Page 96 of Sacred Hearts

Reichlin remains kneeling. “I allowed myself to be deceived. I permitted others to isolate you and restrict your freedom. This is an unforgivable breach of my oath.”

The Pope steps forward and places his hand on Reichlin’s shoulder. “Please stand, Colonel. There is much to be done.”

Reichlin rises, his eyes glistening with uncharacteristic emotion. “Your Holiness, the Italian authorities have issued arrest warrants for Cardinals Antonelli, Lombardi, and Visconti. They have evidence linking them to organized crime through the Vatican Bank.”

Marco absorbs this news with remarkable composure. “I am not surprised. My investigations have shown their corruption runs deep.” He turns to me. “Captain Lombardi, you remained loyal throughout. Thank you.”

I bow my head, humbled by his recognition. “Your Holiness, I tried to maintain contact, but they—”

“I know,” he interrupts gently. “You did what you could without being removed. You were a lifeline.”

Colonel Reichlin regains his professional demeanour. “Your Holiness, we must secure the Vatican. The Italian Polizia will be arriving shortly to execute their warrants.”

Marco nods. “Then let us not impede justice. But I would speak with these men before they are taken.”

“Of course, Your Holiness.” Reichlin turns to me. “Captain, see to the team securing the communications centre. Restore the Pope’s direct lines immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

As I turn to go, Marco calls after me. “Captain, please send word to Prime Minister Valentini that I am safe and free.”

“Immediately, Your Holiness.”

I lead my team through the Vatican corridors toward the communications centre. Along the way, we encounter Cardinal Antonelli himself, flanked by two of his loyal guards. He stops short at the sight of us.

“What is the meaning of this display, Captain?” he demands.

“Cardinal Antonelli, by order of Colonel Reichlin, you are to be escorted to the Pope’s presence immediately.”

His face flushes with anger. “I don’t take orders from the SwissGuard. I am meeting with—”

“This is not a request, Your Eminence.” My men move to surround him. “The Pope is aware of your actions in isolating him. He wishes to speak with you before the Italian authorities arrive.”

The colour drains from his face. “Italian authorities? What nonsense is this?”

“They have warrants for your arrest, Your Eminence. Along with Cardinals Lombardi and Visconti.”

For a moment, I think he might try to flee. Instead, his shoulders slump in defeat.

“This is an outrage. The Pope has brought scandal upon the Church. We acted to protect the institution.”

“That will be for others to judge, Your Eminence.” I gesture for my men to escort him. “Please come with us.”

Within the hour, we’ve secured the Vatican. The communications centre is back under proper control, direct lines to the Pope restored. The Italian Polizia have arrived, led by Commissario Rizzo, and are coordinating with Colonel Reichlin.

I find the Colonel standing outside the papal library, where Pope Pius is speaking privately with each cardinal before they’re taken into custody.

“The situation is contained, sir,” I report. “All access points are secured. The Pope’s communications have been restored.”

Reichlin nods, his face drawn. “Good work, Captain.” He pauses, then adds quietly, “In twenty-seven years of service, I never imagined I would be party to the arrest of princes of the Church.”

“You did your duty, sir. To the Pope.”

“After failing in it first.” His stern façade cracks slightly. “I believed them, Lombardi. When they said the Pope needed to be protected from himself, from scandal, I believed them.”

“They were convincing, sir. They used our own loyalty against us.”

Reichlin shakes his head. “I should have seen through it. The moment they restricted access to His Holiness, I should have questioned everything.”