The consulate driver pulled up in a black Buick. Jojo stomped over to the driver side and yelled, “You get out of car.” The driver got out and gave Shanks a puzzled look. Jojo cursed at him in a Mandarin rant. Jagan couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’d better do as she says. I’ll send someone round to pick you up.” Shanks ordered.
“Take us to the embassy, Jojo and step on it.” Shanks turned to Jagan and said, “We’d better not piss her off.” The two men smiled at one another in agreement.
The embassy was nothing short of stunning. The front of the building consisted of rows and columns of glass blocks and was surrounded by an infinity pond. There were two impressive sculptures and shiny tubes of violet and emerald coatings ballooned out of the water.
“I have a room set up for you,” Shanks advised. “It’s soundproof and designed specifically to enhance your abilities. We don’t have any time to waste so go ahead and get settled.”
“Okay, but before I do, I think I already have an idea where the bomb is set to go off, but I need a map.” Shanks brought Jagan to the conference room and turned on the front display. “It would be about ten miles or so north of Tiananmen Square.” He inspected the map and pointed, “There,” he said. “It’s a Catholic Church, in Dongtang.”
“The Pope,” Shanks said.
“What about him?” Jagan asked.
“He’s visiting that church this afternoon. Maybe that’s what all this is about.”
“The Pope,” Jagan whispered. He thought back to his conversation with Luca and what he had seen on the news.
“Nice work.” Shanks said patting Jagan on the back. “Jojo, call the bomb squad and send them the coordinates and get in touch with Vatican Security. Tell them I’m on my way. Jagan, you get into that room. It’s time for you to work more of your magic. There may be additional clues that need to be uncovered.” Shanks handed him a cellular phone. “Here. Whatever you do, don’t lose it.”
Jagan entered the room and lay down on the cot. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 59
Scarlet explained to the SEALs what Indigo wanted. Wolf hesitated because they didn’t have much vacation time left before their next assignment, but he knew how Mozart felt. Neither one of them had the heart to say no.
Wolf disconnected the call. “He’s in Beijing,” he announced. He made arrangements with Abe to watch the cabin. He had already met a hot babe at a local bar, so he was content to spend the rest of his break there. Abe let Wolf know that Jekyll and Hyde were in high cotton feasting on rib eye. He had to reward the dogs after all for their role in the mission.
Scarlet eased her seat back on the plane. Wolf had managed to get them first class. Her mind drifted to Jagan. She couldn’t understand why he had left without saying goodbye. Hadn’t he felt the connection the way she had? She knew she was different. Maybe he was turned off by her brain. Some guys didn’t like smart woman, especially ones like her. He probably had already figured out she was a freak and wanted nothing to do with her. Either way, she was going to help him. She couldn’t abandon him, not at a time like this. There was too much at stake.
“How are we going to get into the embassy,” Mozart asked Wolf. They couldn’t use their connections this time. The troop chief would put their asses in a sling if he found out. He still didn’t know how they were going to justify the medevac expense. No, this had to be off the books. Wolf rested his index finger and thumb on his chin as he tried to come up with a plan.
“I have an idea,” Scarlet said, thankful to get her mind off of romance. “What if we pretend we’re seeking asylum for our father who’s been arrested or something like that?”
“Not bad,” Mozart said. “But we have to come up with a believable story.”
“Leave the details to me,” Scarlet said. “I have an active imagination.”
“Yes, we believe you do,” Wolf replied.
Chapter 60
The recruiter landed in Rome. It wouldn’t take him long to get to the Vatican, but he needed to find a way to get past their security. Lucky for him most of the staff was busy in China and much of the other personnel had already transitioned to Brazil so it would be far easier than he had initially anticipated. Everything was coming together…as long as that meddling kid didn’t screw things up.
The recruiter was hoping the Chancellor would go easy on him. Sure, he let the microchip slip through his hands and he wasn’t able to nab Jagan Love, but at least he was able to obtain the body part. As long as he managed to succeed here in Rome, he should be in good standing. No matter what, he couldn’t afford to screw this up. He would take anyone out that got in his way.
His contact at MI6 had arranged for him to stay at a bed and breakfast. He didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself, so this was a better option than a hotel. Once in his room, he opened the suitcase that was left there for him. He placed the Franciscan habit on the bed and arranged the maps on the desk to study.
The recruiter was certain there was a passageway underground from the library to the storage room that housed the secret archives. Agents had gone undercover for decades to acquire these blueprints. They were worth their weight in gold.
Chapter 61
Scarlet and the SEALs arrived at the embassy. Thankfully Wolf knew enough Mandarin to get by. When they arrived at the front reception Scarlet explained that their father was a wealthy business man who had been framed for embezzlement. She explained he had been wrongfully arrested and they were there to negotiate his release. The secretary excused herself to see if the Ambassador’s deputy was available for a meeting. Wolf took the opportunity to sneak off in an effort to locate Jagan.
The secretary returned and explained that the Deputy Chief of Mission was at a banquet but that his assistant would meet with them in his office. Scarlet and Mozart followed her down a corridor and sat down in the leather chairs as directed.
