The Serpent's Disciple

by Deborah Stevens

  Mary Ellen wanted to go first. She was trying everything she could think of, not to panic. If only she had a cigarette it would help calm her nerves. Just then Nelli turned and smiled at her. As they locked eyes, Mary Ellen had this overwhelming feeling of peacefulness come over her. There was a change in Nelli since that day in her office, nothing anyone else would necessarily notice, only those close to her. She watched as her friend had slowly grown more introspective and seemed to have no fear.

  Nelli turned and placed her foot on the first step, testing each stair as she climbed. On the third step her foot slipped and she fell down on her knee, scraping her face.

  “Hug the wall, Nelli. Stay to the inside of the steps,” shouted Father Cossa. “I’m right here and Anthony’s waiting for you at the top. Just take your time.”

  Anthony and Mattithyahu rigged up a temporary pulley system that had lowered the rope with a body strap down to the area where the steps were missing.

  “Nelli, can you hear me?” yelled Anthony.

  “Yes, I can hear you.”

  “When you reach the place where the steps are missing put the strap around your waist and we’ll pull you up. Don’t be afraid. It’s just a short distance from there.”

  “We? Who else is up there Anthony?” asked Nelli. Had the men who tried to kill her in the chapel found them after all?

  “Mattithyahu and Judah,” Anthony shouted down.

  Nelli and Mary Ellen were pulled up and now it was Father Cossa’s turn. As they sat on the ground with their backs against the wall, Nelli leaned over and whispered to Mary Ellen, “I know you must be trying to comprehend everything that’s happened,” she said, resting her hand gently on top of Mary Ellen’s. She waited as Mary Ellen put out her cigarette in the dirt.

  “Have you and Anthony always known?” asked Mary Ellen.

  “No, when Dad was dying he told me I would become the Keeper of the Key that would unlock a secret.”

  “What secret? Did he give you a key?”

  “The only thing he gave me was the cross he always wore around his neck just before he died.”

  Remembering that day, Nelli’s eyes filled with tears. Now Mary Ellen was the one to gently squeeze Nelli’s hand.

  “He was a good man, Nelli, and he had a rich and full life. Did he tell you what the secret was?”

  “No …. ” Nelli hesitated.

  “What is it Nelli?”

  Nelli looked at Anthony who had overheard most of the conversation. He looked

  at his sister, silently telling her, it’s up to you.

  “I’ve had visions that are guiding me, showing me the way,” said Nelli.

  She waited to see Mary Ellen’s reaction. Remarkably she didn’t seem surprised.

  “Then you must be the Chosen One that was spoken of in the prophecy of Saint Anthony,” responded Mary Ellen. “We will need to find the key that unlocks this secret your father spoke of.”

  Mattithyahu was helping Father Cossa over the edge of the wall. Protected now by the darkness, one by one they ran to where Judah was waiting.

  “Good to see you Judah,” said Anthony smiling, “heard you had a run-in with some bad guys.”

  “Sure did, but they won’t be causing anyone any more trouble,” grinned Judah.

  “Did you find out who they were or what group they belong to?”

  “They were dressed in strange clothing. Looked like the Klu Klux Klan except they wore black hoods with an embossed head of a snake on it.” Judah pointed to the one on the blood-soaked shirt used to wrap his shoulder.

  Anthony froze. There it was again, the cobra head.

  “Is the villa secure?” asked Anthony.

  “Yes, additional security was put in place. We have a van parked not far from here.”

  “Who are these two men?” asked a confused Father Cossa.

  “They’re part of the team of Guardians to protect the Chosen One. You will remain with us now Father. It’s not safe for you to return to the church, plus I need you to help me translate the scroll we found.”

  “Then I will need my notes on the Gortyn code. They’re back at the church.”

  “Is there someone you can trust that can get them for you?” asked Anthony.

  “Yes, there’s a student from the university that has been working with me. He knows where I keep all my notes.”

  “Good, then we will help you make the necessary arrangements.”

