by Steve Berry
"It is a lovely night," Ambrosi said.
The younger priest faced Valendrea in the rear of a stretched Mercedes coupe that had ushered many diplomats around the Eternal City--even the president of the United States, who'd visited last autumn. The rear passenger compartment was separated from the driver by frosted glass. All of the exterior windows were tinted and bulletproof, the sidewalls and undercarriage lined with steel.
"Yes, it is." He was puffing away on a cigarette, enjoying the soothing feel of nicotine entering his bloodstream after a satisfying meal. "What have we learned of Father Tibor?"
He'd taken to speaking in the first person plural, practice that he hoped would come in handy during the years ahead. Popes had spoken that way for centuries. John Paul II was the first to abandon the habit and Clement XV had officially decreed it dead. But if the present pope was determined to discard all the time-honored traditions, Valendrea would be equally determined to resurrect them.
During dinner he hadn't asked Ambrosi anything on the subject that weighed heavily on his mind, adhering to his rule of never discussing Vatican business anywhere but in the Vatican. He'd seen too many men brought down by careless tongues, several of whom he'd personally helped fall. But his car qualified as an extension of the Vatican, and Ambrosi daily ensured it was free of any listening devices.
A soft melody of Chopin spilled from the CD player. The music relaxed him, but also masked the conversation from any mobile eavesdropping devices.
"His name is Andrej Tibor," Ambrosi said. "He worked in the Vatican from 1959 to 1967. After, he was an unremarkable priest who served many congregations before retiring two decades ago. He lives now in Romania and receives a monthly pension check that's regularly cashed with his endorsement."
Valendrea savored a deep drag on his cigarette. "So the inquiry of this day is, what does Clement want with that aging priest?"
"Surely it concerns Fatima."
They'd just rounded Via Milazzo and were now speeding down Via Dei Fori Imperiali toward the Colosseum. He loved the way Rome clung to its past. He could easily envision emperors and popes enjoying the satisfaction of knowing that they could dominate something so spectacularly beautiful. One day he would savor that feeling as well. He was never going to be content with the scarlet biretta of a cardinal. He wanted to wear the camauro, reserved only for popes. Clement had rejected that old-style hat as anachronistic. But the red velvet cap trimmed in white fur would serve as one of many signs that the imperial papacy had returned. Western and Third World Catholics no longer would be allowed to dilute Latin dogma. The Church had become far more concerned with accommodating the world than with defending its faith. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and too many Protestant sects to count were cutting deeply into Catholic membership. And it was all the devil's work. The one true apostolic church was in trouble, but he knew what its corpus needed--a firm hand. One that ensured priests obeyed, members stayed, and income rebounded. One he was more than willing to provide.
He felt a touch to his knee and looked away from the window. "Eminence, it's just ahead," Ambrosi said, pointing.
He glanced back out the window as the car turned and a progression of cafes, bistros, and flashy discos streamed by. They were on one of the lesser streets, Via Frattina, the sidewalks packed with night revelers.
"She's staying in the hotel just ahead," Ambrosi said. "I located the information on her credentials application filed in the security office."
Ambrosi had been thorough, as usual. Valendrea was taking a chance visiting Katerina Lew unannounced, but he hoped the hectic night and the late hour would minimize any curious eyes. How to make actual contact was something he'd been considering. He didn't particularly want to parade up to her room. Nor did he want Ambrosi doing that. But then he saw none of that would be necessary.
"Perhaps God is watching over our mission," he said, gesturing to a woman strolling down the sidewalk toward an ivy-encased entrance for the hotel.
Ambrosi smiled. "Timing is everything."
The driver was instructed to speed past the hotel and ease alongside the woman. Valendrea pressed a button and the rear window descended.
"Ms. Lew. I am Cardinal Alberto Valendrea. Perhaps you recall me from the tribunal this morning?"
She ceased her casual stride and stood facing the window. Her body was supple and petite. But the way she carried herself, how she planted her feet and considered his inquiry, the way her shoulders squared and her neck arched, signaled something more substantial in her character than her size might indicate. There was a languorous trait about her, as if a prince of the Catholic Church--the secretary of state, no less--approached her every day. But Valendrea also sensed something else. Ambition. And that perception instantly relaxed him. This might be far easier than he'd first imagined.
"Do you think we might have a conversation? Here in the car?"
She threw him a smile. "How could I refuse such a gracious request from the Vatican secretary of state?"
He opened the door and slid across the leather seat to give her room. She climbed inside, unbuttoning her fleece-lined jacket. Ambrosi closed the door behind her. Valendrea noticed a hike in her skirt as she settled into the seat.
The Mercedes inched forward, stopping a little way down a narrow alley. The crowds had been left behind. The driver exited and walked back to the end of the street, where Valendrea knew he would make certain no cars entered.
"This is Father Paolo Ambrosi, my chief assistant in the Secretariat of State."
Katerina shook Ambrosi's offered hand. Valendrea noticed Ambrosi's eyes soften, enough to signal calm to their guest. Paolo knew exactly how to handle a situation.
Valendrea said, "We need to speak with you about an important matter we were hoping you might assist us on."
