Sign of the Cross

by Chris Kuzneski

  Rose stayed quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts. When he finally spoke, he did so in a much softer voice. ‘All organizations – even the innocuous ones – have enemies. No matter what you do, whether it’s good or bad, someone’s bound to be offended. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but the truth is, the Catholic Church gets more threats than any organization in the world. It’s so bad we have a special staff whose sole job is to sort through our mail and separate the real threats from the fake ones.’

  ‘Is that so? What do they do with the real ones?’

  ‘I guess that depends on the threat. We have a first-rate security staff that would handle things on our grounds. Anything else would be turned over to the police.’

  ‘What type of threats are we talking about?’

  ‘Bombs, fires, assassinations. Everything that you’d expect. Then, of course, there are the whitecollar threats. Lawsuits seem to be popular these days. So does blackmail. You know, “Give me a million dollars, or I’ll tell the press that a priest molested my son.”’

  ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’

  ‘I wish I was, Nick. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in today. What’s that expression? Money is the root of all evil… Whoever said that was a very wise man.’

  Benito Pelati spent the night in his office, waiting for an update. Twenty years ago he would’ve been in Milan himself, doing the things that had earned him his reputation as one of the most feared men in Italy. Now he was relegated to the sidelines, stuck with Dante running things. Not that Dante wasn’t capable, for he was. Still, Benito would’ve preferred his presence in Vienna, working on the excavation that was so important to their cause.

  When the call finally came, Benito was angry. He wasn’t one to tolerate inefficiency.

  ‘What took you so long? You were supposed to call me hours ago.’

  Dante replied, ‘I would’ve if it wasn’t for her. Her involvement has complicated things.’

  The comment stunned Benito. He wasn’t used to backtalk from anyone. ‘What are you talking about? Who’s involved?’

  ‘I’m staring at surveillance photos from the library, and Maria was there with Boyd. You know, I wondered why your guards in Orvieto waited so long to take him out.’

  ‘Maria? But why? Why would she risk everything that we hoped to achieve?’

  ‘We? She hasn’t been a part of we since you shipped her off to school. I don’t know when that’s going to sink in, but the sooner it does, the better we’ll be. Trust me, if we don’t get to her soon, she’s going to ruin everything you have planned. And she’ll love every minute of it.’

  Benito stayed silent for several seconds. He was scheduled to meet with the Supreme Council later that day, and the last thing he needed was a distraction. He had worked too hard and waited too long to have his moment in the spotlight ruined by his insolent daughter. He was getting ready to drop the bomb of all bombs on the Vatican, and he needed to be focused.

  He said, ‘Then you know what you need to do.’

  Dante nodded, smiling. He’d been waiting for this day since Benito had sent her away.

  48

  The Ulster Archives sat nestled against an outcropping of rock, one that shielded the wooden fortress from the Alpine winds that roared through the region during the winter. Nut-brown timber, the color of surrounding trees, made up the bulk of the chalet’s framework and blended perfectly with the broad gables and deep overhangs of the reinforced roof. Square windows were cut into the front facade at regular intervals and were complemented by a triangular pane that had been carved under the structure’s crown. A large picture window ran vertically through the middle of the frame, giving people on the main staircase a spectacular view of the Alps.

  ‘That’s a library?’ Jones asked as they approached the gate. ‘It doesn’t look like one.’

  ‘That’s because it isn’t,’ Boyd said. ‘The goal of this facility is not to provide books but rather to bridge the ever-growing schism that exists between scholars and connoisseurs. As I’m sure you’re aware, several of the world’s finest treasures are hidden from public view, selfishly hoarded away by a prestigious minority. Did you know that the typical big-city museum displays only 15 percent of its accumulated artifacts? Which means most of the world’s historical wealth is currently sitting somewhere in crates.’

  Payne whistled softly. ‘Eighty-five percent.’

