Page 62 of The Order

“Where?” asked Donati evenly.

“A source close to the camerlengo.”

“That means it came directly from Albanese.”

The reporter said nothing, all but confirming Donati’s suspicions. “Why haven’t you reported the story?” he asked.

“I’ve written it, but I wanted to give you a chance to comment before I push the button.”

“Respond to what exactly?”

“Why were you having dinner with the wife of a dead mobster the night the Holy Father died? And why were you standing a few meters from Niklaus Janson when he was assassinated on the Ponte Vecchio?”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you, Alessandro.”

“Then let me helpyou, Excellency.”

Cautiously, Donati asked, “How?”

“Tell me what really happened that night in the Apostolic Palace, and I’ll make sure no one ever finds out where you were.”

“Are you blackmailing me?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“An old man died in his bed,” said Donati after a moment. “That’s all that happened.”

“Lucchesi was murdered. And you know it. That’s why you came here tonight.”

Donati was slow in rising. “You should be aware of the fact that you’re being used.”

“I’m a reporter, I’m used to it.”

Donati beckoned Gabriel with a nod.

“Before you leave,” said Ricci, “there’s one more thing you need to know. A couple of hours ago, I told a global television audience that I thought Cardinal José Maria Navarro would be the next supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.”

“A daring choice on your part.”

“I was being untruthful, Excellency.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t the first time.” Donati immediately regretted his words. “Forgive me, Alessandro. It’s been a long day. Don’t bother to get up. We’ll see ourselves out.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me the name of the next pope, Excellency?”

“You can’t possibly—”

“It’s Cardinal Franz von Emmerich, the archbishop of Vienna.”

Donati frowned. “Emmerich? He’s not on anyone’s list.”

“He’s on the only list that matters.”

“Whose is that?”

“The one in Bishop Hans Richter’s pocket.”

“He’s planning to steal the papacy? Is that what you’re saying?”