THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA

{ PT.  6 } - Anyway, my doctor here, he said pointing at Frya, informs me that it's coming off today. Are you a real doctor? asked Angelica. Yes. Although Johan makes it sound like I've been playing nurse. Nevertheless, if I had been aware of your intentions... continued Christiano. I understand. You were protecting Angelica and the Messiah. I would have done the same... Had you not intervened though, I would have explained who I was and brought her straight here. What about the man with you at Don Primo's restaurant? asked Christiano. Admittedly, the first time at the convent would have been far easier, but I had a plan for Sammel. Oh, ah, here's your phone, said Christiano handing Johan his cell phone. Johan took it, touched his head and made a mocking wince. Christiano smiled. Just the same, where Angelica goes, I go. His expression grew serious, and he eyed them intensely. Of course, Christiano, said Kurush, strolling into the room. We would have contacted you to me

{ PT.  5 } - Oh, you will know everything, Your Eminence. I assure you.  ____________________________________________________________________________________    { CHAPTER  THIRTY-SEVEN }                   ( PT.  1 ) - Angelica and Christiano sat in a country-style kitchen watching Frya prepare a camomlie tea. Three brick arches, each with an alfresco depicting fields of lavender, separated the kitchen from the lounge. Frya turned to them with the cup in her hand and placed it down by Angelica. So you have been running since that night at the convent? We have, said Angelica. I think poor Christiano has been the worse for it. He was thrown from a moving vehicle. He waited for hours to rescue me from Don Primo's restaurant, hiding behind some bushes in the unbearable heat. He has done all the driving and spent the little sleep he has managed on sofas half his height. It's a pity we didn't manage to get a message to you earlier, replied Johan, entering the kitchen. Christiano s

{ PT.  4 } -    Then why do you not have her? My payment includes you not having to concern yourself with the minor details. I ask that Your Eminence trusts me that I will have her soon. I see, said the Cardinal. Please, do sit. He gestured towards a sofa. Don Primo took a seat and crossed his legs. The Cardinal sat opposite him and momentarily removed his cap to reveal white, lustrous hair with a distinctive streak of silver running through the centre. He scratched his head and replaced his cap. Is there anything I can do to assist you? he asked. That won't be necessary. However, I would like to know your plans for Johan. Is he here? He has been off work due to his head injury, but I have ordered him to come at six this evening to drive me to an unexpected dinner engagement. He will not leave this place. His actions have been too suspicious. Don Primo nodded, returning a smug smile. Do you concede to my men interrogating him? Of course, do with him as you wish. My only interest is

{ PT.  3 } - Don Primo took the lead and sauntered with a commanding air behind Cedric who stopped at a set of mahogany double doors and rapped lightly on the polished wood. Enter, replied the Cardinal. Gentleman, said Cedric, opening the door. Don Primo breezed in and came to a stop on a plush burgundy rug in the study. Ah, Mr. Pulsoni. The Cardinal was seated at an antique desk with intricate auriferous carvings. He stood up and made his way to Don Primo. Your Eminence, replied Don Primo. His eyes reflected walls that shone like gold bars. He subtly eyed his surroundings to see a library beyond the desk which occupied all the wall space, leaving just enough room for two rectangular windows. An imposing spherical fireplace stood in the centre of the room crowded by luxurious sofas and armchairs--a place where one could sit with a book for a relaxing read. It is good to finally meet you in person, said the Cardinal reaching him and offering his hand. Don Primo shook it, much to the Car

{ PT.  2 } - Sammel stood at the door, scrutinising their every movement with the utmost distrust. Gentlemen, he said as they walked towards him. We meet again. No Angelica? Don't concern yourself with that, Sammel, said Don Primo. She will be here soon enough. Sammel looked unconvinced as he moved aside to allow them entry. Don Primo matched his stare with a scowl as he entered a vast, moon-shaped hallway lined floor to ceiling with white marble flooring veined with glistening copper threads. At the centre of the floor was a large crest--a design of a shield emblazoned with a medieval gold cross and the now familiar words Dei Verbum written in calligraphy, running along its horizontal and vertical aspect. Ahead of them was a corridor with seemingly no end. Another of the Cardinal's men, Cedric, a short stout man, stood firm as a wall at the entrance to the corridor. Gentlemen. Follow me, he said.                     _______________________________________________________  

{ PT.  1 } - Don Primo his men reached the Cardinal's residence in the twilight hours. The Mercedes stopped at a set of opulent, wrought-iron gates, supported by two stone pillars topped with snarling gargoyles whose ruby eyes sparkled red like the devil. Their bat-like wings were outstretched as if poised to pounce on unwanted visitors. The words Dei Ver-bum were sprawled across the gates in a large, medieval front of gold lettering. Especially when you have the upper hand, replied Don Primo. What's that mean Boss? asked Alessandro, pointing to the word on the gate. What's going on here? You think he's better than us? When you go through those gates, you are to act like you live this life every day. Got it? Yes, Boss, they said in unison. Dei separated from Verbum as the gates sailed open. The car entered the stately grounds and drove along a gravelled lane, round a Botticelli, water feature, and parked close to the front of the palace.                                 

