Shout in the Dark

by Christopher Wright

  Chapter 43

  LETTER TO MONSIGNOR AUGUSTO GIORGIO

  THE VATICAN

  CONFIDENTIAL

  This is a formal statement informing you that Marco Sartini is to be retained by my section in the Vatican Security Services. Sartini is proving invaluable in my work and he has all the makings of a fine member of staff. With his agreement, I have requested a permanent transfer to this effect starting immediately, and Sartini therefore will not be appearing before your panel again.

  I am sure you join with me and the whole Church in rejoicing at the discovery of a long-lost relic. I trust that your experts will soon feel able to make a positive pronouncement to the waiting world, both Christian and non-Christian. In the meantime, we all wait eagerly for a look at the features on the face.

  You may rest assured that my services are always at your disposal.

  JOSEF REINHARDT

  PIAZZA DI SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE, ROME

  LETTER TO FATHER JOSEF REINHARDT

  PIAZZA DI SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE, ROME

  EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL

  With reference to your letter, let me comment on the first part briefly. Excellent news. Perhaps Sartini will be better able to serve the Church faithfully as a member of your staff.

  Regarding the discovery of an "alleged relic" in Paris, it is now obvious that a rather premature decision was made to show the item on secular television. Our hasty gratitude to TV Roma for their assistance in the recovery led, in my view, to the tragedy at their studios last week. It is indeed fortuitous that no photographs of the head were released to the press, in spite of strong pressure on His Holiness, who in turn has placed certain members of my staff under even stronger pressure to come up with a report within the shortest time possible.

  It would seem that due to Sartini working against my express wishes, a minefield has been laid. (Off the record, I have to concede that to some extent this complaint is offset by the part Sartini played in preventing the neo-Nazis from obtaining the object for their profane purposes.) I have already spoken to the Council, warning of the serious consequences should TV Roma ever again be allowed to treat such a potentially holy relic in a sacrilegious manner.

  Ponder the reaction from ordinary Christians. Have you considered the serious effects this discovery could have on their faith? For generations our Church has become accustomed to a perceived image of our Savior; an image which is seen as a familiar countenance in all our churches; an image that is obviously Christian and instantly recognizable in paintings and on statues. We have to be mindful that the reality may be very different to the established viewpoint. If this proves to be so, our existing art could lose its value as an aid to faith and worship.

  I am currently preparing a statement for the world press, to put on record the views of the Vatican Special Investigative Committee being set up at this moment.

  I regret to inform you that my Special Investigative Committee does not require your services in this inquiry, although it appreciates the gallant work you have performed for the Church over the years.

  May God bless you and Sartini in your work together,

  MONSIGNOR AUGUSTO GIORGIO

  THE VATICAN

  PRESS RELEASE FROM THE VATICAN

  Within the past few days, there has been considerable speculation on the authenticity of a bronze head that was recently handed over to the Vatican in Rome, in tragic circumstances already widely known. The statement that follows reflects the official view of the Vatican Special Investigative Committee relating to this matter.

  Many historians and theologians accept that the writer Eusebius of Caesarea saw a bronze statue of our Savior, believed to have been made by eyewitnesses to the person of Christ when he visited the region. We have no record of this statue surviving the last sixteen centuries. The Church, however, is always anxious to authenticate the relics within her charge. To this end a Special Investigative Committee has appointed a team of experts to carry out the most exacting scientific and artistic evaluation possible.

  This is the second time that a bronze head has come into the possession of the Vatican, alleged to be the likeness of Jesus Christ, and the highest level of security is now operating. The examination will be thorough, and no further statements can reasonably be expected for several months. It is not the custom of the Church to study her history hastily or lightly.

  It is impossible for anyone to give an opinion on authenticity at this stage. The thought of such a find being genuine is naturally exciting, but the Committee will not let enthusiasm stand in the way of truth.

  STATEMENT AUTHORIZED BY MONSIGNOR AUGUSTO GIORGIO

  VATICAN SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE

  MARCO FELT HIMSELF shaking with rage as he knocked on Father Reinhardt's door clutching the morning paper. Did Augusto Giorgio and his circle of clerics really think they could get away with it?

