CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 79

NICOLE HULMANN WAS AWARE of the anguish that Joseph Messina had tried unsuccessfully to hide, but that was projecting in his eyes like two bloodstains reflected in the gold-rimmed lenses. Instinctively then, he looked back, noticing with amazement, a Cardinal who in his red robes, quickly approaching the group.

— Your Eminence — pronounced Domenico Di Polli as he bowed to Joseph Messina — I apologize for arriving at an inopportune time. His hawk eyes swept over everyone present, finally stopping at the beautiful young woman who was looking at him curiously.

— The function of Secretary General of the Vatican does not seem to me so arduous and devoid of charm — said Cardinal Di Polli at last, breaking into a smile.

— There is, pardon, Eminence — said Joseph Messina, returning to serenity. — These are my... friends — he said, in the midst of a pause that made Di Polli's eyes sweep over the group again.

Cardinal Messina began his presentation by turning to the visitors.

— This is the Primate of Venice, Cardinal Domenico Di Polli.

Di Polli's warm smile contrasted with his cool gaze as he scanned the visitors' faces.

— This is Victoria Hulmann...

— Daughter of the famous American professor of History, Richard Hulmann — concluded Di Polli. — I'm really delighted, I was an avid reader of your father's books.

— It's a pleasure, Your Eminence — the woman returned as she shook his hand.

— Father Roman Green — continued the presentation Joseph Messina.

Roman Green held out his hand to the newly arrived Cardinal, who shook it warmly.

— Father Roman Green — said Di Polli, smiling — it really is a pleasure to have you here in the Vatican, and I hope to see you again.

Green smiled at the reference to the Primate of Venice.

— And this young woman? — asked Di Polli finally.

— This is Nicole Hulmann — continued the Secretary General of the Vatican — Victoria's daughter.

— Oh! History student? — Asked Di Polli, showing a lively interest... — will you certainly be your grandfather's successor?

Nicole looked at him as if she didn't know what to say, at the same time that her face completely flushed. Knowing her, Victoria stepped forward:

— Nick is academic, Your Eminence! He will dedicate himself to studies and transmit them.

— He deserves all the respect of one of the noblest professions — Di Polli was surprised.

— Yes — Nicole replied — from New York University.

— This really is wonderful — exclaimed Di Polli — the Second Vatican Council is having its effects. Who could imagine a meeting in the middle of the office of the General Secretariat between a history student, a priest and a cardinal of the Church? — joked the Primate of Venice.

— In fact, we came here to ask the Secretary General for authorization to consult some works of art belonging to the Vatican collection — Victoria interjected skillfully, as she noticed Joseph Messina's approving gaze.

— The University of New York intends to publish an article on sacred art in the next issue of its magazine.

— And did they get permission? asked the Primate of Venice, as his eyes shifted to the Secretary General.

— Perfectly — replied Messina, now sure of the situation.

— We could not deprive the magazine of such a distinguished university of an exciting subject. As I promised you, Victoria, I will arrange a permit that will be given to you tomorrow, so that you and your friends can visit the Vatican premises.

— All dependencies? — Nicole asked, perplexed.

— With the exception, of course, of the sectors reserved for the Pope. The Vatican has works of art scattered throughout its various dependencies. And I wouldn't want your magazine to be deprived of one or two pieces of great importance.

THE TWO CARDINALS were sitting across from each other on the gigantic black leather sofa.

— It really is wonderful — said the Cardinal, taking in the aroma of the wine before taking a long sip.

— The noblest of drinks — replied the other.

The glass was raised to the height of the window, making its reddish content, by the action of the sun, acquire even more vivacity.

— Blood... — he stammered, while through the red cup he observed the fortress that was projected through the window.

The other watched him in silence.

— Blood... — he continued — how much blood has already been spilled in the name of faith! So many wars, massacres and bloody episodes!

— Maybe not because of faith, but because of his absence — reflected the other after a long silence.

— What if it had an end? — Asked the one with the glass raised, while looking sideways at his interlocutor.

— An end?

— Yes, an end!

His face remained calm, not showing the turmoil that stirred his mind.

— I don't think peace can be achieved in the way you set out to achieve it.

— Is this final? asked the Cardinal, placing his glass on the small table in front of him.

— Yes, it's my final word.

— And the Holy Father?

— He believes that there can be concord among men, and that peace can be achieved through the sacrifice of the cross. However, it will not deviate a single comma from any of the canons of the Church.

— This could be modified.

— I don't think it's possible.

— If you were on my side, we could change the world — insisted Cardinal Messina.

— I admire your determination, but there are certain precepts that cannot be ignored.

The religious who had placed the cup on the table, looked at the beautiful piece of crystal that remained where he had left it. A small streak of red in the background brought the idea of blood back to him.

Then, in an instant, he realized that the man in front of him would have to be silenced.