{ PT.  6 } - Now it's even more imperative that I keep you safe. I'm not sure about them, okay. I know in my heart they are here to help us. I feel it... You ask me to trust me? Okay, he replied unwillingly. But and sign of trouble and we're leaving. I promise I will listen to you. They turned back to them. We will come with you, she said.                           ________________________________________________________  

{ PT.  5 } - Then turned to see the familiar image of Frya from Johan's phone, and an older man with the distinguished looks for Omar Sharif, whom they had also seen in photos on the phone. You saw it all the way from the apse? said Christiano. Frya nodded reverently and slowly walked towards Angelica. Yes I did, and it was the most breathtaking sight I have even seen. She held out her hand towards Angelica who raised hers in return. Frya kissed it as soft tears spilled from her eyes. This is my father, Kurush walked forward with his hand outstretched, taking hold of Angelica's and kissing it. Forgive me for not greeting you with the respect you deserve. Angelica's cheeks were crimson. I have been waiting for this moment since before I knew what I was waiting for, but we mustn't attract any more attention. Why did you choose this place? asked Christiano. Believe us, our suggestion was not as random as you think, and what we witnessed only serves to deepen our belief. We

{ PT.  4 } I have visited here before, said Christiano, staring at the sights before him. It is beyond sensational. He shook his head in veneration and turned to Angelica. His mouth dropped open. What? she asked with concern. Christiano's stomach rose to his throat, his eye fixed on the golden hue haloing Angelica's face. He resisted the deepest urge to collapse to his knees and kiss the feet of the woman before him. his eyes filled with tears as he swallowed the lump lodged in his throat. You are Her. His voice was a choked whisper. Angelica began to notice people staring and pointing towards her. What's going on? she said, finding her focus drawn to two people in the distance close to the apse. Before she could point them out, she found herself dragged outside. As soon as Angelica passed the doors, the halo blended into the afternoon sun. What's the matter with you? She stared at Christiano with an irritated expression. I think I saw them... You don't understand.

[ CHAPTER  35 ]  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA ) { PT.  2 } - And I'm doing it again. Yes, you are. But I will hold your hand because I want to. Well, that's good enough for me, he replied. They continued past the fountain and stooped outside the twelfth-century Romanesque church. This church, said Christiano, as it stands today, replaced a basilica from as early as possibly the third century. It's one of the oldest churches and one of the first dedicated to the Madonna. Also, you'll be interested to know that in one of the chapels is a very rare seventh-century painting on wood of the Virgin. The Madonna di Clemenza. If we get the chance to see it, you'll love it. I wish I had the time to do some sketching. Maybe some other time, said Chrstiano. Are you ready to go in? We're half an hour late. Frya and her father may have left. She nodded. As ready as I'll ever be. Inside the Church, their eyes fell upon a sea of people covering every corner and crevice of

[ CHAPTER  THIRTY  FIVE ]   { PT.  1 } - Rome greeted them with the gentle smile of the afternoon sun. Christiano parked the car, and they walked along a street alive with the sounds of life, in the antiquated city which never seems to tire. Cars hooted, moped's rumbled by, the people laughed and called out--natives and tourists alike, each day wandering through a metropolis of ancient structures ingeniously built to withstand the millennia. Christiano took hold of Angelica's hand and they entered Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. The crowded piazza was brimming with people dining alfresco round the surrounding restaurants, and tourists sitting on the stone steps of Roman's oldest fountain, nibbling on snacks, taking photos and basking in the sunshine. They stopped and looked round the piazza with a combination of intrigue, fear and anticipation. Angelica looked at Christiano, whose eyes were narrowed and scrutinising. You seem as nervous as I am. It could still be a trap.

{ PT.  6 } - She nodded and feigned a smile, her eyes tearful. Christiano switched the engine on. I think it's for the best, he said as he continued to drive. Subtle tears glided down her cheeks. Yes, she whispered, facing the window.                                                                ______________________________________________________   

{ PT.  5 } - It's me who should be thanking you. I think you may have saved me from a life I was not destined to live. Well, that's a change of tone. Where's this coming from? I don't know. He shook his head. The duplicate moles... everything that's happened! Well, all I know is... She hesitated. What? Her eyes moistened. Nothing. Christiano pulled the car to the side of the road and cut the engine. He turned to her. She avoided hiss gaze. You know, only weeks age, I was fresh out of the seminary having taken my priestly vows. And now I have this task and these feelings. . . Feelings? She turned to him. Yes, feelings... It was all I could do to stop myself from kissing you in the Cardinal's car. I longed for that kiss. She chewed her bottom lip and eyed his cherry red lips. What I wanted to say, before... It''s as if everything is erased. now I can't imagine a moment when you were ever absent from my life. She placed her hand over his. I wish it were

