The Atlantis revelation

38

Back at the hotel and convention center, Lorenzo crossed the atrium lobby and approached the commanding officer at the security desk. He was an ambitious priest, and Dr. Yeats had given him a golden opportunity to accelerate his rise within the Dei even as he attempted to protect his superiors.

"I just saw the fugitive who murdered Mercedes Le Roche," Lorenzo said breathlessly. "Conrad Yeats the American. He is here at the summit."

The Greek looked at Lorenzo's badge and collar and decided to take the report seriously enough to ask further questions. "Was he wearing a badge, Father?"

"Yes," said Lorenzo helpfully. "The name was Firat Kayda, and it had a red security stripe for access to the inner zones. Holy Mother of God, maybe this American killed Kayda and has taken his place to kill someone here!"

"Please, Father. Do not repeat this. We will investigate."

Lorenzo detected a dismissive tone in the Greek official's voice. "You're not going to do any such thing, are you?"

The officer picked up a phone. "Firat Kayda," he said, and hung up.

"That's all?" Lorenzo said.

"Please wait, Father."

The officer attended to some papers with the other officers while Lorenzo watched, burning with anger. A minute later, the Greek saw his frown and looked at a computer terminal. "Here it is," he said, looking at a time-stamped video clip of the moment Kayda had passed through the hotel checkpoint. A concerned expression took hold on the Greek's face as the facial-recognition program kicked in. "There is a high degree of probability that you are correct."

"At last," Lorenzo said.

The Greek started typing furiously. "I am flagging his name and attaching the video for when he presents himself at a checkpoint. He'll be refused entry and arrested immediately."

"Don't forget that he is armed and dangerous, Officer. He has killed and may kill again."

The Greek looked up warily. "Thank you very much, Father. You have been most helpful."

Lorenzo made the sign of the cross and walked away.