The Deputy’s assistant was a rather handsome young man who seemed pleasant enough. Scarlet was a natural. She somehow managed to cry real tears when talking about their imaginary father’s arrest. Mozart thought she would be brilliant at undercover work. The Deputy promised to relay the information to the Ambassador and they scheduled a meeting for the following morning. Mozart wondered how the poor man would react when they didn’t show up.
On their way out, they snuck into the woman’s restroom so they could try and make contact with Wolf. Scarlet lowered her head and peeked under the stalls to make sure they were alone.
“Wolf found him,” Mozart announced. “It’s late in the evening so there shouldn’t be much staff here, but still we need to be careful.” Scarlet nodded her head and followed Mozart to a stairwell. After three flights of stairs, they found their way to the room. Wolf was waiting outside the door.
Scarlet wondered what Jagan’s reaction would be. Would he be happy to see her? She really hoped so but kind of doubted it after his abrupt departure. She wanted so desperately for him to care for her the way she did for him.
Wolf slowly turned the knob and they entered. The room was completely gray and soundproof. There were no windows and no objects except for a cot and a desk with a pad and pen. There Jagan was…on the bed sound asleep.
Chapter 62
The humming sound came almost immediately after Jagan closed his eyes. The separation was less scary this time as he was becoming more accustomed to his astral self. Going through the roof before he accelerated was the worst part. Feeling as though he was flying was a thrilling experience. He really did feel like Superman.
The descent was not as rapid as the take-off. He wasn’t sure where he was until he saw the impressive dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Passing the church, he entered the walls of the Vatican Library. He traveled next door and drifted underground to the Pope’s private collection–the Vatican Secret Archives were before him.
There were books and documents lining the shelves as far as the eye could see. Jagan noticed one
of the notebooks was sticking out from the others. He went over and the book fell to the floor and opened up. The page contained a list of ancient treasures and maps to their locations. So this was what the chancellor was after.
Chapter 63
Scarlet tiptoed over to the bed. “He looks so peaceful,” she commented.
“We have to wake him up,” Wolf ordered.
“But what if he’s in the middle of…you know…his thing? I don’t want to be the one that screws something important up. What if he’s about to uncover some great mystery like who Jack the Ripper is or something.”
“I don’t think it works like that,” Mozart interjected. “But Wolf’s right, we need to get out of here before someone catches on to us.”
“Okay, fine…I’ll do it.” Scarlet offered. She nudged his shoulder gently and whispered his name in his ear. “He must be in a pretty deep sleep,” she remarked.
Wolf marched over to the bed and nudged Scarlet out of the way. He shook Jagan’s shoulders up and down until they rose several inches off the cot. “There, now that’s how it’s done,” he said after Jagan opened his eyes.
Jagan sat up and turned his head towards each one of them at a time. “What the hell are you guys doing here?” he asked. He was really disoriented. It was his first assignment and here he was in a foreign country in an eerie room only to awake to unexpected guests. “This room was supposed to be sealed.”
“Wolf has a way with locks,” Mozart bragged of his partner.
“No…really. I’m confused. What are you guys doing here?” Scarlet was the last person he wanted to see right now. Wasn’t it bad enough that she broke his heart? Did she come all this way just to rub it in?
“Indigo sent me,” Scarlet said. “Well, us I mean.”
“Listen there’s no time for to explain now. But we need to get you out of here,” Wolf said.
Chapter 64
The recruiter donned his holy attire and took a glance in the mirror. He thought he would have made a handsome-looking brother if he weren’t so evil. After studying the maps, he felt confident he could find his way into the Secret Archives.
The streets of Rome were chaotic. The recruiter took pride in the fact that so many people’s lives had been thrown into upheaval due to the Chancellor’s master plan and he played a big role in it. He felt like a god.
On the main road to the library, there were protesters and police forces blocking any vehicles from passing. Even children were throwing rocks as their parents waved signs expressing their disgust at losing their beloved religious leader. Tear gas bombs had little effect at dispersing the crowds. There were life-sized effigies of the Chancellor being burned and there were even a few of Deak Roland. He wished they’d set him on fire for real so he could take second chair.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard stood in front of Porta Sant’Anna holding their halberds at the ready. The recruiter found their uniforms unintimidating and thought they appeared more like jesters than sentinels. It was like a rainbow sought them out and threw up all over them. The recruiter thought whoever oversaw security here should be publically hanged, even though he wanted to privately thank him. This was going to be easier than he thought.
One of the sentries lowered his lance as the recruiter approached. He handed the guard a document–an exquisite forgery. The guard depressed the button on his walkie-talkie to confirm the monk had been approved for special access to the private archives. Little did he know he was talking to the recruiter’s contact at MI6. The recruiter thought his associate replicated the Trastevere accent rather nicely.
Chapter 65
Jagan picked up the phone and waited. The new agent was only on his first assignment and he was already going rogue. Hopefully Shanks would understand he had to act based on what he saw in his vision. Earlier, he had sent him a text from the embassy, but his new boss never responded. He was hoping he hadn’t screwed up, but he had to trust his instincts.
