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Basia and Gray both had stricken expressions on their faces. Slash was exceptionally private, and I’d never said anything about it, so, of course they hadn’t known. He would have hated that I had divulged this, but I needed to be straight with both of them if they were going to help me help him. His safety was paramount at this stage. Still, I had to look away to keep my composure, but I cleared my throat and continued. “Anyway, I assumed his naturalization process and security clearances were put on the fast track due to his specialized skill and the critical needs of the US government. That makes the most sense.”

“It does, but there’s something else, Lexi. Something significant.” Gray spoke, almost hesitantly. “Slash didn’t go through the naturalization process.”

“What?” It was inconceivable. Naturalization was the law, and no one would be exempt, not even Slash. “How would that be possible?”

Gray leaned forward. “It’s possible because he didn’tneedto go through it. Slash was already a US citizen. According to his records on file at the NSA, he’s been one all his life.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Cardinal Jacopo Lazo

Jacopo watched Slash walk out the door without a backward glance. That man was going to be a lot harder to handle than he’d expected. No matter, there were other methods to get what he wanted, if Slash refused to cooperate. The man had serious demons, so he needed to play those to his advantage.

Father Koenhein knocked a few minutes later and stuck his head in the door. “He’s gone, Your Eminence. The driver is taking him back to his hotel. Did he agree?”

“He did not. Yet. But it doesn’t matter. We’ll get what we need with or without his cooperation.”

“Did he leave the water bottle?”

“No. He didn’t fall for it. He took it with him. Unfortunately, he’s a lot smarter than that. Did we get anything from the hotel?”

“No, sir. We found no luggage, nor any evidence he had used the facilities. The room was pristine. But we’ll try again tomorrow. We’ll get something.”

“You’d better. I need that DNA sample. His house in the US is a fortress with top-notch alarms and agents following him everywhere. He works at the most secret agency in the world. But now, we’ve finally got him where we want him. If he’s not going to cooperate willingly, we’llhaveto get something from him while he’s here. Do you understand what I mean by that?” He hated having to repeat himself, and usually Koenhein was good about things, but he seemed to be slipping up lately.

“I understand.”

“Good. A strand of hair, saliva, anything. Get me a sample.”

“Of course, Your Eminence. We have our best people on it.”

“I’m counting on that.” He paused and tossed his own water bottle into the trash. “Oh, Father, be aware of one more thing.”

“Yes?” Father Koenhein said turning around. “What is it?”

“Be careful. He’s a dangerous man, but he can serve us well.”

The priest lowered his eyes. “I understand, Your Eminence. I will take all necessary precautions.”

“I’m counting on it. Remember, eggs have no business dancing with stones. If our people aren’t capable and prepared, he will break them. I don’t want to see that happen.”

Slash

Intrigue, scandal and innuendo were nothing new in the history of the Vatican. Slash wasn’t surprised by it, he’d just never expected to be a part of it.

Now he was front and center at a struggle for power in the Vatican. How did he intend to handle it?

Father Koenhein didn’t accompany him for the return ride, which suited Slash just fine. For the entire drive, he’d been analyzing and creating various scenarios for the game’s end. That was the way his mind worked. Start at the desired result and work backward until the path forward became clear. But first he had to think like Lazo to get a feel for his agenda.

Given the pope’s failing health, Lazo would certainly be making a hard play for the papacy. He’d been positioning himself for this opportunity for his entire career, so he’d definitely have a plan in the works. He’d just revealed his first step—removing the competition. That meant for the immediate future, he’d be hyper-focused on Father Armando and anyone else he saw as a threat. Good. While Lazo was working on that, Slash had a plan to disrupt things just enough to slow Lazo’s current operation without him even realizing it.

On the way up to his hotel room, he once again ran into the blind woman and the seeing-eye German shepherd as they exited the room two doors down from him. With her permission, he stopped to pet the dog, who was panting heavily, suffering from the Italian heat.

“How long are you in Rome?” he asked the woman conversationally, as he scratched the dog behind the ears.

“I’m visiting relatives,” she answered. “I’ll be here a few more days.”

“Enjoy your visit. Both of you.”