cardinal Cipriani.

  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.”

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p; “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.

  Father Sabastani brought tea and rolls from the kitchen. Sister Isabella and Thorne went outside to check the grounds around the villa to make sure they were completely alone, while Father Kong filled in Cardinal Maximilian via satellite phone. Robert sat drinking his tea, trying to control his festering hate and anger.

  Confronting Father Tolbert confirmed his fear that Samuel had been molested. The priest’s frantic, weak denial, smoldered with guilt, had pushed Robert to the brink of murder. If Thorne hadn’t been there, Father Tolbert would be in hell, and Robert sitting in a Roman prison.

  Robert was sure Father Tolbert had no idea where Samuel was hidden, or he’d be sitting in front of them with two broken knees. Father Kong said they had several strong leads, but was ordered by Cardinal Maximilian to hold off until their present meeting.

  Everyone gathered in the living room. Father Sabastani turned down the already low lights and sat on the floor. “We believe we know where they’re holding the boy,” he said, flatly.

  Robert’s heart almost tore through his chest. “Where is he?”

  “We’ve spotted several suspected members of The Order in Rome over the past few days,” said Bishop Ruini. “We followed them, and both eventually ended up in Netunna, a small fishing village not far from the city.”

  Robert stood. “Then what are we waiting for?”

  “Please, Mr. Veil, sit down and allow us to finish,” Father Kong said, calmly.

  Robert stayed on his feet, all eyes on him. “No, we don’t have time to waste. We should get Samuel tonight.”

  “That’s not feasible,” said Father Kong. “We haven’t confirmed it yet.”

  “Then let’s verify and move in,” said Robert.

  Thorne pulled at Robert’s jacket. “Sit down,” she said, firm and commanding. “Let’s hear what they have to say. If it doesn’t make sense, we’ll go get him ourselves.”

  Robert slowly eased down to his seat, but the tension remained thick.

  “Even though we’ve spotted suspected members of The Order, we haven’t seen any sign of Samuel,” said Sister Isabella. “If they have him, he’s probably in the tower at Torre Astura. It’s the only logical place to keep the boy secure from prying eyes. But it won’t be easy to approach the castle without being seen. It’s an old sea fort, with one road across a small bridge. Most of it is surrounded by open sea.”

  “Yes,” added Bishop Ruini. “And we should have proof before we make an attempt to enter. If Samuel’s not there and we expose ourselves, they’ll move him someplace where we’ll never find him.”

  “It makes sense,” said Thorne, looking over at Robert. “Let’s stake out the tower and get visual confirmation.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “No one blames you for being anxious, partner. Lord knows I want him back too, but let’s move carefully and make sure we get him back alive.”

  Robert took a deep breath and apologized to the group. “Who are the members of The Order you’ve been following?”

  “Sister Maria Bravo and Father Theodore Murphy,” said Bish
op Ruini. “We’ve been tracking them for eighteen months. They’re both on special assignment to Cardinal Polletto.” Robert pressed back into the couch, thumping his thighs. “So, where do we go from here?”

  Father Kong finished his tea. “First, we set up a rotation in Nettuna, around the clock.”

  “No problem,” said Father Sebastani. “The others will be here by tomorrow night.”

  Thorne cleared her throat. “The others?”

  “Yes,” answered Sister Isabella. “Cardinal Maximilian has ordered all members of our group to Rome.”

  Bishop Ruini turned to Father Kong. “We should tail Father Sin,” he said, with trepidation. The room fell silent.

  “Who’s Father Sin?” Thorne finally asked.

  “The thick shouldered priest you met leaving Father Tolbert’s room,” answered Father Sebastani.

  Robert was so angry when he left Father Tolbert’s room, he barely remembered the man. “I gather he’s a member of The Order also?”

  “Without a doubt,” said Father Kong. “He’s known as The Order’s death angel.”

  Thorne’s eyes narrowed.

  “Death angel?” asked Robert.

  Father Kong looked at the others. “He’s their head of security, and an assassin.”

  Robert looked over at Thorne, then back at the others. “If you know this, why is he still alive?”

  “We haven’t been able to implicate him enough to get him arrested,” said Father Sebastani.

  “Arrested?” shot Thorne. “How about a good ole fashion bullet to the brain?”

  The three priests and nun sat quietly. Father Kong finally stood, walked over, and stopped in front of Robert and Thorne. “Because he’s an assassin, a murderer we are not.”

  Robert eased to the edge of the couch. “Neither are we. But people will die if they get in my way. I swear it.”

  “We understand that, Mr. Veil,” said Bishop Ruini. “We don’t approve, but do understand. Lord willing, we can get Samuel back without loss of life.”

  Thorne cleared her throat. “I noticed none of you are carrying weapons.”