The Hammer of God

43

S ister Isabella drove Robert and Thorne into Rome, and dropped them in front of Trevi Fountain, in the middle of Rome’s world-renowned historic center, and agreed to pick them up in two hours at the same spot.

The mid-morning crowd went about its business, as if strolling past some of the world’s most entrancing monuments and artistic masterpieces were as common as passing the post office. Robert guessed that for those who lived here, that was the case. However, for he and Thorne the sight of the alluring Spanish Steps, the enchanting Trevi Fountain, and the awe-stirring Piazza Navona, it was a cultural rush they rarely experienced back in the states. Only the cloud of Samuel’s abduction could taint the sights they both adored.

Several members of Il Martello di Dio had trailed Alison from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport to the Grand Hotel del la Minerve, a five star hotel in a seventeenth century building less than half a mile from where Sister Isabella left them. Alison had checked into one of the hotel’s luxury suites on the top floor, alone. Robert guessed she was there, most likely, at the invitation of Cardinal Polletto, the man in which she now put her trust. Without Donovan or Samuel at her side, he fully understood, but wondered what the malevolent cardinal wanted with her.

He had her son, and had killed her husband. Money was not a problem, Robert was sure Cardinal Polletto had access to untold riches. Strange, very strange.

Back in Chicago, Robert didn’t dare burden Alison with his suspicions. She hadn’t been very open to receiving their help, and Donavon’s murder compounded matters. However, now that he’d found Samuel, and knew of Cardinal Polletto’s plans, he had to at least tell Alison enough to keep her safe.

Robert and Thorne reached the Grand Hotel de la Minerve, its seventeenth century Victorian architecture every bit as stunning as the area around it. Inside, the lobby was exquisitely adorned in rich royal blue antique furniture, atop elegant Persian rugs and an ice white marble floor. They strode through the lobby without so much as a glance from the hotel staff, but Robert knew better. The appearance of discretion was requisite at the finer hotels in Italy. But even though no direct stare was obvious, he knew that every detail of their arrival had been mentally catalogued, down to the time, and a full description of what they were wearing.

They caught the elevator to the fifth floor and located Alison’s suite.

Robert hesitated before knocking, wondering what reception they’d receive, and prepared himself for the worst. When Alison opened the door, her faced exploded in a vibrant smile. She hugged them both and invited them inside. Her friendliness caught him off guard, but left him relieved that she was getting back to her old self.

Alison’s suite was every bit as elegant and well-appointed as the rest of the hotel, complete with a white, gold-inlaid Victorian ceiling, full living room of antique furniture, and varied prints of Leonardo di Vinci, Raphael and Michael Angelo suspended on rich pink walls.

“We’re surprised to see you here,” offered Robert, resting back in the lime colored pastel armchair, legs crossed. “But I’m glad to see you with a smile back on your face.”

“Cardinal Polletto thought it a good idea and invited me,” answered Alison, her bright demeanor reminding Robert of the first time Donavon introduced them. “He said it wasn’t right that I sit at home alone, and I agree. I feel much better.”

“Good,” said Thorne, looking comfortable lying back in the billowy cushioned couch. “Did the FBI give you a hard time?”

“They did at first,” answered Alison, suddenly subdued. “With Samuel still lost, they thought it a good idea that I stay close, but Cardinal Polletto made some calls on my behalf, and they let up.” Robert seethed inside. He tried to put a finger on why Cardinal Polletto would involve Alison. The more he pondered, his desire to kill the cardinal increased.

“That was nice of him,” said Robert. “Have you spoken with the cardinal since you arrived?”

“Not yet,” she answered. “He left word that he might be tied up for a day or two, and that he’d catch up with me later, which is fine with me. I haven’t been to Rome in a long time. I’ll catch up on the sights and do a little shopping. Now, tell me, what are you two doing here, and how did you know where to find me?”

Robert had anticipated Alison’s questions. “How much do you know about Cardinal Polletto?”

Alison looked confused. “Donovan and I met him years ago,” she answered. “Father Tolbert introduced us the year after we adopted Samuel. Why?”

Thorne edged forward. “Honey, we’re here following up a lead that Samuel’s kidnappers are in Rome.”

Alison’s mouth opened, but she was unable to speak.