  ‘Alas, that’s just the museums. If you factor in the billionaire collectors who have Monets hanging in their bathrooms, then I’m sure the overall percentage would be well over ninety. Thankfully, this institution is doing something about it. Since this building opened, the Ulster Foundation has promoted the radical concept of sharing. I know sharing doesn’t sound radical, but when you’re talking about priceless artifacts, it actually is.’

  ‘I’m not sure I follow,’ Payne admitted.

  ‘Let’s say you teach at Al Azhar University in Cairo. While authoring a book, you realize you’re lacking some critical information on the Nubian sites in Sudan – data that can be found in the Archives. So what do you do? Do you fly here empty-handed and use their books? Of course not. That would be selfish in the eyes of the Foundation. Instead, you loan them an artifact that other scholars might be interested in – perhaps a discovery that you made in Giza – and in return this institute will provide you access to the documents you requested.’

  Jones nodded his approval. ‘Sharing… I like it.’

  ‘Well,’ Boyd argued, ‘you might not like it nearly as much in about ten minutes, because we have nothing to offer these people. Sure, we have the scroll, but I’m afraid this isn’t an appropriate time for its debut. There are still too many riddles to solve before we go public.’

  ‘What about your video?’ Payne suggested. ‘Would there be any harm in showing that?’

  ‘The video of the Catacombs?’ Boyd pondered the notion for several seconds. ‘Alas, I must admit that film is not my handiwork. Therefore, I must defer to young Miss Pelati. My dear, how does a premiere strike your fancy?’

  A broad smile crossed her lips. ‘Since I haven’t had my fancy struck in quite some time, I confess the concept sounds exhilarating… Wouldn’t you agree, David?’

  Jones glanced at her and winked. ‘Yes, Maria, I’m with you on that one.’

  ‘Outstanding!’ Boyd cheered, failing to pick up on the flirting. ‘Then let’s get to it. I can’t wait to see what we uncover.’

  ‘Me, neither,’ Jones mumbled to himself. ‘Me, neither.’

  A team of armed security guards led the foursome across the wooded grounds and into the lobby of the chalet, where the director of the Archives was waiting to greet them. Petr Ulster, grandson to the institute’s patriarch, was a round man in his early forties with a thick brown beard that covered his multiple chins. Yet somehow he came across as boylike, mostly due to the twinkle in his eye and his enthusiasm for knowledge.

  ‘Hello,’ he said with a faint Swiss accent. ‘My name is Petr, and it is an honor to make your acquaintance. How is it I may help you?’

  Under normal conditions, Dr Boyd would’ve taken charge, explaining who he was and what they were hoping to find. But his current standing as an international fugitive made that pretty impractical, so Payne took it upon himself to be the group leader.

  ‘It’s nice to meet you, Petr. My name is Jonathon Payne, and these are the members of my traveling party: D.J., Chuck, and Maria.’

  Ulster shook hands with each. ‘And what type of excursion are you on?’

  ‘A confidential one.’ Payne nodded toward the guards. ‘Is there somewhere we can talk?’

  ‘Of course. Follow me.’

  Ulster practically skipped down the hallway, leading them to his private office. Bookshelves filled with leather-bound first editions dominated the suite. The rest of the wooden walls were covered in framed photographs depicting colorful scenes from Switzerland and abroad.

  ‘I must admit,’ he said, ‘I’
m particularly intrigued by your appearance. Most academics call ahead before visiting Küsendorf. Very rarely do they show up at the front door.’

  Payne took a seat next to Ulster. ‘Sorry about that, but the truth is, I’m not a scholar.’

  ‘Oh? Then I’m doubly fascinated by your appearance. What in the world are you then?’

  ‘Me? I’m the CEO of an American company named Payne Industries.’

  Ulster beamed. ‘A businessman! How wonderfully wonderful! It has been a while since we’ve been visited by an American collector. Tell me, what’s your area of interest?’

  ‘Actually, Petr, I’m not a collector. I’d say I’m more like a financier.’

  ‘Marvelous! Simply marvelous!’ He put his hand on Payne’s knee and patted it a few times. ‘My grandfather would applaud your philanthropy. He really, truly would!’

