I woke early and before Caro came down, had already spoken to the bishop, who intended to call me later with some information he said he was waiting for. We sat at the table to drink our coffee.
‘You seemed to get on well with Bill last night. He’s a really nice chap, isn’t he?’
‘Yes, he is, and I know what you’re hinting at, Benoît, but back off. We’ve got other things to attend to, in case you’ve forgotten. We still need a plan.’
‘I know. Has anyone ever told you how bossy you are?’
Yes, you! Frequently! Right now, you should be glad of it!’
‘Oh, I am, I am.’
‘Huh. I gave our situation quite a bit of thought last night before I went to sleep. I think we need to go over to Harcourt’s house, catch him in his den, and threaten him. We need to stand strong and firm, and show no fear whatsoever. He may have thugs and guns, but realistically, here in England, it isn’t quite that simple. Killing us all can’t possibly be his aim, because he’d never get away with it. We need to speak to Merry and look at the documents she found in Peter’s desk. I’ll call her later. I want to tell her how sorry I am, and offer support too. The documents will most likely be the ones that Hortense told us about, but there may be a few surprises in store yet!’
‘Please, no more surprises… Harcourt will want the original parchments, because that gives him the most power, but we’ll have to trust that Franco can take care of himself. I don’t doubt that Harcourt knows that Franco will want to protect us because of his friendship with our parents, and that gives him some advantage, but I think Franco will already have that covered.’
‘Agreed.’
‘At no point must we be separated, nor anyone who might be with us, because that’s his main strength, since none of us values what we know, or have, as much as we value each other. He will see that as a weakness.’
‘Remember the Templar cube? Love conquers all. I wish we had the cube here – I want to hold it.’ Caro was silent and looked thoughtful for a moment, gazing into the distance, her eyes filled with tears. I watched as she slowly gathered herself, and sat up straight in her chair, just like Hortense might have done.
‘I suggest we watch his house for a day or two and see what his movements are. He’s injured, so I don’t imagine he’ll be going very far. Good old Hortense. Then, once we can establish that he’s in there and on his own, we strike. We corner him and tell him that we have sent letters to important people, to say that if anything happens to us, he’s the one to go looking for. We say that we have evidence of his involvement, that the French police are after him in connection with Hortense’s death, and the English ones will be too if we make just one phone call. His bullet wound will be a real giveaway to illegal involvement, even if he was treated privately somewhere.’
‘That’s true, and Niort may well be on his case for all we know. We can tell him that all his movements are being watched, and have been for some time; that we have connections with the Vatican and the Secret Service, which is almost true; and that the decision has already been made to face up to any documents that might be made public, accusing the possessors as being blackmailers and frauds. We can also say that the journal has been burned, as have the copy parchments, and anything else he may be after is nothing to do with us, and that even the slightest attempt to harass us will end with him being banged up again. He won’t like that.’
‘Remember what Bill said when a mother stood up to him at the school gates? He crumbled, and he won’t want everyone knowing about his criminal record, or being thrown out of the SAS for psychological instability. Our final threat is that he is in grave danger of being got rid of, just like Peter, and that it might be in his best interests if he clears off for good. There you go, Benoît. What do you think?’
‘It sounds reasonable, but I would like to add a few things if I may. The man’s insane – we mustn’t forget that, and he may do something that a person who had a normal thought process wouldn’t do. Secondly, I want to ask the bishop to come with us. He’ll probably insist on it, and he still holds some influence and has good contacts at the Vatican. We must let Franco know; I’m sure he’ll be in touch over the next day or so. If he could provide some discreet back-up support, then I’d be a lot happier. What about Bill?’
‘Well, we’ve involved him now. We can talk to him about the plan and see what he says. I’m going to call Merry, and I suggest you speak to the bishop and Bill. We can carry out a few reconnaissance missions to assess Harcourt’s house; the best way in, and even if he’s there at all.’
‘I’ve been there half a dozen times, so I can help with basic layout. Let’s make our phone calls and take it from there.’
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN
Caro went into the sitting room and I stayed in the kitchen with my mobile. The bishop answered almost immediately and I explained our plans.
‘I was just about to call you, Benoît. Harcourt’s around alright. I’m told his wound is infected and he’s staying close to home. I want to come with you; the more of us that storm the place the better. I know a few of his ex-Vatican contacts, and could cause quite a stir if I chose to. As you know, the church doesn’t want to promote the image of control, dominance, and connections to criminality any more. I’m not saying they’ve achieved that, but I truly think that’s the way it’s going, and I hope they achieve it. What about Franco?’
‘I’m hoping he’ll contact me today and, if he does, I’ll ask for back-up. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.’ I told him about Bill and his timely meeting with Harcourt in the church, explaining that he would most likely be with us when we finally faced our demon.
‘I wanted to talk to you about my work. You know I don’t want the permanent post of priest? Bishop, I’m sorry to ask, but I need to take a sabbatical. I know how things are, but so much has happened, and I need to take time out to consider my position and where I go from here. My beliefs haven’t changed, and I’m sure they never will, but there are issues I haven’t dealt with, and things I need to find out about my parents. I need time for that. I’ve only had one proper sabbatical in my entire career in the priesthood, and that was twenty years ago. Would you consider it, please?’
