The Iscariot Agenda

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Job was dressed in faded jeans that blossomed over the high ankle edges of military issued boots, a black cleric shirt, and Roman Catholic collar. His hair was set in a buzz cut and his sunglasses held an amber-colored tint to the lenses. In his hand was his duffel bag. Embroidered across the fabric was the emblem of the Vatican Knights, a coat of arms of a Silver Cross Pattée set against a blue background. The colors were significant in which the silver represented peace and sincerity, and blue the traits of truth and loyalty. Standing alongside the coat of arms were two heraldic lions rising from their hind legs with their forepaws against the shield, stabilizing it. The implication of the lions was a symbolic representation of bravery, strength, ferocity and valor. It was also the symbol worn on their battle attire.

When Job exited the terminal, Cardinal Bonasero Vessucci was waiting for him by the loading curb beside the papal limousine wearing a conservative-style robe that was black with red buttons and scarlet piping. On his head sat a red zucchetto.

When the men saw each other they gave off genuine smiles and, after Job dropped his bag, fell into each other’s embrace.

“It’s good to have you back, Job,” said the cardinal, drawing back. “I’m terribly sorry that you had to be called back from sabbatical so soon.”

“That’s quite all right,” he said, and then he picked up his bag and rounded the vehicle to the open trunk. The limo driver was standing there with his hands held behind the small of his back, a light smile on his face, then stood back as he allowed Job to toss his duffel bag into the cargo bay. When the driver closed the trunk, Job and the cardinal found their rightful seats and settled in.

The car pulled away from the curb, the ride as smooth as sliding over the surface of glass as the limo made its way to the main artery.

Job leaned forward, still wearing his sunglasses. “You said Kimball was in trouble?”

The cardinal nodded. “You know where Kimball comes from, don’t you? You know of his background?”

He nodded. “He was an assassin,” he said straightforwardly.

“Apparently his old team is being terminated by an assassin and we have no idea who he is at this time. The SIV has no information as to who this killer is or why he’s doing what he’s doing. The only thing we do know is that whoever is doing this is going down the list and killing them in order. On the backs of each victim he carves a single letter, spelling the name Iscariot.”

“The betrayer of Christ. But why?”

The cardinal shrugged. “We think — Kimball thinks — that U.S. political factions may be involved in this to cover up past digressions. But the Servizio Informazione del Vaticano cannot find anything to support this.”

“Their government is very good at keeping secrets close to the vest.”

The cardinal nodded. And then: “A majority of his team is dead, all of them killed off by this assassin. And Kimball is running out of options. I need you to prepare yourself, Job. Ezekiel and Joshua will be ending their sabbaticals and returning shortly. If Kimball can get through the next few days, then I want you three to back him up.”

“How’s he holding up?”

The cardinal shook his head and managed a look of concern. “Besides him,” he began, “he’s working alongside two brothers who are as ruthless as Kimball is with his skilled techniques. Nevertheless, I would feel much better knowing that he had the backup of the Vatican Knights, instead.”

The cardinal fell back into his seat and stared out the window, his eyes staring at nothing in particular, the world passing by in a blur. It was quite possible that Kimball could neutralize the situation, he considered. But if he couldn’t, then there was no doubt in Vessucci’s mind that Kimball would have to return to the safety of the papal confines.

And if this should happen, then he would most likely bring this war to the Vatican.

Fighting for calm to quell the mounting anxiety, Cardinal Vessucci closed his eyes and began to pray.