have suspicions, child. So do you consider me a suspect now Ms Hélène?” He grinned before continuing, “I came here for the latest negotiations with the Austrian ‘Call to Disobedience’. Even if I had just seen him today, I have been here all week. Didn’t you tell her that you have received a letter yourself, Max?”
How convenient. “And I presume you already gave that document to Schuster?” I asked in a frustrated mood. It seemed that everyone around here was hiding one thing or another.
“Of course, but it was already too late. I believe they are running their diagnostics now, trying to trace back the letter to where it came from.” Bauer answered while readjusting his glasses.
It seemed like yesterday’s events have revealed, in part, the contents of the letter. Everyone had already presumed that ‘the sign of your reign’ had something to do with the various versions of the Holy Spear scattered across Europe. After all, these items were used in coronations for centuries. I sat here processing all the newly presented data. I sensed the irony in being acknowledged by the church as a qualified expert, even if to them I was just a woman, unworthy of ordination. I could clearly see it in Russo’s eyes, which were still fixated on me, looking increasingly aggravated.
“Well gentlemen, I think that you should send us this letter officially. The Interpol would then share it with all the designated police forces in the region. As for me, I’d advise you to tighten the security around the Holy Spear in Rome or even consider moving it to somewhere more secure, until we know what it is exactly that we’re dealing with.”
A woman lecturing two catholic bishops in a church rather than being burnt at the stake; things have definitely changed . As much as they do not like being preached by a woman , which is ironically one of the demands of the ‘Call to Disobedience’, I was sure they would be soon entertaining my ideas. Father Russo was already scratching his bronze dimpled chin in consideration.
“We will definitely look into that after yesterday’s events. I’m sure the Pope wouldn’t even mind stating ‘restoration works’ as the main reason for moving the spear along some other invaluable items to quell suspicion.” Funny how only them could use a white lie , I thought.
“I’d also appreciate it if I can have a photocopy of the Vatican letter to inspect along the one you received here in Vienna. I am willing to compare similarities between the two until you officially submit it.”
Russo pointed at the snippet of paper I was holding, “You can have this copy. It was emailed to me this morning. The original shall be sent to the Interpol later this week. Italian bureaucracy, my apologies.” He was joking again; I guess he was no longer bothered by my remarks.
I eloquently stood up and planned to head out. “Thank you for trusting me with this piece of information Fathers, yet I have to leave now to reunite with my partner.” Bauer seemed to have the intention of walking me back to the palace but I politely refused. “I am sure you have more important things to discuss with Father Russo.” I politely said, while admittedly I just needed some time on my own.
I backtracked my journey down the stone staircase leading back to the main Cathedral hall only to find myself hesitant, unable to leave. I felt compelled to venture all the way across the creamy chequered stone tiles and under the imposing towering concave vaults to get a closer look at a crucifixion statue that hung by the altar. It lynched well above two stories over and above my head, intentionally forcing those beneath it to extend their throats like cattle
How convenient. “And I presume you already gave that document to Schuster?” I asked in a frustrated mood. It seemed that everyone around here was hiding one thing or another.
“Of course, but it was already too late. I believe they are running their diagnostics now, trying to trace back the letter to where it came from.” Bauer answered while readjusting his glasses.
It seemed like yesterday’s events have revealed, in part, the contents of the letter. Everyone had already presumed that ‘the sign of your reign’ had something to do with the various versions of the Holy Spear scattered across Europe. After all, these items were used in coronations for centuries. I sat here processing all the newly presented data. I sensed the irony in being acknowledged by the church as a qualified expert, even if to them I was just a woman, unworthy of ordination. I could clearly see it in Russo’s eyes, which were still fixated on me, looking increasingly aggravated.
“Well gentlemen, I think that you should send us this letter officially. The Interpol would then share it with all the designated police forces in the region. As for me, I’d advise you to tighten the security around the Holy Spear in Rome or even consider moving it to somewhere more secure, until we know what it is exactly that we’re dealing with.”
A woman lecturing two catholic bishops in a church rather than being burnt at the stake; things have definitely changed . As much as they do not like being preached by a woman , which is ironically one of the demands of the ‘Call to Disobedience’, I was sure they would be soon entertaining my ideas. Father Russo was already scratching his bronze dimpled chin in consideration.
“We will definitely look into that after yesterday’s events. I’m sure the Pope wouldn’t even mind stating ‘restoration works’ as the main reason for moving the spear along some other invaluable items to quell suspicion.” Funny how only them could use a white lie , I thought.
“I’d also appreciate it if I can have a photocopy of the Vatican letter to inspect along the one you received here in Vienna. I am willing to compare similarities between the two until you officially submit it.”
Russo pointed at the snippet of paper I was holding, “You can have this copy. It was emailed to me this morning. The original shall be sent to the Interpol later this week. Italian bureaucracy, my apologies.” He was joking again; I guess he was no longer bothered by my remarks.
I eloquently stood up and planned to head out. “Thank you for trusting me with this piece of information Fathers, yet I have to leave now to reunite with my partner.” Bauer seemed to have the intention of walking me back to the palace but I politely refused. “I am sure you have more important things to discuss with Father Russo.” I politely said, while admittedly I just needed some time on my own.
I backtracked my journey down the stone staircase leading back to the main Cathedral hall only to find myself hesitant, unable to leave. I felt compelled to venture all the way across the creamy chequered stone tiles and under the imposing towering concave vaults to get a closer look at a crucifixion statue that hung by the altar. It lynched well above two stories over and above my head, intentionally forcing those beneath it to extend their throats like cattle
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