by Wayne Block
“Please stand, Enrico. There is much I must know.”
Enrico Lombardi stood at attention and briefed the Pontiff on what had transpired over the past four days. The Pope appeared expressionless as Lombardi described the significance of the names of Pablo Munoz and Joaquin Ordonez, the murders at Red Rock Canyon, and the details of the necklaces found on the altar of St. Mary in the Mountains.
Upon mention of the church, the Pope expressed a modicum of concern: “Would this be the church originally constructed by Father Gallagher in Virginia City?”
“I believe so, Your Eminence. It’s a small city outside of Reno, Nevada.”
The Pope nodded but said nothing more: “Please continue.”
“We know that Steven Capresi is going to Quito and will be traveling to Tena for reasons unknown. We know that he stopped to purchase literature on Tena at the Quito airport.” Lombardi hung his head. “There is a small problem, Your Eminence. Tena is very small. Everybody knows each other and my agents will stick out just as will Capresi.”
The Pope smiled. “That is not a problem. God does surely work in strange ways. We have an asset there. A well respected servant of God.” The Pope wrote down the name, fondly remembering the many games of chess he played with the young priest many years ago, and gave it to Lombardi. “Please contact the man on behalf of me and tell him what you need.”
Lombardi discreetly peered at the name, which read, “Father Mateuse.”
* * *