Reginald Cook - The Hammer of God

“Cardinal Polletto thought it a good idea and invited me,” answered Alison, her bright demeanor reminding Robert of the first time Donavon introduced them. “He said it wasn’t right that I sit at home alone, and I agree. I feel much better.”

“Good,” said Thorne, looking comfortable lying back in the billowy cushioned couch. “Did the FBI give you a hard time?”

“They did at first,” answered Alison, suddenly subdued. “With Samuel still lost, they thought it a good idea that I stay close, but Cardinal Polletto made some calls on my behalf, and they let up.” Robert seethed inside. He tried to put a finger on why Cardinal Polletto would involve Alison. The more he pondered, his desire to kill the cardinal increased.

“That was nice of him,” said Robert. “Have you spoken with the cardinal since you arrived?”

“Not yet,” she answered. “He left word that he might be tied up for a day or two, and that he’d catch up with me later, which is fine with me. I haven’t been to Rome in a long time. I’ll catch up on the sights and do a little shopping. Now, tell me, what are you two doing here, and how did you know where to find me?”

Robert had anticipated Alison’s questions. “How much do you know about Cardinal Polletto?”

Alison looked confused. “Donovan and I met him years ago,” she answered. “Father Tolbert introduced us the year after we adopted Samuel. Why?”

Thorne edged forward. “Honey, we’re here following up a lead that Samuel’s kidnappers are in Rome.”

Alison’s mouth opened, but she was unable to speak.

“We knew this would be a shock,” Robert added. “But there’s more.”

Alison looked over at Robert in wonder. “More?” she asked.

“We have reason to believe Cardinal Polletto may be involved, or have knowledge of the kidnapping.”

Alison snapped to her feet. “That’s impossible! Why would he do such a thing?”

Thorne stood, walked over and put an arm around her. “We understand your hesitation,” she said, calm and soothing. “But you know us, we take our job seriously, and this is Samuel we’re talking about.” Alison shook her head. “I just can’t believe it. Have you told the FBI?”

Thorne eased Alison back down in her chair, but remained at her side, a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Robert leaned forward. “We don’t want to involve them,” he answered. “If we do, we’ll lose control. It’ll become a circus and tip our hand.”

Alison put her head in both hands and took a deep breath. When she emerged, both eyes were red and puffy. “What next?” she sniffled.

Robert cleared his throat. “Right now we’re keeping a close watch on the kidnappers, waiting for them to move. When they do, we’ll move in and take them down.”

Alison began to shake. Thorne massaged her shoulders. “It’s okay, honey, we’re right here for you.”

“What can I do to help?” Alison asked, tears cascading down her cheeks.

Robert knelt in front of her. “Just sit tight as though everything is the same. Don’t give any hint of what we told you to anyone, and we’ll bring Samuel home.”

Alison froze. “Bring him home? How can you be so sure?” Robert smiled. “We’ve seen him. He looked okay.” Alison leapt forward and wrapped her arms around Robert, almost knocking him over. “Thank you, Robert. Thank you.” Robert hugged her tight. “It’s okay,” he said, his voice low, cracking.

“We love Samuel, and we’ll do everything we can to get him back.”

“Hey, let me get some of that,’ said Thorne, walking over. Alison hugged Thorne tight.

Robert gave a heavy sigh of relief, happy that Alison was back on their side. She let go of his partner and faced him.

“Forgive me for the way I acted back in Chicago,” said Alison, looking ashamed. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“It’s okay, we understand,” said Thorne. “You were under more pressure than anybody should have to handle.”

“Yes,” added Robert. “We never blamed you. You’re family.” Alison eased down in the chair. “What do I say if Cardinal Polletto finds out you were here?”

“Tell him we’re here on another case,” said Robert. “If he wants to know more he can find us.”

“Yes,” added Thorne. “We’re ready for him.” Alison shook her head again. “Cardinal Polletto? It’s still so hard to believe.”

“We’ve seen stranger things, trust us,” quipped Thorne. “You just make sure you call us if you see or hear anything suspicious.”

“Yes,” added Robert. “We don’t want anything to happen to you.” Alison’s forehead wrinkled. “If Cardinal Polletto has Samuel, why would he invite me here?”

“He probably feels like he has more control over the situation if he can keep a better eye on you,” said Robert.

“Yes,” added Thorne. “If he meant to harm you, he would’ve done it in Chicago.”

“But why does he want Samuel?” asked Alison.

Robert looked over at Thorne, whose eyes said, don’t you dare.

“We don’t know,” Robert lied. “But it doesn’t matter, all we care about is getting him back.”

Fifteen minutes later, Robert and Thorne were on their way back to Trevi Fountain to be picked up by Sister Isabella. Alison watched them cross the courtyard from her window. Father Ortega exited the bathroom and slipped his. 45 automatic back in its holster. He stood behind Alison, watched Robert and Thorne disappear around a corner, pulled out his cell phone, and dialed.

Robert and Thorne reached Trevi Fountain early, and waited, not noticing the thinning pale-skinned man behind them, sporting freshly cut blond hair. Collar up on his black leather jacket, Father Tolbert eyed them, working up his nerve. When he finally did, a car, driven by a serious-looking dark haired woman, who reminded him of Sister Isabella, quickly pulled up and swooped them away.

Father Tolbert had gotten wind of Alison Napier’s arrival. He too had a few connections in Rome. He staked out the hotel, knowing Samuel’s godfather would show eventually, and trailed them to Trevi Fountain after they left the hotel, but lost his nerve. Now, they were gone. He looked around and made sure he hadn’t been noticed. I’ll make the rounds and watch the hotel until they show again.

The priest wandered through the ancient streets, back to the small, hidden hotel where he felt safe.

C ardinal Polletto, sore from the tussle with Father Tolbert, rubbed the small of his back as he made his way out of Bracciano Castle’s large, high-ceiling bedroom, where he’d been recuperating for the past few days. He walked down to the library, Pope’s Hall, where he was greeted by low-level members of The Order, who avoided eye contact with him.

He could hear and feel their whispers as he eased by. He let Father Tolbert get away.

The cardinal covered for Father Tolbert at the Vatican Archives, but soon, Cardinal Maximilian or others at the Vatican would become suspicious and start asking questions. Attention he did not need. But it wasn’t the Vatican that worried him; his real concern came from The Order. He would be severely dealt with if Father Tolbert wasn’t found.

The priest was a very important part of the equation, and the ritual could not take place without him.

Two doors down from his bedroom, Father Sin, shot, but not dead, recuperated. Thankfully, the bullets hit the meaty parts of his right shoulder and left thigh, and passed in and out without breaking any bones. Unfortunately, it took over an hour to find him, and by then, he’d lost consciousness, and a lot of blood. The doctor who examined him, faithful to The Order, said the large, muscular priest would soon be up and around with sufficient bed rest. Cardinal Polletto practically had to threaten Father Sin to keep him in bed, to prevent him from going out to search for Father Tolbert.