On the plane, Jagan sat next to Wolf. He still didn’t know what to say to Scarlet. The Commandant finally returned his call and Jagan explained what he saw in his vision. “This was never about religion,” he explained. The Chancellor forced the Pope out of Rome to break into the Secret Archives. Inside, there are maps to ancient treasures including the gold from Solomon’s lost temple. The combined value is in the billions.”
The commandant confirmed Jagan’s analysis. He explained an analyst deciphered the data on the microchip and that it contained damaging background information on the Chancellor. Shanks said that once he leaked it to the press, the dictator would be forced to resign. Most importantly, Shanks relayed the bomb had been diffused. “Be careful out there and don’t underestimate the Chancellor’s henchman. I’ll meet you in Rome,” Shanks terminated the call.
Mozart had fallen asleep on the flight. Scarlet had started to doze off, but every time the plane jerked she woke up in a panic. She tried to read a magazine, but her thoughts kept returning to Jagan. He had acted so cold towards her in Beijing. She just couldn’t understand why he was being so distant. Maybe all he cared about was his new career or maybe he had met someone else. No matter what happened, she was going to confront him in Rome. She would never forgive herself if she let her one shot of happiness slip away.
Chapter 66
Rome was in total chaos. Luca would be horrified. Jagan was relieved his friend wasn’t here to witness the destruction of his homeland. The “nee-eu nee-eu” sounds waxed and waned as police vehicles raced through the cobbled streets. Mounted police were on every street corner and a haze filled the air from all the tear gas and smoke bombs that had been released. Store front windows were shattered and looters carrying their stashes dashed in all directions like fire ants fleeing from a disturbed colony.
Once in front of the Vatican Library, Jagan took command. “I need to gain access to the entrance of the Secret Archives. Once inside, I know the location of the underground doorway. Scarlet, I need you to create a distraction out front. Do you think you can handle that?” He shot her a doubtful glance.
“Oh, she can handle it,” Mozart spoke up for her. “You should have seen her at the embassy.” Wolf glanced over at his friend. He knew him like the back of his hand and he could tell how fond Mozart was of Scarlet.
Jagan nodded his head and continued, “Mozart, if you and Wolf could have my back. I think the Chancellor’s assassin is already inside. I need to focus all my attention on acquiring the maps so they don’t get into his dirty little hands.”
Scarlet was completely floored by the transformation. Jagan fit his role as a HALO like a hand-tailored glove. She was turned on by his newly-found confidence. Now if she could only get him alone and find out what went wrong… but she knew it would have to wait. How inconsiderate of the world to interfere with her love life. She giggled at her absurd thought.
Sculptures of bald eagles and angels marked the entrance of St. Anne’s gate and the baroque building behind it. Scarlet assured the men she would have the guards eating out of her hands in no time. Disguised in a Carmelite habit she had stolen out of a nearby abbey, Scarlet sprinted towards the guards and told them a man had just attacked her outside the gate. She was hoping the guard hadn’t thought too much of her Sicilian accent. She practiced the Roman one on the plane while Mozart took his cat nap but it was hard to erase years of hearing the Colicci tongue.
The HALO and SEALs had just enough time to slip past the gate. After she convinced the guards she was okay, she took her position by the fountain so she could monitor the exit. Pulling out a rosary, she slid her fingers across the glass beads and moved her lips as she prayed.
Chapter 67
Jagan wandered through the rows of books and documents. He noticed several of the shelves were already empty and hoped the ancient scroll had not yet been disturbed. To think he had access to documents that had been hidden from public view for centuries was an invigorating feeling. If he only had time to sift through them.
After what seemed
like hours, he finally stumbled upon the scrolls. He recognized the green patina from his vision. Lifting up the delicate object, he heard a movement nearby. The sound was similar to a heavy circular stone rolling on concrete. Jagan felt a draft and knew the opening must be close by. Behind one of the shelves, he saw an opening in the floor. He quickly scanned the room to make sure he hadn’t been seen.
Jagan descended down a spiral staircase. Wolf was close behind. The area was damp and had the aroma of stagnant water. As he approached the bottom of the steps, a shadow darted in front of his eyes. The sounds of hurried footsteps echoed against the ancient walls. Quickening his pace, he noticed a monk off in the distance sprinting down a long corridor. That was no man of the cloth. He would recognize that gait anywhere.
The recruiter made a sharp turn and was out of sight. Jagan took a moment to catch his breath and signaled to Wolf that their mark was up ahead. There was no other way out so he thought it best to take their time. He wasn’t going to let him get the upper hand this time.
Jagan and Wolf finally reached the room the recruiter had entered. There he was in the very center sitting on the floor with his hands covering his face. His tunic was soaked. It must have happened when he moved the fountain. Underneath it was a carved out opening in the floor about the size of a large briefcase. In the recruiter’s hands was a book filled with nothing but blank pages.
Jagan and Wolf apprehended the broken man and turned him over to the Swiss guards. As they walked away, a cracking sound zipped past their heads. The recruiter fell to the ground with a loud thump.
The Predecessor Page 14