The Secret of Fatima by Peter J Tanous

Author:Peter J Tanous
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504035095
Publisher: Liberty Island

Chapter Twenty-Six

The Vatican, Rome, Italy

On the flight back to Rome, Kevin slept the whole way. He was only jarred awake when the plane’s landing gear jolted the passengers as its wheels hit the runway. Yawning, he switched his phone on, just as a text buzzed in from Max: “I’m here at the airport.”

“Thanks,” Kevin texted back. “Just landed.”

When Kevin got off the plane and had made his way through customs to exit, he saw Max waiting for him.

“Hey, thanks for picking me up,” said Kevin.

“No problem,” said Max. “Good flight?” He was dressed in a cassock and mozzetta, uniform for those with the title of monsignor.

“I slept the entire way.”

“Was the trip successful?”

“Yes, somewhat,” said Kevin. “I’ll explain more later.”

“I’m parked over here,” Max said, motioning to the Alfa Romeo in the parking lot.

The two men walked quietly to Max’s car and got in. As Max drove back into the city, following the signposts to the Vatican, they spoke little.

Max commented on how Rome had changed. The pending election of a new pope had given the city an aura so electrifying, you could feel it humming through the streets and cafés.

As Kevin rode in the car, Max reminded him about the last time the two of them had made this trip from the airport.

“No one’s trailing us this time,” said Kevin. “I’ve been looking out.”

“That’s good,” said Max. “I don’t really enjoy a cat and mouse chase—especially when it involves guns.”

“I know,” said Kevin. “Oh, they’re too preoccupied with the conclave to bother with us.”

“Right,” said Max. “Nine days from now, the Assembly of Cardinals who’ve been summoned will meet to elect the new pope. It usually starts fifteen days after the pope’s death.”

“When will he be buried?”

“He’s lying in state at St. Peter’s, but must be buried within six days of his death. That’s Friday.”

“That’s right, I remember,” said Kevin. “Cardinal Porter wanted to see me?”

“We’re going there now. I’ve been invited along.”

“OK, but first let me go change into a suit for our meeting,” Kevin said as Max pulled into a parking space in one of the Vatican garages.

“Sure.”

In fifteen minutes Kevin was ready to go to Cardinal Porter’s office. Both Max and Kevin had to go through the routine protocols for admittance. It went quickly. Soon they found themselves standing before Cardinal Porter.

Cardinal Marini and Cardinal Serrano were seated at a conference table. When Cardinal Serrano saw them, he raised his hand in acknowledgment, but did not smile or speak. Marini fussed with his paperwork, but didn’t look up. His face, like Cardinal Porter’s, was puffy, with swollen eyes.

“Sit down, gentlemen,” Porter said, motioning to the table where Cardinal Marini sat.

Kevin noticed Cardinal Porter wasn’t offering coffee or refreshments. This wasn’t a social visit.

Porter went to the door and peeked outside. No one should hear what he was about to say. Satisfied they were alone, he closed the door and went back to the table where the men were sitting. “As you may know, one of Cardinal Marini’s portfolios is Vatican security.

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