THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA - ( CHAPTER 49 ) - { PT. 1 }


 ( CHAPTER  49 )  -  { PT.  1 } - Hans drew the curtains open, and shafts of powdered light illuminated the Cardinal seated at his desk across the room. His bandaged hand gripped a newspaper. That will be all, Hans. Your Eminence, he said, bowing his head and leaving the room. The Cardinal's virulent eyes started at the headline. Italian Cargo Ship Sinks in the Mediterranean Sea. The article went on to describe that the Greek coastguard found only one survivor on the lifeboat, the ships's cook, who was currently in hospital with a broken and severely gashed arm in need of several stitches, and a minor leg injury. The Cardinal called Kristoff's cell phone and left the usual cryptic message. As he waited for the equally cryptic return call, there was a knock at the door. Hans entered the room. Your Eminence, your physician is here. Let him in, will you. He placed the cell phone in his desk drawer. The doctor, a distinguished gentleman of wizened years, entered the room clutching his black case. Your Eminence, how are you feeling? Ah, Doctor Conti, my hand feels imprisoned inside this wretched bandage, not to mention the unbearable stabbing pain. Please tell me you are removing it today and supplying me with more potent relief. You're in luck, Your Eminence. It is coming off today, and I'll be prescribing high-strength painkillers to be used at your discretion. Only if you feel pain. Your blessings will be thousandfold. Received with gratitude, replied Doctor Conti as he proceeded to unravel the gauze from the Cardinal's hand. Do you think there'll be much scarring? They were deep lacerations, Your Eminence. 

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