Reginald Cook - The Hammer of God

Deep into the night, the three boys whispered what they remembered about the area surrounding the castle. Samuel’s nose stung, but he didn’t care. As they talked and planned, his mind drifted. Uncle Robert, where are you?

R obert paced the villa like a caged animal. Rinaldo and Dianora were the best lead they’d come up with since spotting Samuel at Torre Astura, and it had dissolved, leaving nothing behind, and nowhere to go.

Worst of all, he had watched Sister Isabella get shot and killed. Sister Isabella wanted to see Samuel rescued as much as he did, and her sacrifice to save Thorne only intensified his desire to rescue the boy, and destroy The Order for good.

Robert’s anger burned hot, but was nothing compared to that raging inside Thorne. Friends since thirteen, he knew her well, and watching her sit quietly, cleaning her weapons, told him she was boiling over, and that someone was going to pay big when the time came.

Father Kong and the others, according to the mandate set down for members of The Hammer of God, made final arrangements for Sister Isabella’s funeral and burial. It would be a private affair, attended by only members of the team. Morale was low. Her death had taken the fight out of all of them.

The phone rang. One of Father Kong’s aides answered, hung up, and whispered in the priest’s ear.

“Dianora lived,” said Father Kong. “She’s unconscious, but she’ll pull out of it.’

“Maybe we can talk to her again when she does,” said Thorne.

“It’s possible, but I’m sure she’ll be heavily guarded,” said Robert.

“So, let’s not count on it.”

Robert’s words deflated everyone further. Thorne cursed loudly, and didn’t apologize for it. The phone rang again, this time Father Kong answered it. His eyes widened.

“We’re on our way.” He looked over at Robert. “We have to go to the hospital immediately. Cardinal Maximilian is awake, and Bishop Ruini is dead.”

The hospital was even more crazed and abuzz with chaos when Robert and the others arrived, with twice the crowd at the front door.

Father Kong slowed down, but at the sight of a large contingent of police, kept going, and pulled around the corner. Robert and Thorne ducked down. Their pictures had been plastered on every television station in Rome, and the police had offered a reward for their capture.

“We’ll go inside and get the details,” said Father Kong. “You and Miss Thorne wait for us in the other car. I’ll call you when I can.” Robert and Thorne switched places with the men in the second car, parked in a barren alley, and waited. The phone call Father Kong received back at the villa delivered good news and bad. Cardinal Maximilian had awaked from his coma, but Bishop Ruini had fallen to his death from a fifth floor window. They weren’t sure if he was pushed or jumped.

“I wonder what this means?” Robert thought aloud.

“It means we’re close,” answered Thorne.

“But why kill Bishop Ruini?”

Thorne rolled down her window. “Maybe he wouldn’t talk.”

“Maybe, but why not kill Cardinal Maximilian too?” Thorne didn’t answer. She checked the ammo in her shotgun and counted the extra shells in her jacket pocket.

An hour passed, then two. Robert saw a car pulling up in the rear view mirror. It slowed down and eased up beside them. Robert and Thorne readied their weapons, but when the car stopped, Father Kong rolled down the passenger side window.

“Follow me back to the villa. I think we’ve found Samuel.”

“B ishop Ruini was a mole,” said Father Kong, ashamed. “He’s been feeding information to The Order. For how long, we’re not sure.” The priest gave them more details, explaining that Cardinal Maximilian had awakened, and overheard bits and pieces of a conversation between Cardinal Polletto and the bishop. Evidently, Bishop Ruini was ordered to finish Cardinal Maximilian, but when the cardinal opened his eyes, the bishop broke down in tears, opened the window and jumped.

“The cardinal says he overheard Cardinal Polletto say everything was in order at Bracciano,” said Father Kong.

Bracciano. The word caused Robert’s heart to thump hard against his chest. “And he thinks that’s where they’re keeping Samuel?” he asked.

“What does it matter?” asked Thorne. “It’s the best we’ve got, so let’s go with it.”

Father Kong pulled up information about Bracciano on the computer, complete with a layout of the castle there. “This is probably where they’re keeping him. It’s large, and will probably be heavily guarded, but we have an advantage.” Robert pulled a chair up next to the priest.

“These castles were designed, not only to keep enemies out, but to allow those inside a way of escape in case they were trapped for long periods of time,” said Father Kong. “Underneath Bracciano castle are several entrances accessible only under water.”

“Good,” said Robert. “Then let’s get everybody ready for a full assault. Thorne and I will approach the castle under water. When we’ve confirmed that Samuel is there, we’ll hit them hard and heavy.”

“And what happens after we get the boys?” asked Father Kong.

“Thorne and I will connect with Alison Napier, and take all of them to the American Embassy, where they’ll be safe,” said Robert.

Father Kong stood. “Cardinal Maximilian would like a chance to talk to the boys first.”

“He can have the other two, but Samuel’s going home,” snapped Robert. “And don’t give me that Anti-Christ rap, ‘cause I’m not going to hear it.”

“It’s the reason The Order took the boys, and why we’ve sacrificed so much to get them back.”

“Do you really believe Samuel is the Anti-Christ? That’s crazy.”

“Is it, Mr. Veil? How can you be so sure?”

“For the sake of argument,” said Thorne. “Let’s assume Samuel is who you say he is. If that’s true, there’s nothing you can do to stop it. So why try?”

Father Kong stood in silence. “I can’t answer that, but I do know I believe it’s only right that we get to talk with all of the boys together, before you take Samuel away. It’s only right for all of us, including Sister Isabella.”

Robert felt a stab. He didn’t believe what Father Kong was saying, but couldn’t deny the commitment and sacrifice. Why would they give so much if they didn’t believe it was true?

“Okay,” Robert finally said, “you can talk with the boy, but he’s going home with us regardless of what you think.” Father Kong bowed his head in ascent.

“So, how do we get this party started?” asked Thorne.

“I’m sure Cardinal Polletto knows about Rinaldo by now, and he’ll be prepared,” said Father Kong.

“Fine, but we’re taking my people along with us,” said Robert.

“I’ll send out a scout team to survey Bracciano,” said Father Kong.

“Get an idea of what we’re up against.”

Robert laid out his guns on the dining room table. “Good, when they call back, I’ll determine how many men we need.”

“We should keep it small,” said Thorne. “A large group will give us away.”

“Agreed,” added Father Kong. “We have God and the element of surprise on our side.”

“I feel ya, Padre, but I want fully automatic weapons for everybody who wants one, just in case,” said Robert. Father Kong just stared.

“Look, Father, I know how you feel, but it’s necessary.”

“It’s not that,” said the priest. “I just thank God for you and Miss Thorne, and Cardinal Maximilian wanted you to know that you have his blessings, and that he’ll be praying.”

Robert smiled. “Amen. Now let’s get it together. I want us ready to go in twenty-four hours.”