Page 126 of An Inside Job

“What have I done this time?”

“Evidently there was some sort of confrontation last evening between the Holy Father and thesostituto. It is said that you were present for this meeting.”

“Word travels fast around here.”

“Is it true that Cardinal Bertoli is on his way out?”

“Perhaps we should discuss this in private.”

Metzler rose to his feet. “I know just the place.”

***

During the walk downstairs to the Swiss Guard’s indoor firing range, Gabriel told the commandant as much as he could about the scandal that was about to engulf the Vatican. He implied that it was financial in nature and involved a pair of dubious Italian financierswho were connected to the Camorra. Metzler had been at the Vatican long enough to realize what that meant.

“Blood is going to flow.”

“It already is.”

“When?”

“Last night in Ostiense.”

“The shooting in that café?”

Gabriel nodded. “The target was Ottavio Pozzi, the guard from the Vatican Museums who removed the painting from the storeroom. The killer was the fellow who carried it through St. Anne’s Gate.”

“Father Spada?”

“He was no priest, Alois. He’s a Camorra executioner. I saw his handiwork last night. And in Florence as well,” added Gabriel. “He’s not one for subtlety.”

“And now you’re afraid the Holy Father’s life might be in danger?”

“If it were up to me, His Holiness would develop a sudden case of malaria and cancel the trip.”

“That’s not going to happen. He has a stubborn streak, your friend. He’s also rather reckless when it comes to his security. He refuses to use the bulletproof popemobile, no matter where he is. It’s only a matter of time before someone takes a shot at him.”

“Which is why I want to be in his hip pocket today until he’s back inside the Vatican.”

“With all due respect, Gabriel, my men can handle it.”

“I know they can. But I’m rather good at this sort of thing myself.”

“And the other thing as well.” Metzler led Gabriel through the door of the firing range and removed a SIG Sauer P226 from the gun cabinet. “Do you know how to use one of these?”

“Is the pope Catholic?”

“Depends on who you ask.” Metzler handed Gabriel a fully loaded magazine and then switched on the range lights.

“Is this really necessary?”

“It is if you’re going to carry a gun around my men.”

“I thought the range was closed in the morning because of the noise.”

“Papal dispensation.” Metzler ran a target ten meters down the range. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“What do you want me to do, Alois? Insert the bullets manually?”