  He turned to Mary Ellen, “I am going to need you to contact Cardinal McKenna as soon as we get back to the villa for an update on what he knows.”

  She was wondering to herself what the cardinal had found out. Glancing at her phone she saw that there was a message from him.

  “Anthony, the cardinal called and left a voice mail. There might be enough power left to listen to it.”

  She immediately tried retrieving the message. Looking at Anthony, she nodded yes as she listened intently until the phone went dead.

  “He said he needs to change our appointment and left a number. It’s different from his private number, and I don’t recognize the area code.”

  “When was your appointment with him?’

  “That’s what’s strange. He knows I’m here with you this weekend. We have no appointment set up. Something’s wrong.”

  “When we get back to the villa, you call him back after you get the phone on the charger so he sees the call is from you. What’s the number he told you to call?”

  Listening to the number Mary Ellen repeated, he knew immediately what the cardinal had done.

  “If I’m right,” said Anthony, “it’s a number to a disposable phone. He must be worried about someone listening in on his calls. He didn’t want the call he made to you traced.”

  Judah’s shoulder was bleeding again. Turning to Mattithyahu, Anthony asked, “Do you know a doctor you can trust that we can pick up on the way back to the villa?”

  “There is one person I know that will help us,” said Mattithyahu.

  “Then, let’s get out of here,” said Anthony.

  Thankfully, they didn’t have to go that far to reach the van. It was right where Mattithyahu and Judah said it would be. Anthony, Nelli, Mary Ellen, and Father Cossa would ride in the back, but first Anthony helped Judah into the passenger seat as Mattithyahu ran to get behind the wheel. Anthony then raced around and got in the back. Before the door closed, the van started moving. Anthony slammed the door shut as they sped off.

  Mattithyahu was already on the phone. After a couple of calls he turned and looked at Anthony, “It’s done. An uncle of mine, who’s like a second father to me, is a retired doctor. He’ll be waiting for us to pick him up. If I take a back route to the villa, it will only take us a couple miles out of our way.”

  “Can you trust him not to say anything?” asked Anthony.

  “He said he wouldn’t ask any questions. He will help in any way he can.”

  “We need to do something about Franco,” added Anthony. “He’ll be at the villa when we get back.”

  “Already been taken care of,” said Judah, trying to make it appear as if the loss of blood had not affected him, but his voice was getting weaker.

  “He’s been told that you are on a secret assignment for the Vatican, and that Mattithyahu and I are actually your security detail. He wants to be of assistance. If he can help a cardinal from the Vatican, he feels God will bestow special blessings on him and his family. As a Catholic in Italy this would be an honor only given to a few. He would give his life for such an honor.”

  “All right, first pick up your uncle and then head straight to the villa.”

  CHAPTER 78

  Franco was told to prepare a room with the list of medical supplies Mattithyahu had given him over the phone. Judah had been wounded and they would be bringing a doctor with them.

  When the van pulled up to the villa, Franco was shocked by what he saw. He immediately took Anthony’s place assisting the doctor in getting Judah upstairs. Everyone w
atched as the three men disappeared into a room. When Anthony turned to face the others he could see the uncertainty they were all feeling.

  “Franco has kindly prepared a room for each of us, where you will find fresh clothing to change into. I suggest we freshen up and then meet back down in the library, let’s say, in an hour.”

  Franco came rushing down the stairs. “Scusi, signore Anthony, I prepare food for everyone.”

  “Grazie Franco. I think we would all like to clean up first. Could you please bring it into the library when everyone has come back downstairs?”

  “Si, si, of course, I will go now, prepare for you.” Franco immediately headed down the hallway towards the kitchen.

  Anthony was the first one down. He hadn’t concerned himself with shaving, and his hair was still wet but the fresh clothes and shower felt good.

  Mattithyahu was the next one to enter the library.

  “How is Judah doing?” asked Anthony.

