The Secret Cardinal

46

‘Where did you find this?’ Donoher asked.

The sleek black device was rectangular with rounded edges, about the size of the Camerlengo’s palm, and less than a half inch thick. The face consisted of an LCD screen framed in silver and an array of tiny silver oval buttons. Above the LCD screen were three small holes for the speaker and the name BlackBerry.

‘In Cardinal Velu’s apartment,’ Grin replied. ‘It was packed in among his things.’

Donoher switched on the phone. A screen graphic appeared as the BlackBerry booted up and tried to acquire a signal.

‘It won’t work down here,’ Grin said, reminding Donoher that they were in the catacombs. ‘I tried it in the apartment as well — I don’t think Velu’s carrier in Bombay has a roaming deal with any of the local providers. Then one of the Swiss Guards noticed something interesting about this particular BlackBerry.’

‘Did he now?’ Donoher asked.

‘This model is WiFi-enabled and compatible with the Vatican’s wireless network,’ Grin continued. ‘And it’s standard issue for the Swiss Guards. From his apartment, Cardinal Velu can send and receive e-mail and text messages.’

‘Has he done so?’

‘I haven’t checked. I thought I’d better bring it up with you before rifling through his e-mail.’

‘Of all the cardinals, Velu makes the least sense for this. He’s been involved in our negotiations with the Chinese regarding Yin and our other clergy for years.’ Donoher handed the BlackBerry back to Grin. ‘I want you to review Velu’s messages, but before you do, let’s have a chat with him.’

They found Velu deep in prayer, alone and kneeling at the grave of Pope Leo XIV in the Old Grottoes beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica. The claustrophobic space was all that remained of the original basilica, its volume so reduced that a man of average height could touch the ceiling with little difficulty. All around them lay the intricately fashioned tombs of Popes dating to antiquity.

As the sound of their echoing footsteps drew closer, Velu lifted his head and turned in their direction.

‘So sorry to disturb you, Esteemed Brother,’ Donoher apologized.

Velu slowly rose to his feet. ‘Just visiting with an old friend. I was unable to pay my respects before the funeral. I do not believe I have met your associate, Father?’

‘It’s Mister,’ Grin corrected him. ‘I’m not a priest.’

‘I do not understand,’ Velu said, eyeing Grin’s cassock.

‘Mister Grinelli’s sole oath is to the conclave,’ Donoher explained. ‘He is dressed in this manner so that he may move about the Vatican without drawing undo attention to himself. He is involved with liberating Bishop Yin.’

Velu extended his hand and clasped Grin’s tightly. ‘Then my prayers are with you.’

‘Uh, thanks.’

‘What has brought you both here?’ Velu asked.

‘We’re looking for answers,’ Donoher replied.

Grin reached into his pocket and pulled out the BlackBerry ‘This device was found in your room. Is it yours?’

‘Yes,’ Velu replied.

‘Please think quite carefully about the next question,’ Donoher said, ‘because we do intend to investigate this device. Have you employed it since swearing the oath to secrecy?’

‘Yes.’

Donoher seemed almost pained by the admission. ‘Then you admit to breaking your holy oath?’

Velu nodded. ‘I had to.’

‘But in heaven’s name, why?’

‘My mother is dying. That’s why I did not come to Rome immediately. I stayed with her until the last possible moment. I even offered to claim grave impediment and forgo the conclave, but she would not hear of it. She hopes that I will be Pope.’

‘What does your mother have to do with Yin?’ Grin asked.

‘Nothing at all,’ Velu replied. ‘I just pray the new Pope will be named soon so I can be with her at the end.’

‘Just so we are crystal clear about this,’ Donoher said, ‘with whom have you been in contact?’

‘My brother, Raji. He and his wife are helping to care for my mother.’

‘And no one else?’ Grin asked.

‘No one.’

‘Was your communication with Raji strictly about your mother’s health,’ Donoher continued, ‘and you at no time relayed information about the conclave?’

Velu nodded. ‘My oath regarding the secrecy of the conclave remains intact.’

‘Still, you broke your oath to refrain from contact outside the conclave,’ Donoher said, ‘and you will be subject to penalties as judged appropriate by the next Pope. Also, your BlackBerry is forfeited for the duration of the conclave, and you will from this moment abide by all the norms and procedures of the Apostolic Constitution.’

‘I understand,’ Velu said.

‘You are also forbidden to mention to anyone that your room was searched — this is a matter of life or death.’

‘Yin?’ Velu asked.

‘Yes. You should have come to me with this,’ Donoher said in a softer tone. ‘The particular congregation could have worked something out. Now that I know your situation, I will certainly urge them to do so on your behalf.’

‘Thank you,’ Velu said.

Donoher turned to Grin. ‘Do what you can with that device, and be ready to continue your search as soon as the conclave reconvenes.’