"I fail to see how I could possibly help someone of your stature, Eminence."
"You attended the tribunal hearing this morning. I assume Father Kealy requested your presence?"
"Is that what this is about? You concerned about bad press on what happened?"
He offered a self-deprecating expression. "With all the reporters that were present, I assure you bad press is not what this is about. Father Kealy's fate is sealed, as I'm sure you, he, and all the press realized. This is about something much more important than one heretic."
"Is what you're about to say for the record?"
He allowed himself a smile. "Always the journalist. No, Ms. Lew, none of this is for the record. Still interested?"
He waited as she silently weighed her options. This was the moment when ambition must defeat good judgment.
"Okay," she said. "Off the record. Go ahead."
He was pleased. So far, so good. "This is about Colin Michener."
Her eyes showed surprise.
"Yes, I'm aware of your relationship with the papal secretary. Quite a serious matter for a priest, especially one of his importance."
"That was a long time ago."
Her words carried the tone of denial. Perhaps now, he thought, she realized why he was so willing to trust her off-the-record assertion--this was about her, not him.
"Paolo witnessed your encounter with Michener this afternoon in the piazza. It was anything but cordial. Bastard, I believe, is what you called him."
She cast a glance at his acolyte. "I don't recall seeing him there."
"St. Peter's Square is a large place," Ambrosi said in a low voice.
Valendrea said, "You are perhaps thinking, how could he have heard that? You barely whispered. Paolo is an excellent lip-reader. A talent that comes in handy, wouldn't you say?" She seemed not to know how to respond, so he allowed her to linger a moment before saying, "Ms. Lew, I'm not trying to be threatening. Actually, Father Michener is about to embark on a journey for the pope. I need some assistance from you regarding that journey."
"What could I possibly do?"
"Someone must monitor where he goes and what he does. You would be the ideal person for that."<
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"And why would I do that?"
"Because there was a time when you cared for him. Perhaps even loved him. You might even still. Many priests like Father Michener have known women. It's the shame of our times. Men who care nothing about a vow to their God." He paused. "Or for the feelings of the women they might hurt. I sense that you would not want anything to harm Father Michener." He let the words take hold of her. "We believe there's a problem developing, one that could indeed harm him. Not physically, you understand, but it could hurt his standing within the Church. Perhaps jeopardize his career. I'm trying to keep that from happening. If I were to charge someone from the Vatican with this task, that fact would be known within a matter of hours and the mission would fail. I like Father Michener. I would not want to see his career hurt. I need the secrecy you can provide to protect him."
She motioned at Ambrosi. "Why not send the padre here?"
He was impressed with her spunk. "Father Ambrosi is too well known to accomplish the task. By a stroke of luck, the mission Father Michener has undertaken will take him to Romania, a place you know well. So you could appear without him asking too many questions. Assuming he even learned of your presence."
"And the purpose of this visit to my homeland?"
He waved off the question. "That would only taint your report. Instead, just observe. That way, we don't risk slanting your observations."
"In another words, you're not going to tell me."
"Precisely."
"And what would be the benefit of my doing this favor for you?"
He allowed a chuckle as he slid a cigar from a side pocket on the door. "Sadly, Clement XV will not last much longer. A conclave is approaching. When that happens, I can assure you that you will have a friend who will provide more than enough information to make your reports an important commodity in journalistic circles. Maybe enough to get you back to work with all those publishers who let you go."
"Am I supposed to be impressed that you know things about me?"
"I'm not trying to impress you, Ms. Lew, only secure your assistance in return for something any journalist would die for." He lit the cigar and savored a draw. He made no effort to crack the window before he exhaled a thick fog.
"This must be important to you," she said.
He noticed how she phrased the statement. Not important to the Church--important to you. He decided to add a dash of truth to their discussion. "Enough that I've come to the streets of Rome. I assure you, I will keep my end of the arrangement. The next conclave will be a monumental one, and you will have a reliable source of firsthand information."
She seemed to still be debating with herself. Maybe she'd thought Colin Michener was going to become the unnamed Vatican source she could quote to validate the stories she'd peddle. Here, though, was another opportunity. A lucrative offer. And all for such a simple task. He wasn't asking her to steal or lie or cheat. Just take a trip back home and watch an old boyfriend for a few days.
"Let me think about it," she finally said.
He sucked another lungful from the cigar. "I wouldn't take too long. This is going to happen fast. I'll phone at your hotel tomorrow, say two o'clock, for an answer."
"Assuming I say yes, how do I report what I find?"
He motioned to Ambrosi. "My assistant will contact you. Never attempt to call me. Understand? He'll find you."
Ambrosi folded his hands across the front of his black cassock and Valendrea allowed him the pleasure of the moment. He wanted Katerina Lew to know that this priest was not someone she wanted to defy, and Ambrosi's rigid pose communicated the message. He'd always liked that quality in Paolo. So reserved in public, so intense in private.
Valendrea reached beneath the seat and produced an envelope, which he handed across to his guest. "Ten thousand euros to help with airline tickets, hotel, whatever. If you decide to assist me, I would not expect you to fund the venture yourself. If you say no, keep the money for your trouble."