  “Weaker than he had let on. Lost a lot of blood but my uncle said he’ll be fine. He also said Judah was very lucky; a little lower and the bullet would have hit a major artery.”

  “Let’s pray the past Guardians will continue to watch over us,” said Anthony.

  Father Cossa saw Franco coming down the hallway with the food and held the door open for him going into the library.

  “Smell’s wonderful. I could eat a horse, I’m so hungry,” said Father Cossa jokingly.

  Franco headed to a table to place the tray of food down with Father Cossa right behind him. Anthony and Mattithyahu couldn’t help stare at the priest as he walked across the room.

  Franco had laid out a pair of jeans and a denim shirt for the priest to wear. Father Cossa saw the surprised looks and said, “Been a long time since I’ve worn street clothes. Feels a little strange, but I think God will forgive me this time.”

  “Mi perdonare, Father, they were the only clothes I find that fit you. I wash your vestments,” said Franco apologetically.

  “Don’t worry; I’m sure that Our Lord understands the circumstances.”

  “Grazie,” said Franco, rushing off to get the rest of the food.

  Nelli and Mary Ellen entered the library right after Franco left.

  “Feeling better?” asked Anthony, looking at both women. He could see they were tired as was everyone.

  “Yes, it felt good to get a hot shower and put on fresh clothes,” said Nelli, trying to be upbeat.

  “I couldn’t agree with you more,” added Mary Ellen, appearing much more relaxed.

  Anthony could smell cigarettes when she entered the library and knew she had been smoking again.

  “I could go for a cup of coffee and some food,” Mary Ellen said, heading straight towards the table where Franco had set the tray.

  Mary Ellen wondered if anyone could smell if she had been smoking. She promised herself she would give them up for good when this was all over. Then noticing Father Cossa, she said, “Is this the new dress code for priests off duty?” winking and smiling warmly at him.

  “What do you think? You think the Vatican would go for it?” he chuckled.

  Anthony hated to ruin the moment but there were serious matters to attend to.

  “We’re all here and I know everyone is tired,” he said, then looked at Father Cossa, “I’ve sent someone to pick up your notes on the Gortyn code, Father. He should be here shortly.”

  Franco came through the door with the last of the food and a thermos of espresso.

  “Franco, will you please show Andrew to the library when he arrives.”

  “Si, of course, signore Anthony, is there anything else I can bring for you?”

  “No, grazie, we’ll come and get you if we need anything.”

  “Si, I will go and attend to the laundry.” Franco quietly closed the door behind him.

  The aroma of coffee drifted through the air as they all stood there looking at one another waiting for someone to speak.

  The library was lined with ornate bookcases made out of cypress that stretched from floor to ceiling and held countless volumes. There was a ladder attached to a metal rod that ran along the very top, allowing access to the books on the shelves. Any walls in the room that did not hold shelves were covered in dark green silk fabric. The floor made of tongue and groove planks was also made from cypress. Some historians believe the ark was constructed from the same wood.

  In one corner of the room were a green suede Lawson sofa and a green and taupe tapestry upholstered Benton armchair. In another corner were two brown leather Chesterfield chairs and between them a beautiful hand carved round inlaid mahogany and walnut table. On the opposite side of the room was a library table with two chairs.

  The scroll lay all alone on the long wooden table. Anthony was about to say something when Father Cossa gasped.

  “What is it, Father?” asked Nelli.

  Anthony and the other two Guardians went for their guns.

  “Signorina Antonella, the cross around your neck, the stone in the middle …. ”

  “What about it?”

  “The stone … the stone is glowing,” said Father Cossa.

  As Nelli glanced down to look at the cross, it was true; the stone in the middle was emitting a white light.

  “It’s the scroll, I felt it the moment I laid my hand on it,” said Father Cossa in a whisper. “Saint Anthony is telling us that we are in the presence of something sacred. May I ask how you came by the cross, signorina Antonella?”

  “It was a gift from my father. He gave it to me just before he died.”

