Read Online Vatican Assassin by Mike Luoma - Free Book Online Page B

embarrassed. I feel bad that someone we trusted betrayed us, and you, too, obviously. We trusted someone we shouldn’t have.”
    BC writes, “I’ll survive,” shows Edwards, then writes, “I’m still here!”
    “Good! Next week for lunch, then… Get better, BC,” Edwards says, and leaves. BC shifts on the couch, trying to get comfortable, but everything is sore. Ouch! Everything hurts. Can’t even really laugh. God, I can’t wait until I can talk again!
    Got to report in to the Vatican, too. I sent them a coded written report, but it’s short on detail. I’ve got to talk to them, explain things. I’m sure they want some answers. I need to ask some questions, too. I’ve seen the news reports.
    The Universal Islamic Nation’s recent attacks on the Earth and the Moon were repelled with some success, but according to news reports the Vatican took a beating, hardest hit of all the Earth targets. And of the areas on the Moon that were hit, their section, the Vatican Mission, was hit the hardest. BC’s rooms were nearly wiped out.
    They’re now attacking the Vatican directly. The UIN has finally decided that the New catholic Church is provably, beyond a doubt, in bed with the Universal Trade Zone. Well, duh. It’s been a long time coming. The OPO’s been working with the UTZ for what, five, six years? I gotta hope no one I know was injured in the attacks. Gotta find out more, check in with Pope Peter. Wonder what the old man’s take on all this is. We are definitely being targeted. Strange behavior from the UIN these days.
    I really don’t think these attacks were in response to the McEntyre Assassination. They came too soon after. Their ships had to be on their way here well before I did the hit. Good timing, though. Thanks to the proper spin, the public thinks they killed the governor. Beautiful!
    The news reports on McEntyre’s assassination have been decidedly positive for the UTZ and the Vatican. Nita Bendix has been cast as the assassin, the betrayer.
    She makes a great scapegoat, running just when it attracted the most suspicion and blame.
    The Cardinal enters the study.
    “How are we today, Campion? Better?”
    For the hundredth time, BC writes, “Fine” on his screen, and holds it up for the Cardinal to see.
    “Good, then, good! Better and better each day, eh? We’ve got you in the daily prayers at Mass, Father. There’s some good folks praying for you. I do have some bad news, though. The UIN has attacked the Vatican again, earlier today! Pope Peter is fine, but they’ve damaged more of the priceless architecture of Vatican City. They’re barbarians!”
    Again?! Well, this one they might blame on me...
    BC writes, “Anyone hurt?”
    “There were a few casualties,” the Cardinal pauses, thinking, “Oh yes, and the OPO called for you! I told them you were injured, couldn’t speak. They’d like you to check in with them when you can talk again.”
    Wow, if the OPO is contacting the Cardinal to get to me they must be desperate! This new attack, probably. They must figure it’s Bendix getting back to the UIN with her “proof”, exposing us. I’ve gotta talk to the home office, see where I stand, make my case.
    “Did you hear me, Campion?”
    BC nods.
    “Did you know, the UIN is maintaining a media blackout? They still haven’t said word one to anybody about any of this. ‘Unusually Silent’ the reports are all saying. Bloody Muslims. Probably just trying to ‘cultivate mystery’. Keep quiet except for blowing us up.”
    BC nods again. The Cardinal seems to enjoy the fact BC can’t answer back.
    “Their ‘jihad’, hmmph, all that hatred for us Christians. Supposedly, they worship the same God as we do. They’re supposed to. But Allah doesn’t sound like Our Father, if you know what I mean.”
    BC shrugs.
    What can I say? Nothing, obviously .
    “You know Campion, I like these one sided conversations. Almost enjoy your silence! Ha, too bad you’ll be talking again in no