T he following day, and for three months after, members of Il Martello di Dio, along with Robert and Thorne, dragged Bracciano Lake, searching for Samuel and his brothers, but found nothing except for the mangled body of an old man named Giovanni Telfair, and two wrecked vehicles.
Hoping the boys had escaped somehow, Robert, Thorne and Father Kong searched Rome and the surrounding area, using every contact and resource at their disposal, but found nothing.
Detective Reynolds stayed for the first two weeks then headed back to Chicago. Robert had never seen Thorne happier.
Director Thompson showed up with questions Robert wouldn’t answer, but he didn’t press the matter. He offered CIA resources if they were needed. Robert declined.
Now, he and Thorne sat in front of Cardinal Maximilian, now known as Pope Pius VX. The first Pontiff of African-American decent in Roman Catholic history. Father Kong stood by the new Bishop of Rome’s side.
“We’ll never forget you,” said the new Pope. “Here at the Vatican, you have a friend.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency,” said Robert, proud to see a man he respected sitting in the seat in front of him. “If you ever need us, we’re here for you also.”
“Thank you. Father Kong will now lead Il Martello di Dio. We’ll stay in touch through him.”
“Why keep The Hammer of God going?” asked Thorne. “I thought this put The Order down for good.”
“It hurt them, but we fear they still have an ember of life. Father Sin and several of the others managed to escape,” said Father Kong. “And where there’s a small fire, a raging inferno looms.” Robert shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “If you ever get word of Samuel, anything, please let us know.”
“You’ll be the first to know,” said the Pope, standing, extending his hand. They said their goodbyes, and Robert and Thorne headed for the door. “God be with you,” said the Holy Father. “His favor and His blessings.”
Robert turned and smiled. “And also with you.” When Robert and Thorne were gone, Father Kong sat down in front of the Pope’s desk. “Holy Father, shouldn’t we tell them?”
“Tell them what?” asked the Pope. “We have no real proof.”
“But the chance of all three going missing is almost impossible.”
“Yes, and I too believe they’re alive, but we have nothing firm.” Pope Pius stroked his chin. “Deep down, I’m sure Mr. Veil feels the same. Keep an eye on him. If he finds the boy, we need to be there.”
“Yes, Holy Father. I understand.”