  Payne wasn’t sure how to handle Ulster’s enthusiasm or abundant use of adverbs, but he was tempted to recommend decaf. ‘It’s funny you should mention your grandfather, because from what I understand he came to Switzerland looking for the same thing that my team requires.’

  ‘Really? And what is that?’

  ‘Sanctuary.’ Payne leaned closer and whispered, ‘We’re at a critical point in our journey, and I’m afraid if word leaked out, a rival faction might be able to use it against us.’

  ‘A rival faction?’ Ulster rubbed his hands in anticipation. He wasn’t used to dealing with such excitement. ‘This information you seek, what is it?’

  Payne nodded toward Boyd. ‘Chuck? Would you mind handling this one?’

  ‘We’re looking for any information you might have on Tiberius and his right-hand man, Paccius. Preferably data about their later years.’

  ‘Ah, the mysterious General Paccius. We’re blessed with several documents from the Empire that might help your cause. As luck should have it, my grandfather had a particular passion for the ancient Romans, since they once occupied his native Austria.’

  ‘Brilliant! Bloody brilliant!’

  ‘Regrettably your research might be difficult, for several pieces in his Roman collection have never been translated, and many others have never been logged.’

  ‘Not to worry,’ Payne assured him. ‘When we’re done, we’ll be more than happy to leave our translations behind. That is, the ones that won’t put us in harm’s way.’

  Ulster chortled loudly. ‘Oh, Jonathon, you are mysterious. And I’m certainly glad I’ve made your acquaintance. Nevertheless, before I can let you upstairs, I’m afraid I must ask the one question that we pose to all visitors.’

  ‘And that is?’

  ‘What can you offer this institution as repayment for our services?’

  ‘I don’t know. We’re traveling kind of light, being in the field and all. What type of donation would be acceptable?’

  ‘I’d love to offer you a suggestion. Sadly, since I know very little about your journey, it’s tough for me to say. Perhaps if you threw me a hint or two, I could assist your selection.’

  ‘A hint or two?’

  He nodded, sliding closer to Payne on the couch. ‘Or even a crumb. I can assure you whatever you tell me will remain in the strictest of confidence. The documents in this chalet would never have survived the war if it wasn’t for secrecy. My grandfather relied on it, and he taught me how precious it can be. So rest assured I would never dishonor his memory by breaking my word.’

  Payne glanced around the room and noticed a large TV sitting in the corner. It would do nicely when the moment was right. ‘Petr, as I mentioned, I’m a businessman, not a scholar. And as a businessman, I always try to negotiate the best deal for myself before I agree to anything.’

  Ulster leaned forward. ‘I’m listening.’

  ‘You see, my team requires more than just admittance to the Archives. While we’re in town we’d like round-the-clock access, a private room to conduct our studies, plus your services as an extra researcher. I figure no one knows your documents better than you.’

  ‘My services? Oh, Jonathon! You slay me, you really do! But I’m afraid it would take something staggering to consider such an agreement. Absolutely, completely staggering. But let’s be honest, what could you possibly be involved in that would make it worth my time?’

  Petr Ulster started canceling his appointments before the video was half finished. He’d always believed in the existence of the Catacombs, and now that he’d seen visual proof, he could think of nothing he’d rather be working on. Payne didn’t even mention the scroll or the religious overtones of their mission, yet Ulster was bouncing around the room like a goat in heat.

  ‘Tell me,’ he begged. ‘What are you’re looking for? It must be something unbelievably important, or you wouldn’t be squelching this discovery.’

  Boyd nodded. ‘There is some doubt in our minds why the Catacombs were built. We believe it was to celebrate a clandestine deal between Tiberius and Paccius, but we’re lacking proof.’

  Ulster rose from his chair. ‘Then what are we waiting for? Let’s see what we can discover!’

  The Roman Collection was stored in the largest room in the chalet, even though its basic design was similar to all the other document vaults. The floors were made out of fireproof wood – boards that had been coated with an aqueous-based resin – while the white walls and ceilings had been treated with a fire-retardant spray. The texts themselves were kept in massive fireproof safes, which were well-guarded behind bulletproof security doors.

