James Acton 04 - The Templar's Relic by J Robert Kennedy

Author:J Robert Kennedy [Kennedy, J Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781479194735
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2012-08-26T05:00:00+00:00

“Let me guess, you received an urgent phone call too, ordering you to Rome?”

INTERPOL Agent Hugh Reading smiled at his old partner, Detective Inspector Martin Chaney of Scotland Yard. Chaney grinned, extending his hand.

“I had a feeling I’d be seeing you here.”

Reading lowered his voice. “Are you here on other business?”

Chaney nodded, whispering, “Proconsul himself called me.”

Reading chuckled. “You’re turning into the go-to man for them.” His ex-partner was a member of the Triarii, an ultra-secret organization that had been protecting the crystal skulls for almost two thousand years, and had managed to spread itself across the world, injecting its influence into almost every government on the planet.

Including England’s.

Including the Vatican’s.

Hence their current orders.

A man walked into the large tent that had been set up several hundred meters from the front gates to Saint Peter’s Square, manned by dozens of officers with laptops and other equipment coordinating riot control and the cordoning off of the city. A round of cheers went up and many of those working took the time to come over and shake his hand.

“Wonder what that’s about,” said Chaney, leaning in so Reading could hear over the congratulations.

Overheard, a nearby officer stepped up. “It’s because Sovrintendente Marcelo Primo”—he pointed at the man—“organized and successfully executed the rescue of over five hundred refugees, and his two hundred officers, despite being attacked by protesters throwing firebombs and rocks.” He extended his hand and Reading took it, happy there was no kissing. “Deputy Commissioner Ezio Vitale, Scene Commander. And you are?”

Reading took out his badge, showing the man his INTERPOL identification. “Agent Hugh Reading, INTERPOL.”

Chaney pulled out his warrant card. “Detective Inspector Martin Chaney, Scotland Yard, here on special assignment.”

“Ahhh, yes, the two specifically requested by His Holiness,” said the man, tapping his chin as he looked back and forth between the new arrivals. “When I heard you were coming, I of course pulled your files.”

“Of course,” said Reading.

“Very interesting reading. Very incomplete reading, but very interesting, nonetheless.”

Reading smiled. “Police reports involving diplomatic incidents often are.”

DC Vitale nodded. “Agreed.” He slapped his hands together. “But, now that you’re here, what can I do for you?”

“Can we get a sit rep?”

The man nodded, directing them to a large whiteboard with a breakdown by the numbers, but in Italian, so Reading had no clue what he was looking at.

DC Vitale explained. “Based upon our current understanding of the regular population of the Vatican”—he pointed at the top number—“and who was visiting that day”—another number—“and who was away”—yet another—“we believe there were almost twelve hundred people inside when Saint Peter’s Square was stormed.”

Reading whistled as he looked at the chart. “I hope those next numbers are people who got out.”

DC Vitale nodded. “Yes, we managed to evacuate a large number through other exits, and by helicopter, including his Holiness”—he paused to make the sign of the cross—“and most of the senior staff.”

“What about Giasson?”

Vitale shook his head. “No, he’s still inside. He heroically remained to make sure the southern gates closed during the mass evacuation, once the train cleared.

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