He answered without any pause. ‘Benoît, consider it granted. You’ve been through an awful lot, and I fully understand your desire to take stock and reflect before you move on. I shall be in Ireland by the end of the summer myself – nothing stays the same for ever! Let us both grasp the time we’ve been given. “Life is what is happening whilst we’re busy making other plans.” That’s what John Lennon said, wasn’t it?’
‘Thank you. I really appreciate it. Yes, that was a quote of his, and a very appropriate one right now.’
‘Indeed. OK, so unless I hear otherwise, I’ll set aside tomorrow for our mission. Would you both join me for lunch at The Swan, in Bibury? Declan will pick you up at one, so no need to drive, and bring Bill too. I met him once at a memorial service. He’s a good man, and it sounds like he’s being very supportive and we could all do with that. Then we can go back to your cottage and take it from there.’
I agreed to this arrangement and rang off. My next call was to Bill. As expected, he insisted on coming to Harcourt’s with us, and I passed on the lunch invitation, which was gratefully accepted. ‘I know how to handle bullies like Harcourt, Ben. I’ll take a few drives by his house too, and report back. I’ll speak to you later.’
* * *
In the sitting room, Caro was still talking to Merry. I turned to go back into the kitchen to give her some privacy, but she waved her hand and ended the call, confirming that we would see her in the morning.
‘I hope that was OK… she sounded so low. Can we find some flowers from somewhere today for her? I said we’d go for coffee at ten.’
Synchronising our conversations, we agreed to pop into town to buy flowers and drive by Harcourt�
��s house to refresh my memory of the entrance, outside lighting, paths, and where we might park without being seen.
There was no one in sight when we got into the car, and the village seemed almost deserted. Parking right outside the flower shop, Caro went inside, whilst I stood on watch, looking up and down the street until she came back out, her arms full of flowers.
‘Black Coat’s on duty, I see. I shall really miss him when he’s gone.’
‘Where? I didn’t see him.’
‘Right there, by the jewellery shop.’
She was right, and he raised an eyebrow at me as I caught his eye. I wound down the window, and made a gesture of a phone to my ear. Once again, a slight raise of an eyebrow. I didn’t doubt that he knew what I meant, and we drove off in the direction of Adrian’s house. Within ten minutes we were passing it, and I immediately saw that there were two cars on his drive. There was a secluded lay-by just before the house, which would be an ideal place to park. There were no street lights out here, and it would be dark if we timed it correctly.
There was only one door at the top of a stone-slabbed path, with an outside light that may or may not be on. There were no windows on that side of the house, which was good since he wouldn’t be able to see us approach. A blob of chewed gum would be in my mouth, ready to place over the spyhole that I knew was there. If he called out to see who it was, I would call back, ‘It’s Benoît, I have something for you.’ We turned around and passed by again, and I ran my thoughts by Caro.
‘The gum is ingenious, Ben. I don’t know how you manage to think up such brilliant tactical strategies.’
I looked at her to see if she was teasing, and we both burst out laughing. ‘Seriously, it’s a good idea, but just sounds so ridiculous. You’re a priest and I’m a history professor. What the hell are we doing?’
I assumed the question was rhetorical, and concentrated on getting back to the cottage as fast as possible. When we drew up outside I immediately saw a large, black BMW parked facing us on the opposite side. The windows were darkened and it was difficult to see who was inside.
‘Look, Ben, it’s Black Coat plus one. They’re doubling up on our protection – let’s get inside quick.’
‘How can you see that? You’ve got the eyesight of a fox! Either that or I’m going to have to get my eyes tested.’
CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT
The phone was ringing as we stepped inside.
‘Benoît, it’s Franco. I’m walking up your path right now. Please can you let me in?’
I quickly unbolted the door to find Franco in front of me. He was short, no more than five feet seven, and was deeply tanned, with neat black hair and dark brown eyes. We gazed at each other for a moment and then he threw his arms around me, in true Italian style, enveloping me in the familiar smell of pine forests and cedar, whilst firmly kissing both of my cheeks.
Somewhat taken aback, I was, for a moment, rendered speechless. Despite being short, he was powerfully built and held a huge presence. The warmth and humility in his face was unmistakable, and I led him through into the sitting room and offered him a seat. Caro came out, and I introduced them.
‘Will you have a drink, Franco? I feel that we should at least celebrate our meeting at last. I must admit, I feel rather overwhelmed.’
‘Yes, it’s a moment of celebration amidst the trouble. Anything you have, Benoît.’
I went to fetch the champagne that had been in the fridge for some time and popped it into the freezer for a few minutes whilst getting out the glasses, preparing the ice bucket, and putting a few olives in a dish. I had been looking for an excuse to open this bottle for ages, and I fully intended to drink it exactly as I liked it; freezing cold.
Franco and Caro were talking away, and she seemed to be answering questions about her career, and what she hoped to do now she was retired. I watched them as I gently popped the cork and poured the champagne. I had the most curious sensation of knowing this man well, and yet I had never met him.