  Josef Reinhardt answered the door with his own copy of the paper in his hand. "Marco, I can tell from your face that you have already seen the appalling press release."

  Marco held up the front page. Long-term internal investigation of a possible relic were the vague words used by the Monsignor in the interview. It was obvious to anyone that the Vatican would never release the results of the tests. The headlines screamed of a cover-up.

  "It must have come as a shock to you, Marco. I did at least have advance warning."

  "Amendola and his holy men have hidden the head away and slammed the door in our faces. I knew we couldn't trust any of them."

  Father Josef nodded. "Not Amendola. He is still supportive of the program. You feel upset because you risked your life to get the bronze head into the light."

  "Upset?" Marco could feel his anger growing. It was surely a righteous anger. "Just look how many people got killed along the way. Do those deaths mean nothing? Even Laura was seriously injured because she tried to help us, and she's refusing to see me in the hospital. We bring the relic back from Paris -- and what happens? Monsignor Giorgio grabs it from us at the railway station. Then the neo-Nazi skinhead snatches it from me at TV Roma. You take it from him in the street and give it to the carabinieri. They hand it over to Monsignor Giorgio, and the Monsignor kicks it out of sight forever. Yes, I'm feeling upset!"

  "The carabinieri also arrested me among the fighting skinheads outside TV Roma. They were not initially aware of who I was, and thought they were acting for the best. That is when the black leather case with the bronze head slipped away from me into their hands. It was certainly not what I planned. But do you really find it remarkable that the Monsignor has hidden the relic away?"

  "No."

  "Neither do I." The old priest's tone became gentle. "You saved Laura Rossetti's life, so you have no reason to reproach yourself."

  Marco said nothing, but was grateful for the understanding. He was glad that Laura was now out of danger. Mo, the disabled youth at Monte Sisto, had not been so fortunate. He was still critically ill. He felt sad about that, and sad for the farm children who had stood tearfully in the road as the ambulance drove away.

  Father Josef suddenly raised his voice. "This Vatican statement by Augusto Giorgio is of course, sciocchezze, absolute nonsense. Truth? Trust me, Marco, the end has not come yet. When I was your age I was known as Reinhardt the Militant. You and I are going to jump over the heads of this so-called Special Investigative Committee." A faint smile appeared for a moment. "Unfortunately I have to be in England tomorrow."

  "You should think about retiring."

  Father Josef laughed. "I am far too old to retire."

  "You used to work in England didn't you, Father?"

  "Papal Representative in London. My battle is now with the extreme right. I have a list of names I took from the young German outside TV Roma. It contains a register of top neo-Nazis." Father Josef lowered his voice, although they were alone. "Many of them are familiar to me. One is a British Cabinet Minister, and there are details of several men and women with high posts in the European Parli
ament. We also have the identity of the key figure in the ADR who goes under the code name of Phönix. The civil security services have decoded a mass of encrypted email. Much of it is between senior members in the neo-Nazi movement, and someone using the identification PX."

  "Phönix?" asked Marco.

  Father Josef nodded. "Phönix seems to have taken his eye off the ball in allowing the Düsseldorf members of Achtzehn Deutschland Reinigung to have free rein in Rome, but we would be foolish to assume he will be so careless next time."

  "You think there could be a next time?

  "Undoubtedly. But I cannot miss the meeting in London. This is where Church and State have to work together to root out evil. When I was a young man I thought I could take on the wrongs of the world single-handed." Father Josef smiled. "I could not, but for over half a century some would say I have not stopped trying. And now, like the prophet Elijah, I am preparing to put you on an intensive training course. You are still young, but I would love to think that one day you will be able to wear my mantle."

  Marco shook his head. "I'm not sure I'd want it."

  "I am giving you a glorious opportunity, Marco. I want you to help get a team from TV Roma into the Vatican so they can present the relic to the world. Get them in secretly, of course."

  "That's a glorious opportunity?" He could feel a mixture of excitement and doubt.

  "Most certainly it is." Father Josef laughed his shrill laugh. "Do you want to stand back and let men like Augusto Giorgio get away with this sort of secrecy? His Holiness is out of Rome for a few days, and has authorized me to act in the way that will best serve the future of the Church. I believe we have preserved secrecy for too long in a misguided attempt to protect our flock."

