Read Online The Secret of Fatima by Peter J; Tanous - Free Book Online

would-be assassin? “How did you learn of this, Eminence?”
    â€œHere at the Vatican, we have a special IT team monitoring the online flow of communications 24/7 for chatter related to crimes against the Vatican and the pope. They search for keywords and other data that might be relevant. The IT team is modeled after the National Security Agency in the States, but nowhere near their capability. In any event, in recent days our internal security has reported increased Opus Mundi chatter online, which could mean a major operation is brewing—especially after your attack this morning.”
    Resting his elbows on the table, the cardinal unfolded his hands, then folded them again. There were lines around his blue eyes, highlighting his worry and fatigue. “We intercepted one message possibly related to Opus Mundi’s plans. It’s in code. We don’t entirely understand it. I’m going to share it with you in the strictest confidence.” The cardinal looked over at Drotti, whose eyes were transfixed on the paper in Porter’s hand.
    â€œI understand,” said Drotti.
    Kevin nodded. Over the years, he’d heard rumors about Opus Mundi. Those in Opus Mundi were fanatics who held to some catastrophic worldview. They’d been around for over a hundred years. If the Masons had deep secrets and an aura of mystery surrounding them, well, they paled next to Opus Mundi. According to legends, and documents uncovered over the years, Opus Mundi believed that a false messenger of God would appear threatening the Church. The advent of this false messenger’s reign would be preceded by a major calamity, like a world war … or an apocalypse. How was the Colombo group connected to Opus Mundi? He’d have to do some research to connect the dots.
    Cardinal Porter handed the paper to Kevin and he read:
    Transcription intercepted 5/22 NSA 43T/29QA
    VISITOR 5/29 BEIRUT. TRIGGER SALE
    SATIN PO$ 6/2
    (Note: unsure of correct translation but nothing better found)
    Kevin shrugged his shoulders. “I have no idea what this means.” He handed the note to Drotti.
    The cryptic message meant little to Kevin, but he’d figure it out. He took out a piece of paper and a pen from his pocket, and started jotting down a list.
    Cardinal Porter said, “Visitor is the pseudonym—the code name—for the leader of Opus Mundi; that much we know. Beirut is a mystery unless Visitor or his designee is going there or expecting someone from there. The next words don’t make sense. We tried variations of satin since the Church uses that fabric extensively; nothing came up.”
    â€œSir, give me a little time with this. I’ll work on it. Get some help if I need it.” As he finished his list, Kevin stroked his chin.
    Cardinal Porter nodded. “Certainly. Anything else you need?”
    â€œI made a list.” Kevin handed the cardinal his piece of paper.
    â€œAmmunition, a secure cell phone, a Taser gun? Goodness, Kevin! I hope you don’t need all these things. Sounds like you’re going to war.”
    Kevin half-smiled, raising his eyebrows. “You never know.”
    â€œDid you forget a knife?” Drotti smirked.
    â€œI brought my own,” Kevin replied.
    â€œI cannot overstate the gravity of this, Kevin,” Cardinal Porter said. His voice was grave.
    â€œOf course,” said Kevin.
    â€œBelieve me,” said Drotti. “Kevin will know what to do with this stuff. I’ve seen him in action.”
    â€œI know,” said Cardinal Porter. “That’s why he’s here. And, gentlemen, in Vatican Security parlance, we believe this is a ‘Code Red.’”
    â€œA James Bond movie?”
    â€œI’m being serious, Kevin. To us, it means that Opus Mundi has entered into the Action Phase of their mission to annihilate the Catholic Church.” He looked pointedly at Kevin. “Kevin, they must be stopped. By any means