CHAPTER 135

CHAPTER 135

THE SUN SMILE ABOVE Vatican square.

Accompanied by Gregory Evans, Nicole noticed the strange movement that had taken over that public space: Interpol had been activated by Fernando Dante, and dozens of unmarked vehicles were lined up in the middle of the square. From them came men who disappeared inside the Vatican and after a while, at regular intervals, returned discreetly escorting one or another big man, whose news of his arrest could cause a real uproar in the international media.

The young woman's eyes then turned to the black limousine that pulled up beside her. The black windows were rolled down and a feeling of extreme joy came over the young woman's face as she contemplated who was smiling at her.

— Mom! Nicole said, hugging the woman in the wheelchair when he got out of the limousine and quickly went to meet her.

— Nick, my princess, are you all right?

— I'm fine, mother — said the young woman in tears — I'm fine now... but...

— I'm sorry... when Greg told me I couldn't believe my father was involved in this either...

— WHAT HAPPENED INSIDE? asked Senator Hofma of Gregory Evans after stepping out of the limousine he shared with Victoria Hulmann.

— All in good time, Senator! — The woman scolded him, while she was helped by Antoine, who put her in the wheelchair — Make sure we're kept up to date, they're very tired now.

— And the Golden Book? asked Hofma — did the police catch him?

— No — Nicole said, winking at the Senator — I got him.

The young woman then opened her purse showing the shiny piece.

— Even so, we still have a problem — said Victoria —, we don't know how to interpret the map in the Golden Book. So we have no way of finding the Tree of Life.

— Maybe we don't need to decipher the map in the Golden Book — Nicole said, turning to her mother.

— Why are you saying this, my daughter? Victoria asked.

Nicole managed a smile.

— When I was hidden down there, inside the secret temple, before they discovered me, I could hear the words of Joseph Messina. He spoke that the Tree of Life would be found in Antarctica, next to the mountains that touch the sky.

— Along the mountains that touch the sky? — Asked the Senator, thinking.

Mountains in Antarctica... As far as I know there is only one group of mountains in that place that could fit that definition.

Hofma's face lit up:

This is the Cordillera da Rainha!

— If this mountain range is in Antarctica, how are we going to reach it? — Nicole asked, intrigued.

— Leave that part to me, young lady — replied the Senator confidently. — We will find the Tree of Life! — Now I ask, which of you would like to embark on this adventure with me?

Everyone's eyes sparkled with excitement. Upon hearing Hofma's words, only Victoria remained in a distant retreat.

— What happened, mother? — Asked the young woman noticing the introspection of the detective.

— My mission here is done, Nick.

— Won't you go with us then?

— No Nick! The task I set myself is complete. The Brotherhood of the Serpent can no longer bring misfortune to the world. Now I return home where I intend to spend the rest of my days. I wish you all success!

— See you soon then, mom...