[ CHAPTER  34 ]  -  { PT.  4 }                                                                                                   They both glanced at each other other and chuckled. Christinao breathed deeply, catching Angelica's gaze from thee corner of his eye. A hesitant silence desperate with yearning settled settled in the air. I thought you'd left that book back at the convent, he said. I would never part with this book. I was lavished with so many expensive gifts by Don Primo and I left them all behind when I ran away. You gifted me with the greatest treasure of all, apart from this ring my parents gave me before they died. She wiggled her little finger where the heart-shaped gold ring took permanent residence. You flatter me. He glanced at her again, a coy smile leaving his lips and a light glint in his eyes. It seems we have both encountered some big changes. My life at the convent was good, she said, but the first day I saw you, something changed. What do you mean? Cha

{ PT.  3 } Well done Paolo! Can't you trace their whereabouts?... Keep monitoring. He may switch it back on. In the meantime, text me this Frya woman's address, will you? As he ended the call, his men re-entered the reception area. Vincenzo shook his head. That's okay, said Don Primo. It looks like they're doing our job for us. I suspect they are on their way to Rome. Just as he finished speaking, his phone pinged. He smiled. And we have an address, where at the very least, we will get some answers.  ANGELICA PLACED THE LAST delectable morsel of pastry into her mouth, enjoying the sweet hint of orange zinging its way to each taste bud and leaving her mouth as fragrant as an orange grove. She rummaged in her bag, pulled out her bag, pulled out a book and started reading. Christiano concentrated on the road ahead, twisting his head as if trying to release the tension in his neck. How long until we get there? She asked. It should be another two hours or so. I've heard

  { PT.  2 } - Ah, I have a Mister and Mrs. Abbadelli, here. Is that so? he replied. And what room are Mr. and Mrs. Abbadelli staying in? I'm sorry, but they checked out. You missed them by a couple of hours. Do you have the number plate of their car? he asked. Ah, let me look. She glanced at the monitor. Oh, yes, I was on duty yesterday when they arrived. I asked them for their number plate, but the man, oh, Mister Abbadelli, said they were tired and he would get it for me later... But then they left. Did you hear them mention where they were going? he asked. She shook her head, gulping as she stared into his steely eyes. I'm sorry, Sir. They mentioned nothing. Don Primo grabbed the money from the desk. If you know what's good for you, you won't have lied to me today. She shook her head. No S, I wouldn't lie. I don't know anything. But.. you could check with the waiters in the restaurant. As she finished speaking, Don Primo's phone rang. He checked the call

{ PT.  1 } - The white Mercedes reached the gates of Hotel Tramonto and made its way steadily along a narrow lane skirted by vast, pristine lawns where golfers teed off in the distance. Inside the car, the men's faces wore severe expressions like armour. As the hotel drew nearer, its impressive gothic facade of sun-yellow stone formed a castle with turrets of beige brick and terracotta-coloured rooftops. A large staircase with stone balustrades led the visitor to the hotel entrance. Benito parked across two spaces as if making his territory. Vincenzo, Alessandro, you come with me. Benito, keep the motor running. Benito nodded. Boss. The men strutted to the hotel with Don Primo in the lead and entered the reception area carrying with them a palpable air of foreboding. A cold shudder coursed through the receptionits body and her hairs pricked up like the quills of a porcupine. She straightened her posture, visible gulping as they approached. Yes, sirs, how can I help you? Her voice q

{ PT.  12 } - You must part Angelica's hair in dead centre. Two inches up from the back of her neck is the same mark that you have beneath your left eye. He raised his brow, took the phone off loudspeaker and blocked the receiver. Do you know about this? She shook her head. He unblocked the mouthpiece. We will take a look and call you back. He ended the call. How would they know such thing? asked Angelica. I doubt it's true. The perpetual doubter. Why would they take such a risk? Well, let's have a look, shall we. Angelica turned her back to Christiano and bowed her head. He delicately described. As the wisps of hair parted, beneath the strands, he saw a black cruciform mole, closely resembling his. His mouth dropped open.                                                                                       _______________________________________________________    

{ PT.  12 } - You must part Angelica's hair in dead centre. Two inches up from the back of her neck is the same mark that you have beneath your left eye. He raised his brow, took the phone off loudspeaker and blocked the receiver. Do you know about this? She shook her head. He unblocked the mouthpiece. We will take a look and call you back. He ended the call. How would they know such a thing? asked Angelica. I doubt it's true. The perpetual doubter. Why would they take such a risk? Well, let's have a look, shall we. Angelica turned her back to Christiano and bowed her head. He delicately parted her hair and searched for a mark in the proximity described. As the wisps of hair parted, beneath the strands, he saw a black cruciform mole, closely resembling his. His mouth dropped open.                                _______________________________________________________