64

Robert let his eyes roam around the crowded villa, a new location on the opposite side of Rome; a precaution taken at Father Kong’s suggestion.

Thorne and Nelson were on the other side of the living room, taking inventory of the equipment they’d use during the incursion, including scuba gear and the underwater sea scooters that would pull them underwater from the shore to the castle. Several new faces Father Kong added to the effort were assisting them, making sure every piece of equipment was operational.

After several intense discussions, Robert and Father Kong had finally come to a compromise on whom and how many people would be involved in the rescue effort. Robert insisted on hiring a team of armed professionals to help encircle the area around the castle, ready to rush in on Robert’s call. He suggested a team of fifty, but Father Kong convinced him that too many might be difficult to insert without notice, so Robert settled for twenty well-armed soldiers with hostage training, all of whom either he or Thorne had worked with in the past.

The rest of the team was rounded out by twenty-five priests and nuns, all dressed in black assault gear and leather jackets, each with a silver crucifix hanging from their necks, and each hand picked by Father Kong, with Cardinal Maximilian’s blessing. They were trusted members of The Hammer of God, and all were prepared to sacrifice their lives for the moment at hand.

They were unlike any group Robert had ever seen, which was a tall order, given what he’d witnessed around the world. All of them, nineteen men and six women, were well conditioned, and just as in shape as any of Robert’s people. But their manner was quiet, humble, almost serene, even in the face of obvious danger, where none of them would be armed with so much as a slingshot. Robert admired their faith, but questioned Father Kong’s decision not to carry weapons.

“We’ll carry the sword of faith,” the priest had told him.

“I’d rather you totted a machine gun,” Robert had said, but the priest only smiled and assured Robert that they’d be armed with something much greater than bullets.

“In the spirit, more of them are with us then there are with them,” Father Kong said.

Robert took another look at the Bracciano Castle floor plans Father Kong had retrieved from the Vatican Archives. To his surprise, it not only gave a complete outline of every nook and secret passage in the building, but also included a series of diagrams, outlining an extensive underground system of tunnels, including three entrances accessible underwater.

“Everything’s in order,” said Father Kong, stepping up beside Robert. “I’ve gone over the details again with my people. We’re ready.”

“Good,” said Robert, his eyes fixed on the castle diagram. “Let’s go over the plan one more time to be sure.” He pointed to the spots alongside the road into Bracciano, where both Robert and Father Kong’s people would be posted; some alongside the road, others inside the woods and trees. Additional teams would situate themselves in the woods directly behind the castle, and inside several homes Father Kong’s people had commandeered in the quiet village. Reynolds would join one of the teams inside one of the houses closest to the castle, ready to get there first when the final call came.

“The closer we get, the higher probability we’ll encounter The Order and those with them,” Father Kong said.

Robert agreed, and instructed his people to quietly neutralize any threat, but be ready to kill if necessary. He had no idea how many men The Order might employ, but guessed that they probably didn’t want to disrupt the ritual with a violent shootout, unless they believed all was lost.

“Thorne and I will approach the castle from the shore on the north side of the lake,” said Robert, pointing to Trevignano. “We’ll scuba dive to the tunnels under the building and enter. Once we’re inside, we’ll notify everyone on the radio.”

The castle diagram showed three tunnels, but at least one, maybe two, were now sealed according to Father Kong’s source. To make sure they got in, Robert and Thorne would haul an underwater laser to cut through bars or steel plates if needed. It would slow them down, but there was no other choice.

“Once you’re inside, everybody will take up their secondary position,” said Father Kong.

“Correct. Once we locate Samuel and the other boys, we’ll all converge on the castle,” said Robert.

Father Kong stroked his chin. “I must make a last appeal that we limit any violence and deaths. Cardinal Maximilian insists.” Robert faced the priest as everyone in the room turned to listen.

“Again, I understand, but killing might be necessary. If The Order will hire the mafia, they’ll do anything.”

“We must make room for God. He’ll make a way,” said Father Kong.

“That way may be by the bullet,” answered Robert, glaring over at the others. “But I’ve instructed my people to use caution, and they’ll be armed with the tranquilizer darts. It’s the best I can do.” Father Kong nodded his consent, smiled and walked away. Thorne took his place.

“Everything’s ready to go,” she said. “I secured our weapons in waterproof sacks and tested the underwater laser. That thing could slice through the hull of a battleship.”

“Make sure you tell our people to go easy on the trigger,” said Robert. “I want them safe, but careful.”

“That may work going in,” answered Thorne. “And I know these priests and nuns want everybody to come out alive, but let’s be real.

Some of those assholes are going to die tonight, especially if I have anything to do with it.”

Robert knew better than to argue with her. “Whatever it takes to get Samuel out of there is fine with me,” he said.

Thorne smiled, handed him two nine-millimeter automatics, and went back to recheck the details with their team. The front door opened.

One of Father Kong’s people entered carrying a single envelope, and handed it to the priest.

When Father Kong finished, he gave the letter to Robert. “It’s from the Holy Father.” Robert took the folded paper, but didn’t open it. Father Kong took a deep breath. “Cardinal Maximilian informed him that the time was at hand, and he wanted to offer a few words of support.” Robert unfolded the note and read it to himself as everybody watched in silence. The longer he read, the harder his heart pounded. His eyes narrowed, his forehead wrinkled. The Pope’s words ignited his spirit. When he finished, as the note instructed, Robert pulled a lighter from his pocket, set the paper on fire, placed it in an ashtray, and then faced everyone in the room.

“Tonight, we must be at our best. Many lives are at stake; ours, three little boys, and possibly untold millions. Be brave, courageous, and let’s have everybody come home alive,” said Robert.

Father Kong stood, serious, panning the room. “Those of you with Il Martello di Dio know our charge. First Peter, Chapter Five, Verse Eight.

We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed. We are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken.” He then lowered his head and prayed.

When he finished, Robert nodded to Thorne, who barked out last minute instructions. Everyone gathered up their equipment and went outside. Detective Reynolds pulled Thorne to the side, gave her a long, passionate kiss then joined his team in one of the vans.

Robert, Thorne, Father Kong, and two others piled inside a black SUV. Each squad left in fifteen-minute intervals, Robert not wanting a parade. When they reached the main rode out of Rome, Robert relaxed and let his mind go. For ten miles nobody spoke. Father Kong’s cell phone broke the silence. Ten seconds into his conversation, the priest’s face went flush with horror.

“My God!” he cried, tears in his eyes. Robert’s back straightened.

Father Kong put his head in his hands. “My God, my God!” he bellowed and sobbed.

“What is it?” asked Robert, anxious.

Father Kong lifted his head, eyes red, bottom lip trembling. “It’s the Holy Father, the Pope. He’s dead.”