  "And?" It seemed very convenient that the Holy Father happened to be away.

  Father Josef rubbed his wrinkled hands together in elation. "The experts have already removed the coating from the surface of the bronze, and it appears to be the genuine article. Tomorrow the world will know the truth."

  "Tomorrow? But you're going to be in London," Marco pointed out, realizing as he said it that Father Josef had a devious plan.

  The old priest smiled. "Which is why I am deputizing you to show them in. The team from TV Roma will record every detail of the relic for the world to see. The Monsignor's plans will come to nothing. That, Marco, is definitely a glorious opportunity."

  Alarm bells were ringing. "Not TV Roma. Laura said there are fascists on the staff. It's not worth the risk."

  "Then you would rather the relic stayed locked away for your lifetime, and the lifetimes of all the young priests who will follow after you?"

  "Of course not. But can you ... can we, trust TV Roma?"

  A knock on the door made Marco jump. A sister peeped round cautiously. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Father, but the young lady is here."

  The door opened further, revealing the visitor standing with a smile on her face, her small body concealed by a long navy skirt and a loose red top.

  Marco jumped to his feet. "Natalia!"

  Natalia's smile broadened and she pointed a finger at him in mock accusation. "I guessed you'd be part of this, Marco."

  He turned to Father Josef. "The News Room! You're going to use the TV Roma News Room! All right, you go to London -- and I'll take over here."

  Father Josef closed the door and spoke quietly. "Now, young lady, I understand there will be just one cameraman?"

  "An absolute minimum crew, Father Josef. I'm sorry that you can't be with us, but you can rely on me." Natalia sounded well in control of the situation. "We're using a shoulder-mounted camera and battery lights. That way we won't waste time checking for power sockets. We have to draw up a rough script and a shooting schedule with you tonight. We also need to arrange to get the team into the Vatican early without raising suspicion."

  "Wait a minute!" Marco held up his hands. "This is official, isn't it?"

  "Marco!" Father Josef sounded hurt but his voice was firm, almost stern. "It is all exactly as I have said. Natalia has already been of considerable use to me. There is more than one type of sympathizer within TV Roma. Do not look so shocked. It would be impossible to operate without such people. I think you two already know each other. Perhaps you will get to know each other better."

  This was said almost as an aside. Marco wondered what the old man had in mind. Even though Natalia was so clearly a Christian, she could never replace Laura. For a few days, Laura had become everything he wanted. He glanced at Natalia then turned away abruptly. Given time, Laura might change. Love could heal their bitterness. They could share their past unhappiness, and some day share a common faith.

  Father Josef sat forward in his leather armchair, looking over his half moon glasses. "Marco, we must not underestimate the difficulties if certain persons become aware of our scheme."

  Marco smiled. "I know a way to get the television unit into the Vatican. We can miss the Swiss Guards and go through the Basilica." He grinned guiltily. "It's a handy trick a choirboy once showed me when I was at school."

  Father Josef shook his head and smiled. "I do not think we need rely on the devious practices of choirboys, Marco. I have arranged official entry permits -- by a trick known to elderly priests."

  Marco felt that maybe everything was coming right. "You really think TV Roma can have it all on video for tomorrow evening -- before anyone at the Vatican knows what's happening? Sounds good to me. We'll present the world with the truth."

  Father Josef winked at Natalia. "Excellent."

  The wrinkled face showed an excitement. Marco wondered if this was to be the old priest's reward for a lifetime of service to the Church.

  "Marco, I notice you failed to add the words, 'for once'," Josef Reinhardt observed dryly as he removed a piece of paper from an inner pocket of his black jacket. "I want you to take this and promise to dial the number if things get out of hand."

  Marco took the paper. The telephone number meant nothing to him. "And who's going to be on the other end?"

  Father Josef looked surprised at the question. "His Holiness of course. Who do you think has been the driving force in our plans to reveal such a sacred relic?"

  Marco tried to smile. "This is the Pope's private number where he'll be staying? You're off to London, and I'm doing this on my own? Just tell me once more: this job is authorized?"

  Josef Reinhardt held Marco's arm, his eyes alert. "Trust me, Marco, I think you are about to cause a few ripples."