The Fabled Falcon by Neil Howarth

Author:Neil Howarth [Howarth, Neil]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

43

Fletch was stunned and struggling to believe what Brother Albertus had just told him. But he knew that in art, anything was possible.

Could it be that Fran had been right? The fabled Falcon did exist. The Maltese Falcon was a signed masterpiece by Caravaggio. But it was not just a painting, it was an icon imbued with all the sacred powers that the ancient myths spoke of.

He was not sure if he believed that part yet, but he knew there were religious icons out there believed to embody the holy power of the saints they depicted. Regardless, its impact on the art world would be incalculable. The story of the power of the Falcon, true or otherwise, would only serve to increase its notoriety, its standing — and of course, its value.

“So where is it?”

Brother Albertus shook his head. “Alas, Fran never said.”

“But why would Fran come here and not say anything? He knew he was in danger. He took a roundabout route to get back to the UK. He knew he was under threat.”

“We both know Francis had certain, shall we say, trust issues. He wasn’t good at sharing.” Brother Albertus tapped a fingernail on the lip of his wine cup. “Francis did say something on that last day. Something I found a little strange. But then for Francis, that was not unusual.”

“What did he say?”

“He said his secret was safe inside the confessional.”

Fletch stood up and walked across the terrace in frustration.

“It was more than safe. If he confessed in the sacred confessional, it was as if he had never said it. As if he had never told Father Konstanza about it, because the Father would never tell, could never tell.”

“That is true. I know Father Konstanza well. He would never reveal the secrets of the confessional, not even on the pain of death.” He looked at Fletch as if realizing what he had just said. “Let’s hope that is not the case.” Brother Albertus silently crossed himself.

“So why would he say it?” Fletch continued his pacing. “More than anything, he would want the world to know about it. That was his quest. To Fran and his Falconers, the bird is the Holy Grail. There is no way he would let the secret die with him.” He stopped and looked at the monk. “Did Fran know he was going to die?”

Brother Albertus shrugged his generous shoulders. “He knew about his heart condition. He used to say he was living on borrowed time, and that he had to use it well.”

“Why didn’t he see a doctor?”

“He had. Surgery was high risk, and Fran was afraid he might die before he completed his quest. It was why he was so desperate to bring the Falcon to the attention of the world. While he still could.”

“So why didn’t he just tell you where it was?”

“That was Francis, puzzle solver, puzzle maker. You know, he was an excellent chess player. We would play every time he came here. I rarely beat him. But he must have thought I could work it out his little conundrum, anyway.

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