He stretched an arm across her and opened the door. "I have enjoyed our conversation, Ms. Lew."
She slipped out of the car, envelope in hand. He stared out into the night and said, "Your hotel is just back to the left on the main via. Have a nice evening."
She said nothing and walked away. He pulled the door shut and whispered, "So predictable. She wants us to wait. But there's no question what she'll do."
"It was almost too easy," Ambrosi said.
"Precisely why I want you in Romania. This woman bears watching, and she'll be easier to monitor than Michener. I've arranged with one of our corporate benefactors to have a private jet available. You leave in the morning. Since we already know where Michener is headed, get there first and wait. He should arrive by tomorrow evening, or the next day at the latest. Stay out of sight, but keep an eye on her and make sure she understands we want a return on our investment."
Ambrosi nodded.
The driver returned and climbed behind the wheel. Ambrosi tapped on the glass and the car backed toward the via.
Valendrea shifted his mood away from work.
"With all this intrigue over, perhaps a cognac and some Tchaikovsky before bed? Would you like that, Paolo?"
NINE
11:50 P.M.
Katerina rolled off Father Tom Kealy and relaxed. He'd been waiting for her when she'd come upstairs and listened as she'd told him about her unexpected meeting with Cardinal Valendrea.
"That was nice, Katerina," Kealy said. "As usual."
She studied the outline of his face, illuminated by an amber glow spilling in through partially drawn drapes.
"I'm stripped of my collar in the morning, then laid that night. And by a most beautiful woman, no less."
"Kind of takes the edge off."
He chuckled. "You could say that."
Kealy knew all about her relationship with Colin Michener. It had actually felt good to empty her soul to someone she thought might understand. She'd made the first contact, prancing into Kealy's Virginia parish, wanting an interview. She was in the States working freelance for some periodicals interested in radical religious slants. She'd made a little money, enough to cover expenses, but she thought Kealy's story might be the ticket to something big.
Here was a priest at war with Rome on an issue that tugged at the hearts of Western Catholics. The North American Church was trying desperately to cling to members. Scandals concerning pedophile priests and child molestation had devastated the Church's reputation, and Rome's lackadaisical response had done nothing but complicate an already difficult situation. The bans on celibacy, homosexuality, and contraception only added to the popular disillusionment.
Kealy had asked her to dinner the first day, and it wasn't long before she was in his bed. He was a pleasure to spar with, both physically and mentally. His relationship with the woman that caused all the commotion had ended a year before. She'd tired of the attention and did not want to be the focus of a supposed religious revolution. Katerina had not taken her place, preferring to stay in the background, but she had recorded hours of interviews that, she hoped, would provide an excellent basis for a book. The Case Against Priestly Celibacy was her working title, and she envisioned a populist attack on a concept that Kealy said was as useful to the Church "as teats on a boar hog." The Church's final assault, Kealy's excommunication, would form the basis of the promotional scheme. A priest defrocked for disagreeing with Rome lays out a case for the modern clergy. Clearly, the concept had played before, but Kealy offered a new, daring, folksy voice. CNN was even talking about hiring him as a commentator for the next conclave, an insider who could provide a counter to the usual conservative opinions traditionally heard at papal election time. All in all, their relationship had been mutually beneficial. But that was before the Vatican secretary of state approached her.
"What about Valendrea? What do you think of his offer?" she asked.
"He's a pompous ass who could well be the next pope."
She'd heard the same prediction from
others, which made Valendrea's offer all the more interesting. "He's interested in whatever it is Colin is doing."
Kealy rolled over and faced her. "I must admit I am, too. What could possibly concern the papal secretary in Romania?"
"As if nothing of interest lay there?"
"Touchy, aren't we?"
Though she never really considered herself a patriot, she was nonetheless Romanian and proud of the fact. Her parents had fled the country when she was a teenager, but later she had returned to help overthrow the despot Ceau sescu. She was in Bucharest when the dictator made his final speech in front of the central committee building. It was supposed to be a staged event, one to demonstrate workers' support for the communist government, but it turned into a riot. She could still hear the screams when pandemonium broke out and the police moved in with guns, as prerecorded applause and cheers boomed from loudspeakers.
"I know you may find this hard to believe," she said, "but actual revolt isn't donning makeup for a camera, or posting provocative words on the Internet, or even bedding a woman. Revolution means bloodshed."
"Times have changed, Katerina."
"You won't change the Church so easily."
"Did you see all that media there today? That hearing will be reported around the world. People will take issue with what happens to me."
"What if no one cares?"
"We receive more than twenty thousand hits a day on the website. That's a lot of attention. Words can have a powerful effect."
"So can bullets. I was there, those few days before Christmas, when Romanians died so that a dictator and his bitch of a wife could be shot dead."
"You would have pulled the trigger, if asked to, wouldn't you?"
"In a heartbeat. They ruined my homeland. Passion, Tom. That's what moves revolt. Deep, unabiding passion."
"So what do you plan to do with Valendrea?"
She sighed. "I have no choice. I have to do it."
He chuckled. "There are always choices. Let me guess, this opportunity might allow you another chance with Colin Michener?"