“We knew this would be a shock,” Robert added. “But there’s more.”

Alison looked over at Robert in wonder. “More?” she asked.

“We have reason to believe Cardinal Polletto may be involved, or have knowledge of the kidnapping.”

Alison snapped to her feet. “That’s impossible! Why would he do such a thing?”

Thorne stood, walked over and put an arm around her. “We understand your hesitation,” she said, calm and soothing. “But you know us, we take our job seriously, and this is Samuel we’re talking about.” Alison shook her head. “I just can’t believe it. Have you told the FBI?”

Thorne eased Alison back down in her chair, but remained at her side, a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Robert leaned forward. “We don’t want to involve them,” he answered. “If we do, we’ll lose control. It’ll become a circus and tip our hand.”

Alison put her head in both hands and took a deep breath. When she emerged, both eyes were red and puffy. “What next?” she sniffled.

Robert cleared his throat. “Right now we’re keeping a close watch on the kidnappers, waiting for them to move. When they do, we’ll move in and take them down.”

Alison began to shake. Thorne massaged her shoulders. “It’s okay, honey, we’re right here for you.”

“What can I do to help?” Alison asked, tears cascading down her cheeks.

Robert knelt in front of her. “Just sit tight as though everything is the same. Don’t give any hint of what we told you to anyone, and we’ll bring Samuel home.”

Alison froze. “Bring him home? How can you be so sure?” Robert smiled. “We’ve seen him. He looked okay.” Alison leapt forward and wrapped her arms around Robert, almost knocking him over. “Thank you, Robert. Thank you.” Robert hugged her tight. “It’s okay,” he said, his voice low, cracking.

“We love Samuel, and we’ll do everything we can to get him back.”

“Hey, let me get some of that,’ said Thorne, walking over. Alison hugged Thorne tight.

Robert gave a heavy sigh of relief, happy that Alison was back on their side. She let go of his partner and faced him.

“Forgive me for the way I acted back in Chicago,” said Alison, looking ashamed. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“It’s okay, we understand,” said Thorne. “You were under more pressure than anybody should have to handle.”

“Yes,” added Robert. “We never blamed you. You’re family.” Alison eased down in the chair. “What do I say if Cardinal Polletto finds out you were here?”

“Tell him we’re here on another case,” said Robert. “If he wants to know more he can find us.”

“Yes,” added Thorne. “We’re ready for him.” Alison shook her head again. “Cardinal Polletto? It’s still so hard to believe.”

“We’ve seen stranger things, trust us,” quipped Thorne. “You just make sure you call us if you see or hear anything suspicious.”

“Yes,” added Robert. “We don’t want anything to happen to you.” Alison’s forehead wrinkled. “If Cardinal Polletto has Samuel, why would he invite me here?”

“He probably feels like he has more control over the situation if he can keep a better eye on you,” said Robert.

“Yes,” added Thorne. “If he meant to harm you, he would’ve done it in Chicago.”

“But why does he want Samuel?” asked Alison.

Robert looked over at Thorne, whose eyes said, don’t you dare.

“We don’t know,” Robert lied. “But it doesn’t matter, all we care about is getting him back.”

Fifteen minutes later, Robert and Thorne were on their way back to Trevi Fountain to be picked up by Sister Isabella. Alison watched them cross the courtyard from her window. Father Ortega exited the bathroom and slipped his. 45 automatic back in its holster. He stood behind Alison, watched Robert and Thorne disappear around a corner, pulled out his cell phone, and dialed.

Robert and Thorne reached Trevi Fountain early, and waited, not noticing the thinning pale-skinned man behind them, sporting freshly cut blond hair. Collar up on his black leather jacket, Father Tolbert eyed them, working up his nerve. When he finally did, a car, driven by a serious-looking dark haired woman, who reminded him of Sister Isabella, quickly pulled up and swooped them away.

Father Tolbert had gotten wind of Alison Napier’s arrival. He too had a few connections in Rome. He staked out the hotel, knowing Samuel’s godfather would show eventually, and trailed them to Trevi Fountain after they left the hotel, but lost his nerve. Now, they were gone. He looked around and made sure he hadn’t been noticed. I’ll make the rounds and watch the hotel until they show again.

The priest wandered through the ancient streets, back to the small, hidden hotel where he felt safe.