  “The Holy Spirit’s presence is strong around you. You must keep the cross close to your heart,” said the priest.

  Nelli knew it was true. Ever since they discovered the scroll, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and what was being asked of her.

  There was a soft knock at the door and in walked Andrew. He held up a black notebook.

  “Is this what you wanted?”

  “Yes, that’s it. Grazie, grazie,” said Father Cossa rushing to retrieve his notebook.

  “Father, if you please,” said Anthony, walking towards the table where the scroll laid. “I think it’s time we get to work.”

  “While you two get started I think this would be a good time for me to return a call to Cardinal McKenna,” said Mary Ellen, looking directly at Anthony.

  “Yes, I agree,” replied Anthony. “Your phone should be charged enough by now to make the call.”

  “I’m going to have something to eat and each of you should do the same,” said Nelli. “Can I make up a plate for anyone?”

  “Yes, I could use a little food and a large cup of espresso,” replied Anthony. “It’s going to be a long night.”

  “Father, how about you?” asked Nelli.

  “Yes, please,” but as he walked with Anthony towards the scroll, he was already immersed in his notes.

  CHAPTER 79

  Anyone in Peter’s presence would have felt fear seeing the diabolical grin come over his face as he waited for Thomas. There was a single knock at the door. Thomas had arrived. Peter checked his watch, right on time.

  “Come in.”

  Entering, Thomas found Peter standing on the other side of the French doors that opened onto the terrace, starring out into the hilly terrain that surrounded the villa.

  “I’ve been waiting for you,” said Peter without turning around.

  He was a daunting figure dressed in black linen slacks and a gray cashmere sweater.　　 His black hair was beginning to gray a little at the temples and at six-foot-five, you couldn’t miss him in a room. Thomas never really paid attention before but he realized the Grand Master hadn’t seemed to age over the years.

  Peter turned and faced Thomas.

  “Thomas, before I begin I’ll give you a chance to explain.”

  Peter’s black eyes pierced him like hot skewers. Thomas immediately knew what this was concerning. He gathered his thoughts together before he began speaking.


  “You have always relied on me to handle the small matters, Grand Master, and I have done so, as far as I’m aware, to your satisfaction.”

  Peter had to agree that Thomas was right, but this time his error in judgment had cost him two of his disciples.

  Thomas continued, “I was made aware of a number of meetings between the woman, Mary Ellen O’Farrell and Cardinal McKenna from our inside contact in the Vatican, and the additional security being placed around them. I made a decision to look into it.”

  Thomas hesitated for a moment before continuing. He knew he had overstepped his authority by asking the Worthy Matron from the Grand Lodge Droit Humain to assist in the matter. He was sure the Grand Master was now aware of this.

  “You dared to contact Catherine under the pretenses that I requested her assistance in this matter!” Peter’s rage could not to be contained.

  Thomas remembered only one other time he had seen Peter so angry. It was right before he had ordered that Roberto Calvi—the president of Banco Ambrosiano, owned in part by the Vatican Bank—be killed. That time he had not been the cause for Peter’s rage.

  “I only requested if she could recommend a member of her Lodge she could trust to follow Ms. O’Farrell when she went to Pesaro on vacation to meet friends. I assumed there was little threat from her if she was not at the Vatican. I still figured it would be better to have her followed just to make sure.”

  “Well, you assumed incorrectly. I made the decision to have them quietly eliminated. I was not going to have anything jeopardize my plan this time. I did not expect to be met with resistance and it has gotten two of my disciples and a priest killed.”

  Thomas’s heart stopped; had he heard correctly? Taking a deep breath he asked, “How? When?” Now Thomas knew why he had sensed fear around the two bodyguards earlier. They must have known two of their brothers had been killed.

  In a calm but deadly tone, Peter said, “The priest I could care less about but my two disciples—they will pay for their deaths.”

  “They?” asked Thomas.

  “This O’Farrell woman and her two friends, the brother and sister, and whoever else is protecting them.”