  Ulster invited them to find a seat before he accessed the control panel. Beeps filled the air as he entered his ten-digit security code, a sound replaced by the low rumble of the partitions as they inched across the floor in their motorized tracks. Once the glass had disappeared into the walls, the knobs on the individual vaults started to spin in unison, then popped open.

  Ulster asked, ‘Have you figured out how you want to conduct this search? Like I mentioned before, much of this collection has not been logged or translated.’

  ‘And those that have been logged?’

  ‘Sorted by approximate date and/or subject matter, depending on my mood that day.’

  Boyd took a deep breath. This was going to be far tougher than he had originally hoped.

  Although far from home, Jones accessed the databank in his Pittsburgh-based office to retrieve background information on Boyd and Maria – specifically Boyd’s involvement with the CIA and Maria’s family history. If Payne and Jones were going to work side-by-side with them, they needed to know everything they could about their backgrounds.

  Boyd’s real name was Charles Ian Holloway, and he graduated from Annapolis in the early sixties. After that, things got murky. He was loaned to the Pentagon for an ‘alternative tour of duty,’ at which time he dropped off the Academy radar. No more records. No forwarding address. Nothing. He was effectively wiped from their system, which, Jones assumed, was the moment that Charles Boyd was born and began his new career in the CIA.

  To verify this fact, Jones downloaded a picture of Boyd from a local news agency and sent it to Randy Raskin at the Pentagon with a message that said: ‘Is Chuck safe to drink with?’

  This was a coded way to find out if Boyd was viewed as a threat by the U.S. government. If Jones had wanted to know about Boyd’s access to top secret information, he would’ve asked if Boyd was ‘safe to dine with.’ If Raskin’s response mentioned a ‘one-course meal,’ then Boyd was cleared to discuss first-level documents. A ‘two-course meal’ meant second level, and so on. But Jones didn’t care about that. He wasn’t looking to share secrets with the guy. He simply wanted to know if Boyd was in good standing with the Agency.

  Jones also wanted to know why Raskin didn’t warn them about Boyd’s duties with the CIA when Payne called him from Milan. That just didn’t make sense.

  While he waited for Raskin’s response, Jones switched his focus to Maria Pelati and found everything he was looking for. She grew up in Rome, moved to an exclusive prep school in England be
fore she reached her teens, and then enrolled in Dover, where she’d been studying for the past ten years. Interpol documents proved that she rarely left the U.K., even for the holidays, which suggested that her relationship with her father was, in fact, strained.

  Her only extended visit to Italy in the past decade was the one she took recently, flying from London to Rome on the same flight as Dr Boyd two weeks ago. From there, Jones was able to track their whereabouts around Orvieto by following a string of credit card transactions. A hotel bill here, a store purchase there – always within their means – and absolutely nothing to suggest that they were treasure hunters on the verge of a big payday.

  As Jones continued his research, his computer let him know that Raskin had replied to his e-mail. He opened the message with a click of his mouse. It said:

  Drink away, my friend, but not in public. Foreign bouncers will be checking IDs.

  49

  At first Payne thought Dr Boyd was joking when he asked him to leave the Roman Collection room to give them more space. That is until he started talking about claustrophobia and claiming there wasn’t enough air to breathe with so many people around the table.

  Needless to say, Payne was stunned. After giving it some thought, though, he realized Boyd was right: Payne was pretty useless in the research department. He couldn’t read Latin or log ancient scrolls. And he certainly didn’t have the computer skills that Jones possessed. In fact, when it came right down to it, there wasn’t anything that he could do except guard the door and fetch prosciutto sandwiches when they got hungry.

  That’s right, he was their rent-a-cop sandwich bitch.

  Anyway, Payne decided not to make a scene and asked Ulster if he could use his office to work on a project of his own. Ulster laughed and told him to help himself, which was probably a mistake on his part, because Payne was about to fingerprint two suspects who weren’t even there, using the specimens that he collected in Milan.