‘This is delicious, Benoît. Your mother always said you had superb taste. Please may I talk for a while? I have so much to say.’
I nodded. His accented English was quite mesmerising, and I recognised him immediately as one of those rare people who had immense charisma, and an inexplicable spellbinding presence. I wanted nothing more at that moment than to listen to what he had to say. Caro was staring at him too, and looked like she was in a trance.
‘As you know, I was a great friend and colleague of your parents. They were like my family, and when they were killed, I was devastated. Benoît, I have always thought of you as a godson. I was just twenty when I started to work with your parents. All my family were killed in the war; I was going to join the priesthood, but another path was chosen for me, and here I am; seventy-five, and meeting you for the first time. I often sent you things: books, toys, a patchwork quilt that I had made for you in Sicily?’
‘I still have it on my bed in France. Thank you so much, Franco, I treasure it.’
‘When the current situation is resolved, I’m retiring and going home to Sicily. I managed to buy back my old family home, and over the past two years it has undergone restoration. I know it’s said that you cannot ever truly go back home, but this isn’t the case for me. It’s the only place where I can possibly live, and I think you understand this, Benoît?
‘I must tell you that my entire estate, which is considerable, is left to you. It gives me great pleasure to know that it will all be yours one day, although I have no intention of dying just yet! I hope you will both visit me there and consider it to be your home too, since you are my only family now. I think you know that gangster Vatican officials killed your parents? I’ve heard that the Vatican has cut them off altogether now, but Harcourt belongs to their group and is a very dangerous man, mostly because he is a psychopath, which makes him unpredictable. When I heard that Hortense had shot him, I laughed for an hour. However, I regret that she didn’t manage to kill him, since it would have saved us all a lot of trouble.’
I put down my glass. ‘Franco, it’s wonderful to meet you.’ Caro echoed this. ‘And I know I can speak for us both when I say we would love to visit you in Sicily. As for being your main beneficiary, all I can do is thank you. Once again, I’m overwhelmed. As you know, we have no family left at all now, so it’s an honour to have found a new member.’
I went on to tell him about our plan for the following evening, and the people involved. He thought for a moment.
‘I agree for the most part, but you must understand the unpredictability of the situation. Harcourt may well back down and give up on the parchments, but there are others that might not. I’ll make sure my people are watching to help if there are difficulties. I can’t have either of you hurt. I promised Celestine and Henrikas that I would look out for you both if anything happened to them, and I intend doing this. I should never have sent you the parchments, and I sincerely apologise for that.’
‘Thank you. I involved Caro, which I regret too.’
‘When you were in Rome, Benoît, I had my men follow you all the time. I think you were aware that you were being followed? I also tried to talk to Harcourt, but he wouldn’t co-operate in any way. Aldo will be waiting for you tomorrow at nine in the evening. He can take you all to the house and come in with you. It was he who saved you from the vicar, Peter, in Rennes-le-Château. I know that you have other discoveries that you have made there, and here in England too, but it is for you to decide what to do with these things – both of you. There are many ways to tell the truth. Please remember this.’
* * *
We drank the rest of the champagne, and Franco gave us his phone numbers and address in Sicily.
‘I’ll phone you in the next day or so, but if you need anything at all, please call me.’
We watched him go down the path to the car and, back in the co
ttage, we sat down and for a few moments, saying nothing. Caro broke the silence.
‘That was surreal! So… Benoît le paysan becomes even more loaded with money! Perhaps you can now afford some new underwear? What you have is more holes than fabric. What if you were run over and had to go to hospital? Think of how embarrassed you would be, wearing pants full of holes. Perhaps we should go on a spending spree to Harrods? What do you think?’
‘Trust you to bring things down to base level so quickly. If you remember, I have been run over in the past, and I can assure you the state of my underwear was of no concern to anyone. However, you’re right, it does need replacing and I will attend to it, but not Harrods, please. You know I hate London.’
We both laughed. The money was irrelevant, but I was intrigued with Franco’s offer of a holiday in Sicily, and we agreed to arrange this as soon as things were more settled. It was now early evening, and we were both tired and hungry. We had bought a couple of large, fresh pizzas yesterday, and salad, so I left Caro to deal with them and sorted out a few emails, bills, and letters that needed attention. The night had turned cold and blustery, and I lit the fire, which was soon roaring away. Just as we were about to eat, there was banging on the door, and I let Bill in, hair blown about and smelling of fresh, cold air.
‘Sorry to bother you, but I was driving by, and thought it was just as easy to pop in as to phone.’
Caro came through from the kitchen. ‘Come in, Bill. We were just about to eat, but do join us. It’s only pizza but there’s loads. As usual we bought too much.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t want to be a nuisance.’
I spoke. ‘There’s no chance of that, Bill, so please eat with us, and we can share information.’
We went through into the kitchen and sat down. Caro had opened a bottle of the red Lacryma Christi, which was perfect with the pizza, and we updated each other on the latest developments. Our discussion moved on to our lunch invitation from the bishop, which included Bill.
The Priests' Code Page 33
