The singular reference to les Vautours came without explanation or elaboration, and the archivist, a trained historian, could not say who or what they were. He抎 never noticed the reference until today. Some sort of fighting force? Mercenaries? Another of the countless medieval societies that sprang up everywhere? Impossible to know. Even more puzzling was why those words were of such importance to the Vatican.
The archivist also reminded him that the cache of documents the diocese maintained had been ravaged over the centuries. Particularly during the Albigensian Crusade, when the pope抯 forces had taken Toulouse. A lot had been lost, so there was no telling how many other references might have existed. The one surviving mention was a bit innocuous and meaningless. Regardless, he抎 asked the archivist to see what he could learn about anything related to Vultures and report that information directly to him.
He left the archives and headed back to the rectory.
At the moment the video confession was more pressing. It had come to his private mobile number, not the one associated with the diocese. How that number had been obtained was just another of the many questions that remained unanswered. He抎 already deleted it from his phone but realized that offered little to no protection. Whoever made it certainly controlled its distribution.
And he was at their mercy.
Bishops all over the world had been toppled on the mere allegation of a cover-up regarding claims of clergy sexual abuse. Like him, most had probably done exactly what Rome had wanted but, in the end, they became sacrificial lambs. Even several cardinals had fallen victim. Was he next?
It certainly looked that way.
He walked back to the rectory, greeting several people he knew. His office had already called twice looking for him, but he抎 texted his assistant and told him that he would be unavailable for another hour or so. Thankfully, as archbishop, no one questioned him. The appropriate excuses would be made and appointments rescheduled. Inside, he sat in his den and tried to make sense out of what was happening. His housekeeper had returned and offered to prepare a late lunch but he declined.
No appetite.
He closed his eyes and allowed the silence to wash over him. Thirty years he抎 worked to get to this point. Obtaining a red hat and cardinal抯 robes would be his crowning achievement. No way he would ever be pope, nor did he particularly want to be. Being a prince of the church would more than suffice. Doubtful he抎 ever even get to vote in the Sistine Chapel for a pope before he turned eighty. Just three years away. The current Vicar of Christ showed no signs of failing health.
His phone vibrated.
He thought at first to ignore the call. Probably his office again. But he decided that he抎 acted strange enough for one day. No sense piquing the interest of everyone around him by not answering.
He checked the display.
Unknown.
Ordinarily he抎 never answer.
But today was anything but ordinary.
He pushed Accept.
揂re you listening carefully??a male voice said.
揥ho is this??
揟he person who sent the video.?
He closed his eyes. 揑抦 listening.?
揑 want you at Monts間ur, at 4:00 p.m. today. Alone. If you do not come, or bring others with you, that video will be headed to the media. Are we clear??
揥hat do you want??
揧ou at Monts間ur at 4:00 p.m.?
The call ended.
Chapter 29
Abbaye de Saint-Michael
Pyr閚閑s Mountains
1:45 p.m.
Claire stood in the center of the chapter hall. Though she was physically back home, in France, her thoughts were hundreds of miles away in Ghent, wondering what was happening. The maidens had gathered, all twenty-three then in residence, the only ones missing the two still in Ghent on assignment and Sister Rachel, her body most likely in a morgue. Her colleagues sat upon plain wooden benches that fronted long pitted oak tables. This was where they took meals and gathered for important discussions. The abbess had opened the session with a prayer, explained all that had happened, then turned the floor over to her.
揑 take full responsibility for everything that occurred last evening,?she said in English. 揑 want that clear. I was the one in charge and things did not go as we expected.?
揑t was an ill-gotten plan that resulted in the death of a good woman,?one of the maidens called out.
Anyone was allowed to speak without restriction or recognition, though civility was required.
揟here was no need for such a rash act,?another added. 揑t did nothing but draw attention to something that had no attention.?
Several others chorused their agreement.
Another meeting less than a month ago had decided on the course to be taken. The vote had been a narrow one, with a significant minority, herself included, arguing that the Just Judges panel should be ignored. It had been gone since 1934 and there was no real danger emanating from its reappearance. That same minority was now re-expressing their objections, but with the added ammunition of Sister Rachel抯 untimely death.